"And… there!" Ash's familiar red cap came down on his head, the brim turned towards the back of his head, pressing down his messy black tresses. He felt comfortable, sporting a red t-shirt with a black stripe along the sleeves, and long, blue shorts with a bold yellow drawstring, replacing his usual jacket and jeans. He felt suited for a vacation, rather than a conference. "How do I look, Pikachu?"
"Pika!" Pikachu chirped, standing atop Ash's bunk mattress. He hopped onto his trainer's shoulder, offering a grin and wink of approval. "Pika-chu!" Ash was definitely summer-set!
"I guess we're ready to head out." Brock sat on his bunk, tying his sneakers. "Once the girls are ready, that is."
"Yeah," Ash agreed. "Whenever that'll be-"
"Ready, now!"
The door to the bedroom burst open, and Misty stood in the entrance, sporting a pair of sunglasses. "You were saying?" She strode up to Ash, pinching his cheek.
Ash promptly swatted her hand away. "You shouldn't barge in on us, like that."
"If you have time to talk smack, I'm gonna assume you're done changing. Now, let's scram!"
"Seconded! I'm ready to soak up some sun." Dawn stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame. Sporting a sky-blue t-shirt with cut out shoulders, hot pink shorts, and leggings, she was prepared.
The group got to the front door of the cabin, before Brock paused, looking to the dining room table, where Professor Oak and Delia sat. "Are you two going to be alright, all on your own?"
"You've nothing to worry about," Professor Oak dismissed, pouring a cup of tea for the two of them. "We may not be 'hitting as the scene,' as you youngsters say, but we've still got social lives of our own!"
"We're having dinner with some of my old classmates!" Delia chimed, waving a hand to the group. "You all have fun! And, Ash, don't get into too much trouble!"
"No promises." Ash winked at his mother. He watched her smile disappear, and waved a hand. "Kidding - seriously, we'll be fine!"
"I'll look out for him, Miss K," Dawn winked, throwing an arm around Ash's shoulder. "No need to worry!"
"As expected of my future d…"
"Aaand, we're leaving!" Ash flustered, throwing an arm around Dawn's waist to yank her through the doorway. "See ya!"
"Later!" Dawn agreed, brushing a bang over her burning cheeks before she was pulled along.
Those who remained exchanged a quick chuckle before Brock and Misty were seen off, too.
The group of four, plus a Pikachu, left the residential area, and quickly found themselves smack in the middle of Pokemon League Village. The streets were crowded and loud, with former competitors and spectators alike chatting, eating and drinking, and showing off their pokemon.
"Pi?" Pikachu's ears perked up, suddenly. He hopped off Ash's shoulder, running up to a nearby trainer. There was a Raichu at his side, who'd caught Pikachu's attention.
The Mouse pokemon was flexing, showing off his static charge for a fawning spectator.
"You are, like, so cute! Your trainer must've raised you super well!" A girl in her teens gushed, reaching down to pet Raichu. She hesitated. "Huh? You have a Pikachu, too?"
"Eh?" The navy-haired young woman who accompanied Raichu tilted her head. "He's definitely not mine."
"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu waved his arms, conversing with his evolved peer. What a coincidence, to see someone of his own line, here!
"Rai, Rai!" Raichu chattered, grinning as he flexed, once more.
"Pika!" Pikachu smirked, flexing both of his stubby arms, before chattering some more, bringing up tomorrow's match. He looked proud.
"Rai!?" The rodent looked shocked. He was going to be in the running for winning the Indigo League!? "Raichu, Rai!" He slapped his paw on Pikachu's back, before offering his tail to shake. He wished him luck, to bring pride and good fortune to their evolutionary line!
"Pika… Pikachu!" Pikachu chipperly agreed, swearing he'd bring home the gold. That was assured with a tail shake!
"There you are!" Ash approached the group, sliding his hand into his pocket. "Oh, you've made a friend! Nice to meet you, Raichu." The teen raised a hand in greeting.
"Oh, he's yours, then." The older trainer addressed Ash. Upon making eye contact, she blinked. "Hey, you're…"
"He's the guy who made it to the finals!" The other girl interrupted. "Ash Ketchup!"
Ash and Pikachu nearly tripped, then.
"It's Ketchum," he muttered, righting himself quickly. "And yes, I'm in the running to win the league!" Ash winked, giving a thumbs-up to the two girls.
"Ash!" A hand suddenly grasped the boy's shoulder. Dawn popped up, tugging on his arm. "You're going to miss Jimmy; you can brag some more, later. I'll do it enough for the both of us."
"I was picking up Pikachu," he pouted, holding his arm out for his partner. "Say goodbye to Raichu - I'm sure you'll see him again, later!"
"Pika…" Pikachu pouted, before showing a bright smile to his new friend. "Pika-chu!" He waved, before climbing up Ash's shoulder.
"Rai-Rai!" Raichu waved, turning his attention back to his trainer and his admirer.
Not far from the scene, a couple of older trainers were gathered around a cooler, Jimmy and Marina among them.
"...and I said: forget your pokemon, you could really use a TM87. I could hook you up; I've got more Swagger than I know what to do with!"
The small group burst into laughter, one of the trainers bumping fists with the life of the party; Jimmy, that was, who was sipping from a bottle of hard lemonade.
"Heyyy, look who made it!" Beside Jimmy, Marina clapped a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder before reaching to yank Dawn towards the group. "It's about time you two showed up!"
Jimmy peered over his shoulder, before breaking out in a grin. "Ash, my man!"
"The one and only." Ash smirked, bumping elbows with the Johto-native. "You didn't really think we'd miss out, did ya?"
"You were complaining about wanting to have your match, today."
"What? You're kidding!" A young woman leaned forward, poking Ash in the nose. "You wanna jump right into the finals after that match with Jimmy, here!? You're gonna fry your brain, dude. Live a little!"
"Hey, I came here ready for a challenge," Ash defended. "Buuut, it can't hurt to party for just one day. Right, bud?" He smirked, looking up to his electric companion.
"Pika-chu!" Pikachu agreed, pumping a fist. Suddenly, his nose started to twitch. Catching a sweet scent, he leaned towards Jimmy's drink, before scrunching his nose. On second thought, it smelled a bit too bitter. "Pika…"
"Woah, little guy. This stuff might be a bit strong for you - especially with your match, tomorrow!" Jimmy laughed, joined by Ash and the others.
"Maybe when you're older," Dawn teased the mouse, scratching his ear, before she turned to Marina. "That hair-tie is so cute!" She gushed, poking a red spiked accessory in Marina's hair. "It's the spike of a Feraligatr, right!?"
"Of course! With this thing, I can look cute, and promote my darling Wani-Wani in one go!"
Calming down from the last round of laughs, Ash nudged Jimmy. "Hey, what's there to do around here, anyway? You're the expert."
"It's easier to show you around." Jimmy turned, scouting the streets. "I don't see Misty, or your taller friend… How about we find 'em, and then we'll show you around?" He tapped his girlfriend on the shoulder. "Marina? We gotta fulfill our duties as hosts. C'mon!" Jimmy gestured over his shoulder with his thumb.
"Not to be rude, but who made you guys the hosts?" Dawn quirked a brow.
"I did!" Jimmy boasted simply, turning on his heels. "Now, follow me!"
Shrugging to one another, Ash, Dawn, and Pikachu followed.
"See those projectors, over there?" Jimmy pointed a thumb over towards a couple of stands, projecting films onto the sides of buildings. "They're playin' movies all day and into the night, for anyone who just wants to lay back and catch a flick."
"And, there are a couple of stands, and restaurants~!" Marina gestured to a couple of vendors lining the streets.
"You see those run-down looking buildings?" Jimmy pointed out.
"They look like they should've been taken down a while ago," Misty remarked. Graffiti covered the brick walls, which were already decorated with dents and years of wear.
"Yeah, but they're deserted, so they get used as dance halls. You can check those out, if you want, but there's always the pool party, down the block!"
"Awesome!" Ash smiled wide, crossing his arms. "Now, that's a party. So, is this thing official, or what?"
"I mean, the cops ain't stopped us yet." He took a swig out of his drink. "... This year," he mumbled under his breath.
Either not hearing him or choosing to ignore Jimmy, Brock perked up. "I'm going to check out that dance hall," Brock said, walking over to one of the abandoned buildings. The rest of the group shrugged and followed.
The group trailed after Brock, wandering between the few repurposed buildings. One of them, with dark blue drapes hiding the interior, had a surprisingly functional looking glass door shutting the hazy air inside. Soft music spilled from within. It was slow. Brock was about to move on.
Then, a woman with a short red dress and long, curled hair walked by, moving to stand behind the counter. All it took was one look at her ruby red lips and Brock was sold.
"I'm, uh, gonna check this place out," he announced.
Ash scrunched his nose as Brock opened the door. "Looks kinda slow paced…"
"It's a lounge," Jimmy explained as Brock disappeared into the hazy building. "It is slow. It's for, like, talkin' and stuff."
"Well, if we're splitting up, I'm going to the pool." Without waiting for further permission or response, Misty turned on her heel.
From where they were, he could already see Misty taking off her sunglasses and beginning to unbutton her pants. "Wow! She keeps a swimsuit on when she goes anywhere!" he noted.
"That explains why she's always wearing exercise-y kinda clothes… It'd be too clunky to wear a swimsuit under something form fitting," Dawn realized as she scratched her cheek.
"Well, you're not ditching us!" Marina decided. She threw an arm around Jimmy's, cooing at him. "Let's take 'em dancing!"
"That's a great idea!" Jimmy smirked. "Marina's a killer on the dance floor!"
The idol bluenette winked as the four of them followed Jimmy's direction. "You'll like where we're going! This place plays all the best club music from all the biggest party places in every region! Very cool!"
Walking behind the couple, Ash and Dawn exchanged a look. Neither of them could dance.
It was dark. Despite it still being daylight, or at least, early sunset, the blackout curtains did an excellent job of blocking the sunlight. In the middle of the room, two Exploud stood on either side of the DJ. Standing on a platform above the DJ's booth was a Porygon-Z, its atypical body spinning and twirling to the beat while a curiously multicolored Signal Beam bounced all over the room.
Beside him, Dawn's eyes bulged. She gripped his hand tightly, watching as Marina and Jimmy danced with the other couples. The footwork! The coordination! The sensuality of it! It made her jaw drop and made her blush a bit.
Noting Dawn's atypical timid demeanor, Ash looked down at her. "Dawn…?"
"I-I can't dance like that," she squeaked. She put her hands on her face as they lingered on the side of the room. She'd never been a wallflower ever in her life, but here she was, now, the loser standing on the side of the room while everyone was dancing. How had this happened?! "It's way too fast! And, and, that hip stuff!"
Ash looked over again. That stuff did look a little much for them. Being sixteen, the idea of it seemed nice, but the thought of actually doing some of the moves Jimmy and Marina, a bit older than the two of them, were doing was… intimidating. It made him feel like a kid again, thinking girls like Giselle were cute but clueless as to what to do with that information.
And, if he felt like that, he could only imagine how it felt for Dawn, almost two years younger than him.
So, taking mercy on her, he spoke up, grabbing her hand again.
"We don't gotta dance like that," he assured her.
"But, Jimmy said this place is…"
Cutting her off, Ash grinned. "Hey! You're a trendsetter, aren't you? So, let's make it our own scene! We'll do what you're comfortable with!"
Hearing the conversation from the table he'd settled on to eat snacks on, Pikachu spoke up. "Pika! Pikapi Pi Pikaka!"
Moved by their support, Dawn smiled, a hand to her chest. "Right!"
Maybe fate took mercy on them. Talking over the music, the DJ announced a new song would be playing. It was a request; Carvahna Palace's "Lonely Nature Dig."
Recognizing the tune, Dawn's confidence returned. "I can dance to this!" she assured Ash, grabbing his hand and dragging him to the floor.
Facing him, she smiled widely, putting her hands around his neck. Confused for a moment, he thought about it before putting his hands on her hips. She stepped forward. And, grateful for his aura training, he sensed this and stepped back. Seeing that Ash was keeping up with her, Dawn grew bolder. Forward, forward, then back and to the side. Wide, energetic circles were made by the two. When she let go of his hand, Ash would stretch his arm out.
"When did you learn to dance like this?!" Dawn asked, thoroughly impressed as they pressed close again, one hand in each other's.
Ash smiled, blushing. He was glad she was so happy! "I guess keeping up with my aura training is paying off in surprising ways! I couldn't do this back when with the Clefairy's!"
She nodded. Her eyes widened, hearing the music build up. "The climax is coming! Spin me! Hard!"
"Hard?!" Ash asked, looking around. "Dawn, are you sure?!"
"Yes! I trust you!"
Unable to resist her beaming up at him with such admiration in her eyes, Ash pulled her close to him, pressed chest to chest. Then, flexing with all his might, he spent his girlfriend spinning across the floor on one foot.
She promptly crashed into a table.
"Augh!"
The music kept going as the other dancers stopped, looking on in horror.
Turning red in embarrassment, Ash ran over to check on Dawn. Pikachu met him at the scene.
"Dawn!" he yelped. "I'm sorry! I didn't think you'd go this far!"
Head swimming, Dawn tried to focus her eyes. "Anyone get the license plate of that trunk?"
Realizing she was hurt, Ash picked his girlfriend up. Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder. Scurrying, Ash quickly left the dance hall. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Marina's gentle, worried expression.
And, Jimmy, on the floor, doubled over with laughter.
"You're sure your head isn't hurting you?" Ash pressed, still carrying Dawn on his back. "They said it's important you don't get another head injury anytime soon, so if you're feeling bad, let's go to the hospital right away!"
"I'm fine," Dawn assured. "I'm dizzy because of the spinning. The only thing you hurt is my back."
"Sorry," Ash said with a laugh.
Scratching Pikachu's chin, she sighed. "Nothing we can do about it now. Might as well stop and get some food."
"I'm down for that!"
"Pika!"
With a plan formulated, they headed towards the street they remembered the food vendors being at. As they approached, Ash let Dawn slide off his back. He held her close, both out of concern for her well-being and plain old affection.
No matter his personality, even Ash had to acknowledge he did have a very cute girlfriend. Might as well enjoy it!
"That place looks good." Ash pointed to a food truck that carried the delightful scent of seafood - imitation seafood, Ash hoped. "How's that sound?" He looked to Dawn, whom he was still guiding with his hand around her waist.
"Huh? Yeah, that's fine." Dawn winced, holding a sore spot on her back. "Just get me something light? Don't hold back on the ice."
"Yeah, you got it." Ash flushed, still thoroughly embarrassed. Spotting a nearby table, Ash gently sat Dawn down. "Sorry, again."
He approached the counter, coming face to face with a large, broad-shouldered man with a scowl. Judging by the flush of his skin, he was already sick of the summer heat. "Excuse me, could I get some Krabby Cakes - those are fake, right?" Ash hesitated.
"Huh? Yeah. Everyone's all about being pokemon-conscious, these days," the man grumbled. "Your food's safe, kid."
Pikachu scowled, flicking his tail. "Pikachu." Nice guy.
"You're damn right," Ash muttered. He was already tempted to have a go at this guy. But, Dawn needed her ice. "Great! Then, I'll get those, and, uh… that Spicy Gyarados Tofu you've got. Two waters, and could I get some ice, please?" Ash leaned towards the man, holding a hand past his mouth in secrecy. "My babe's kinda clumsy, so…"
Not really caring one way or the other, the vendor nodded. "Coming right up." He passed Ash a tied-up bag of ice from the truck's cooler after he was paid.
Dawn snatched the ice from Ash's hand, holding it against her back. After a soothed sigh, she side-eyed Ash. "Kinda bold to call me out like that."
"How'd you even hear that? Anyways, look, the guy was one comment away from callin' me a hippie, I didn't wanna say I had two left feet, too."
Dawn cracked a smile. "Whatever you say, hot-shot. But, I'm blaming you, next time."
Ash smirked. "Deal!"
Soon enough, the two were hooked up with their meals. Ash offered Pikachu some of his own, but the mouse declined - he was in the mood for something lighter, eyeing Dawn's tofu.
"You want some, Pikachu? These orders are way too big." Dawn nudged her basket towards Pikachu, who promptly picked up a piece to nibble on.
"I'm with you; this is a lot, even for me." Ash blinked. "Why don't ya let Empoleon out? He'd dig this."
"Great idea!" Dawn beamed, calling on her starter.
Upon spotting Ash's food, he didn't even ask permission before burying his beak in the basket.
Ash laughed, feeding himself in the meantime. "You've got the right idea." Munching down, he hummed. "Not bad! Good bang for your buck, anyway…" After another bite, he swallowed. "I kinda like Ernie's better, though."
"You like Ernie's better, do ya!"
The group looked over. The vendor was leaning over his own counter. "Well, ain't that just dandy. Throw on some mumbo-jumbo about lookin' out for pokemon and reach out to health nuts, and suddenly you're rollin' in dough. But, his joint can't get you full on pocket change!"
"They must be rivals," Dawn muttered to Pikachu. Did restaurants even have rivalries, the way trainers and coordinators did!?
Pikachu nodded, munching anxiously.
Ash's palm pressed down on the table. "Well, Bert," Ash enunciated, reading the man's name off the top of his truck, "some of us want what's best for our pokemon, even when we're stuffing our faces!"
"You could stand to stuff your face a little more, ya skinny runt!" Bert snapped.
Ash stood so fast he almost knocked the table over. "Who you callin' a runt, old man?!"
"Who you callin' old?!"
Seeing that the scene was about to get ugly, Dawn's eyes bulged. "Oh, wow, look, there's a, uh… Karaoke thingie! Empoleon, Pikachu, let's get Ash and go!"
Taking the hint, Empoleon scooped up Ash and carried him over his shoulder while Pikachu hopped on Dawn's shoulder and let the girl lead them away from the coming confrontation.
"Don't you ever come back until you dimpy dinky hippies are ready for REAL food!"
"I'd be headed the opposite direction, you greaseball, no talent having -!"
"Ash, shut up!" Dawn snapped as they rounded a corner.
"I coulda taken him!" Ash huffed as they walked to the karaoke corner.
"I know," Dawn said, "That's why we left. If you would've fought him, you would have won. By a long shot."
Puffing his chest out, Ash snorted. "Long as you know."
"Who'd ya almost fight this time?"
Looking over, Dawn and Ash spotted May and Drew seated at a table together. A decidedly not-rosy flower was tucked behind May's ear while Drew looked pensively to the side. A cheeky grin was on the brunette's face.
"Well?" she asked. "Who'd Ash almost fight?"
"Some guy," Dawn casually sat as she sat down with their friends. "What have you guys been up to?"
Her grin widened to almost Cheshire proportions. "There's a talent contest goin' on here! So, my sweet angel baby ever so patient watient Drewsy -!"
Glaring, Drew turned to look at her. "Don't call me that!" Taking over, he turned to the other couple seated across from them. "She's making me dance with her. Flamenco stuff."
"Drew's classically trained," May bragged.
He shrugged. "It's not a big deal."
"That's a pretty big deal," Dawn argued. Somehow, she'd pictured a more impressive, romantic kind of person from how Drew behaved in contests. In person, he was very low energy and kind of shy. "He's like a soufflé…" Dawn whispered under her breath.
Being the only one to hear Dawn, May stood, slamming her hand on the table. "He is, isn't he?! I've been thinking that, too!"
"What kind of stupid thing are you two thinking of about me?!" Drew demanded. He turned to Dawn. "Don't encourage her!"
Ash, happy to see Drew embarrassed after how much he'd been one-upped during his adventures where they'd met up, smugly watched it all. "Oh, man… So, this is what they talk about with karma taking care of stuff."
"Don't you turn against me, too, Ash!"
Giggling, May waved off Drew's anger. "Anyway, are you two gonna enter?"
The two looked at each other. In unison, their eyes widened. "The song!"
"Pika?" the mouse asked.
Ash scratched under his partner's chin. "You remember the one we wrote while we were in the hospital, huh, buddy?" Looking up to May and Drew as Dawn looked through her stuff for the lyrics, Ash explained. "Dawn had to get a lot of tests done, so while we were waiting to be released, we decided to try making up songs together. It was good exercise for her brain! Anyways, we found this public domain melody or whatever, and put words to it!"
"We call it 'High Touch'!" Dawn joined in, producing the slightly crumpled piece of notebook paper they'd written down the lyrics and music information on.
"That's pretty impressive," Drew noted.
May smiled. "It's not surprising. Ash has a pretty good voice and he's a natural with body stuff, so I guess rhythm just comes naturally to him! He'd hum sometimes when we traveled, and he was pretty good at ninja stuff, so… I guess this makes sense!"
"That doesn't follow in the least," Drew flatly responded.
"Well, she's not wrong," Dawn admitted. "I love poetry, so I did a lot of the word work, but Ash was fantastic with figuring out the timing! He leads, I just kinda follow."
Ash frowned. "Hey, you've got a good voice! Don't play yourself down!"
"Well, speaking of playing down, the competitions about to start! Cheer us on! We're one of the first numbers!" May chimed. "Hurry up and enter, or you won't get a chance!"
As May dragged Drew off, Dawn passed the paper to Ash.
"I remember them," she explained. "Do you?"
Winking, the trainer took the sheet. "Sure do! I'll get this to the guys in charge. Pikachu, cheer for May and Drew in my place with Dawn, okay?"
"Pika!"
After many other competitors, it was finally Ash and Dawn's turn. Taking their mikes, they stepped forward.
Dawn began. As always, she was high energy, very cheerful. "We fight, we make up, and fight again! There's a lot I want to say, but first: thank you for being here!"
Switching up, Ash took the spotlight. "Friends for the journey; friends for life! I pretend to understand it all, but, still… I'm glad that you're here!"
Standing so that she was facing one side of the stage, Dawn sang. "Nice partner!"
Putting his back to hers, Ash sang out as well. "Nice rival!"
She turned, putting a hand on Ash's back. "I'll push you!"
Grinning, he turned and pulled her close to him. "Then, pull you back!"
They sang together, voices harmonizing. "When I look up, the sun seems so bright; especially with you!" Standing apart, they continued. "Hey, hey, hey! If it goes well, then we'll high five! If we're knocked down, we'll bounce right back, as long as we're together!"
Getting into it, Ash pointed forward. "I won't give up so easy! Go, go, go!"
Looking enthusiastically out, Dawn came in. "It went well, so let's high five!"
Dawn turned to Ash, raising a hand to meet his with a satisfying clap.
Singing together once more, they linked elbows. "Shake hands with our foes for a battle well-fought, as long as we're together!"
Bringing in the finale, Ash pumped a fist high into the air. "We'll reach further than ever before!"
Smiling, the duo cast a look at one another as they raced off stage to let the next duo perform. The audience was clapping. They'd done well.
"Fifth place isn't bad for this being our first time doing something like this," Dawn mused over a fruity drink, complimentary of the karaoke staff for their success in competing.
Ash nodded. "It was fun, at any rate!"
"Fun… Who cares about fun…! I wanted a free five course meal!" May lamented, shoveling ice cream solemnly into her mouth.
Drew rolled his eyes, shoving his brownie ala mode towards her. "I'm glad we didn't win. I'd hate to be known for dancing instead of coordinating."
"Is that so? It's a shame. You could be a fantastic idol with your dancing and stage presence. And, my, my, my, that little song of yours! With a little polishing, that could be a summer top forty high easy peasy!"
Looking over, the two couples saw Marina and Jimmy sit down with them.
"You saw that?" Dawn asked.
"Yeah! I was actually looking around for you. I was worried after you and Ash left," Marina confessed. "We only checked here because Jimmy insisted it was fine. I think he just wanted to see the karaoke."
Said teen shrugged. "Ash is a capable guy. I knew Dawn was in good hands. Besides…" A plate of wings was dropped in front of him. "I gots to get my grub on."
"Nice, man," Ash sarcastically said, snatching one of the wings off Jimmy's plate.
"Hey!" the Johto native cried.
Ash shrugged. "I gots to get my grub on."
Marina smiled. "Why don't we just sit and chat while the karaoke starts? They always let the stage be free use after the competition. It's… usually quite relaxing."
"I'm up for food!" May and Ash said in unison.
Dawn and Drew smiled, though Drew's was in relief. May couldn't make him sing if she was eating.
… Plus, he did think it was a little cute how much she was enjoying the brownie.
As the three sets of couples settled into their meal and a friendly debate over whether or not Dittos capable of transforming into pokemon beyond their immediate opponents should require registration, the karaoke began.
More importantly, after a few people had gone, a friend of theirs began his karaoke set.
"Is that Brock?" May asked, bewildered. Smiling, she waved her hand. "Woo! Go Brock!"
Seeing May, the man grinned, pointing at her. "Thanks for the support! Now, this next song I dedicate to all you lovely ladies out there! Well, it's for you ladies old enough to remember it." Brock brought the microphone in close to his mouth. "For everyone else, this isn't for you."
As the music started up, Jimmy groaned. "Oh my Mew, he's gonna sing Mambo #151."
"That old song?!" Ash barked. "That's from, like, ten years before I was born."
"Brock has always liked older ladies," Dawn noted.
With that, Brock began. "A one-woman man's what I wanna be! Stay by her side so faithfully!"
"Wow, he got real high pitched with that, huh?" Marina noted.
Not missing a beat, Brock kept on. "Would if I could, but it's no good for me!" He paused for dramatic effect, letting the soft introduction of the song dip away.
As the music flared up, he stronger. "Because, perfect girls every where's what I see! I sing for the girls! For Jenny, oh, Officer Jenny! I won't steal diamonds; I won't steal pearls! But, if loving you's a crime, I'm ready for the time!"
Maybe it was the jazzy elements of the song, but some of the women in the audience were actually swooning as Brock came close to the edge of the stage.
"A uniformed lady is simply the best! Masses of beauty puts my heart under house arrest. But, it's a temporary sentence for me, because perfect girls every where's what I see." He winked. "I sing for the girls! For Joy, oh, Nurse Joy! Let the bandages uncurl, 'cause my diagnosis is bleak! Just your face makes my heart weak!"
He was hamming it up on stage. "A uniformed lady is, of course, number one. From this prescription strength beauty, I'm afraid I've got to run. I can't stay 'cause it hurts me! Because, perfect girls every where's what I see."
"Oh my Arceus, there are actually women singing along!" Dawn noted.
Marina giggled. "Some older ladies like the playboy type! Isn't that your brand, Drew?"
"They decided that on their own!" the coordinator hissed. "I don't know where it or the older ladies into me came from!"
Brock, meanwhile, was eating up the attention as he sang the end of his song. "For the girls, I've tried! For the girls, I've lied, said no one else was as pretty or as cute! But, I can't let that lie be!"
The music came to a swelling end.
"Because!" he nearly shouted. "Pretty girls everywhere is what I see!"
"Well, he's gonna be popular with the girls tonight," Jimmy noted.
As Brock walked off stage, several middle-aged ladies walked over to him. Though he'd grown tall thanks to being twenty rather than fifteen as he had been when he'd first begun traveling with Ash, many of the women towered over him with their heels.
Ash got the feeling Brock liked that. "Well, since he had fun, I'm gonna have fun, too!"
"Dude, your girlfriend's right here! That's bold!" Jimmy exclaimed.
Dawn took a sip from her drink. "Oh, no, no, he's not talking about that." She didn't know what Ash was actually going to do, but he was neither so ungrateful that he wouldn't recognize her (slightly vain but true) observation that she was a good catch, nor stupid enough to invoke her rather infamous wrath. Plus, he was just too nice of a guy for that.
Ash furrowed his brows. "Jeez, yeah, what kinda jerk goes doin' that kinda stuff? I'm just gonna goof off with Pikachu! There's this oldie from when I was a little kid. Pikachu, I think you listened to the CD with me at Mom's?"
Recognizing the song his trainer was talking about, the electric mouse hopped onto Ash's shoulder. "Cha~!" He loved that song! "Pikapi Pi Pikachu?" Were they going to sing it together?
"Duh. It's you and me!" Ash winked, racing for the stage. "Come on!"
"He didn't even have to guess what Pikachu was saying to him!" Marina exclaimed, watching the two run off. "I get Wani-Wani, but they're acting like they can just chat without a hitch."
"They've always been like that." Dawn smiled, resting her chin in her palms.
"Best friends, through and through~!" May gushed, waving to the stage. "You go, Ash and Pikachu!"
Sneakers tapped against the steps to the stage, moving swiftly as Ash approached the karaoke machine, queueing the classic hit. Grabbing a microphone, he grinned at his companion. "We'll just share a mic. That'll leave you free to sing your lil' lungs out!"
"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu agreed, leaning over his trainer's shoulder.
The bass queueing the start of the song rang, and Ash stood at the center of the stage, clutching the microphone with both hands. He took a deep breath as the tune picked up, eyes glimmering copper.
"I want to be the very best… like no one ever was!"
"Pikapi!"
"To catch them is my real test!" Ash sang, pumping a fist. "To train them is my cause!"
As the beat picked up in energy, the small crowd started to rock with the lyrics.
"I will travel across the land… searching far and wide!" Ash lulled, pointing his finger across the stage.
Pikachu pointed forward, echoing Ash. "Pika-chu!"
"Each pokemon, to understand…" Ash winked at his companion. "...the power that's insiiiide!"
"Pokemon! Gotta catch 'em all!"
"It's you and me…" Ash pointed the mic to his companion. "I know it's my destiny!"
Pikachu leaned in, shouting into the mic. "Pikachu!"
"Ooooh, you're my best friend," Ash cooed, pointing a thumb towards Pikachu.
"In a world we must defend~!"
"Pokemon! Gotta catch 'em all!"
"A heart so true!" Ash shouted to the heavens, holding the mic close to his chest. "Our courage will pull us through!"
Pikachu grabbed the mic, shouting into it. "Pikapi!"
"You teach me, and I'll teach you!" Ash sang, exchanging a grin with Pikachu. Sensing the hook of the song coming, they both inhaled. Ash clutched Pikachu in one arm, and they screamed into the mic together.
"PO-KE-MON!"/"PI-KA-CHU!"
"Gotta catch 'em all! Gotta catch 'em all!" Ash sang, stepping dramatically towards the front of the stage.
"POKEMON!"
"PIKACHU!"
The beat ended with a bang, and Ash and Pikachu were greeted with enthusiastic applause.
"Pretty awesome, huh?" Ash looked to Pikachu. "We nailed it!"
Pikachu grinned, flashing a peace sign to Ash with his paw. "Pi-Pikachu!"
The two of them broke into laughter. Catching the tail end of their applause, though, Ash spoke up - or shouted, rather.
"Thank you, thank you, for hearing the two of us out!" The teen waved to the crowd - and his friends. Jimmy and Marina were pumping their fists in the air, and Dawn and May were shouting something or another. Drew only smiled. Brock, who he spotted with some ladies, gave a subtle thumbs-up.
"You heard that classic here, first, from the dynamite duo! And, just because we're all pumped up," he winked at the crowd, punching forward with the microphone. "Tomorrow, we're going to win the Indigo League Conference! If you want to see the battle of a lifetime, tune in tomorrow, at the Indigo Stadium!" Riding his emotional high, Ash punched the air. "Look forward to it!"
"Pika-Pikachu!" Pikachu waved, echoing Ash's sentiment. He was sure of that victory. Now, more than ever.
Satisfied with their performance, Ash walked off the stage. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a grim glare. He blinked. As quickly as it had been there, the beholder was turning away, hands stuffed in the pockets of her casual hoodie.
"Deidra?" he asked, stepping past the crowd. He looked over the room.
She was gone.
Sighing, the trainer headed back to the now crowded table his friends sat at. Brock had joined them, a dark-haired woman at his side. Ash took a seat by Dawn.
"Well, it was very nice to meet you, Brock, but all your little friends are here. I'm certain you don't want me slowing down your hip and trendy evening." Flicking her hair behind her ear, the woman winked, standing to gather her purse.
"Aw, c'mon, you're just as young as the rest of us!" Brock insisted, not really wanting her to go. They'd been talking so nicely together!
She giggled. "Aw, Brock, you're so sweet! But, you're, like, what? Twenty? I'm almost thirty… I'm sure I can't party as roughly as you all. I should head home."
The doctor gulped. "Well, I understand… But, can I have… your number?"
The woman paused, mouth opened in a little 'o'. She then turned red, laughing. "Aw, well aren't you sweet? It'd be nice to have a handsome young guy like you give me a call every now and then." She took a piece of paper out and wrote her number down. "See you all! Enjoy your youth, kiddies!" With that, she walked over to the other older women she'd been sitting with earlier.
Taking the number, Brock grinned like an idiot.
"Whoa," Ash gawked. "He did it."
Jimmy smirked. "Sure did! Got himself a ticket to cougar town!"
"Jimmy!" Marina whined. "I wish you wouldn't call women stuff like that!"
"I wish you didn't have a thing for capes, but here we are."
Dawn burst out laughing at this. "Gosh, you two are tit-for-tat!"
"Speaking of banter, where's Misty?" Drew asked.
The party grew quiet.
"I haven't seen her," Brock admitted.
"Not us," Marina clarified.
Ash's brows furrowed. "Why don't we split up and have a look around? I'm sure she's fine, but…"
"It is a party," Jimmy insisted, chugging the last of his drink. He stood up, adjusting his cap. "Gotta keep an eye on your friends. Let's head out to find her."
The party had split up. Dawn and Ash wandered the streets with Empoleon and Pikachu, keeping an eye out for their ginger friend.
"Oh!" Dawn gasped. "Look! There's people keeping watch on the streets that lead in. Maybe they've seen Misty? She might have headed home without telling us."
"That doesn't sound like her," Ash said. "But, it can't hurt to check."
As they walked over, the two spotted two children bickering with the group of men guarding the entrance to the block party.
"I told you two, scram! This is for older folks!" one of the teens guarding the entrance insisted.
The two children huffed. After a moment, Ash recognized them. It was Max and Koda!
"Well, this is why I never knew about this when I was younger," he muttered under his breath. "Let's watch and see what happens, Dawn."
"We're trainers!" Max insisted, voice cracking. He whipped out his Pokédex. "See?! I'm official! I can make legal decisions! So, let me in!"
A man laughed. "You're grown enough to travel, squirt, but why don't you come back in a few years?"
Max's voice squeaked. "I am not a squirt!"
Seeing the opportunity to strike, Ash stepped forward. "You guys are right! These guys would totally cramp the style."
Mouth gaped open at this betrayal, Max froze still. He looked to Ash with horror. Then, he shook his head. "Not you, too!"
Koda sighed. "Let's just leave."
"Yeah, you guys should have left. Been left, actually. Left here," Ash said, looking pointedly at Max with a smirk.
For a moment, Max glared at Ash. Then, he understood. Grabbing Koda, the boy ran to the side.
"That was petty, even for you," Dawn said.
Empoleon and Pikachu chirped in agreement.
"Have a little faith!" Ash whined. "We're gonna go meet up with Max and Koda. Follow me!"
Following Ash's lead, the group came to a chain link fence to the side of the main entrance. There, waiting patiently, was Max and Koda!
"There you are!" Ash cheered. He grabbed the top of the fence. And, flexing his muscles, he jerked it down. The metal yielded to his strength, bending over to form a safe arc, easy to climb over.
"Oh my Arceus," Dawn gasped, looking on in shock as the children climbed over Ash's makeshift entrance. "I know you're strong but I'm constantly forgetting how strong."
"I'm smart, too!" Ash bragged. "Max understood my code."
"I didn't know you could talk in code," she said.
Ash smugly grinned. "There's a lot you don't know about me."
Max frowned. "He probably only knows because you like poems. He's probably been looking into them because you like them."
The trainer sighed. "I can be clever on my own…"
"We should go before anyone noticed the fence," Koda announced.
Taking his advice, the group began to move on.
"That Flame Wheel, though!"
"Biggest Flame Wheel I've ever seen!" Ash gushed, before puffing out his chest. "Next to my Infernape's, maybe, that is."
"What!? You're foolin'." Jimmy squinted at Ash. "You one-upping me, Ash?"
"Just telling the truth." The trainer shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe you'll see what I mean, tomorrow!"
"It's true! Ash's Infernape is spectacular!" Dawn vouched, resting a hand on the taller trainer's shoulder.
"I'll have to see it to believe it," a young man about Jimmy's age replied.
"Fine, then get ready to be dazzled!"
"Ugh, they're so loud." Max complained, squinting at the rowdy partygoers.
"Adults are a pain," Koda agreed. Always so loud and obnoxious, like they owned whatever place they walked into. He snorted, turning on his heels. "C'mon, let's find some trainers our own age."
"Good idea," Max agreed, looking up to his sister. "We'll catch you guys later."
Ash turned from Jimmy and the others, cocking a brow at the kids. "Huh? And after I took the time to help 'em sneak in…"
"There's probably a good reason you had to." Dawn shrugged. "Hey, since they're gone, maybe we should go check on Misty!"
"Good idea," he agreed. "I wonder what she's up to."
"You've got this, Corsola! It's all yours!"
"C'mon, Wartortle, just a few more!"
Partygoers cheered, in and out of the pool, rooting for their favored competitor, as each of the two pokemon dove for multicolored rings, scattered under the water's surface.
Wartortle moved swiftly, guided by his aquadynamic tail, to snatch one ring after the next. Surely, he had this in the bag!
'But, his opponent was no slouch, herself, scooping up one target after the next with the horns atop her head and back.
"Get ready to eat our dust!" A male trainer boasted, hanging onto the side of the pool with one arm. "No one can swim like Wartortle, here!"
"It's cute that you think that," Misty replied with a smirk.
Meanwhile, amongst the commotion, Ash and Dawn leaned over the fence guarding the pool.
"Sounds like something's being cheered on." Ash tilted his head. "Dunno what it is, but it looks like Misty's a part of it."
"If it has anything to do with the water, I feel sorry for her opponent," Dawn replied.
Suddenly, Corsola surfaced, decorated with a multitude of pool rings. "Cor!" She chirped, triumphant.
Wartortle followed after, clutching a handful of rings.
"Hah!" Misty laughed, winking at her competitor. "Good, but no match for my Corsola!"
Chatters of applause and amusement followed, praising Misty and Corsola, as the latter dove into the former's arms.
"You're just a super talented little darling, aren't you?" The redhead cooed, coddling her pokemon. "Alright! Who's gonna be our next victims, huh!?"
"I'll win this one!"
"No way! It's Empoleon's turn to show off."
Ash and Dawn were doing their best to shove past one another, hopping the fence in the process.
"You can go after I win." Ash offered.
"Fat chance!" Dawn replied. "The spotlight's ours."
"Ash! Dawn! Oy, I haven't seen you all day!" Misty waved the duo down. "Where've you been?"
Ash, Dawn, and Pikachu exchanged looks.
"It's…"
"a long story," Dawn finished.
"Pikachu."
Misty scrunched her nose. "Well, forget that! Come on over, if you really wanna get your butts kicked!"
The two pointed towards themselves. "Both of us?" They asked in unison.
"Hell, yeah! We'll make it a tag team effort! Bruce, here," she gestured to the young man beside her, "almost kept up with Corsola and I. So, the two of us should be enough to beat you!"
Bruce huffed. She was super cocky. But, she was apparently a Gym Leader, so he wouldn't argue. "Alright, I can get behind that! You two think you've got what it takes?"
Ash and Dawn looked to one another. They smirked.
"If you're really asking that, you don't know what you're dealing with!" Ash boasted, pointing towards Misty and Bruce.
Dawn imitated the gesture at his side, giving a wink. "Together, we'll clean your clocks!"
Hushed whispers and laughter came in response.
Misty's cheeks burned, a palm covering her face. "You two are such dorks…"
Pikachu buried his face in Ash's shoulder in second-hand embarrassment.
Ash leaned towards Dawn to whisper. "Maybe we need to work on our lines."
"Well, I thought it was good," Dawn huffed. Recovering quickly, as a coordinator would, Dawn tossed a pokeball into the pool. "Empoleon! Spotlight!"
Ash did the same. "Rosa, I choose you!"
Both pokemon quickly surfaced, squawking and yipping, respectively.
Meanwhile, the rules were quickly recounted for the newcomers.
"…no unfair play, no attacks, beyond that, you're good to go!" Misty recounted, before returning Corsola, calling on Politoed, instead.
On the opposite end of the pool, Empoleon floated on his belly, allowing Rosa to sit atop his back. It made her nostalgic, for when he'd carry her around as a pup. And, this would allow teamwork!
"We're ready!" Ash called out, crouching over the side of the pool.
"Bring it!" Dawn agreed.
"Aaaand… go!" Misty called.
Politoed dove, and Wartortle after him.
A competitive glint shone in Empoleon's eye. He shot under the surface.
Rosa promptly held her breath.
As Politoed and Wartortle split up to opposite sides of the pool, Rosa guided Empoleon with quick bouts of telepathy, like her own speedy submarine!
~Go forward!~ she coached, holding her paw out. With a burst of speed, she promptly scooped up three red rings in one go. Spotting another, she pointed. ~Down low! There's one at the bottom!~
Empoleon cried, diving down.
Rosa's eyes went wide, and she shook her head. ~N-not that one! Let's get another!~
"Pol?" Empoleon cocked his head. It was ripe for the taking!
~Thassa blue one! It'd be cooler if we got all the red ones!~
"Pol…" Empoleon muttered. That wasn't the point of the game – but, if they kept fretting over this, they'd lose, for sure! His competitive spirit ignited, he shot up, scouting the water for himself.
A couple more red rings were gathered, a couple others passed up.
~There! One more red!~ Rosa pointed forward, victory within her sights. One lone ring floated gently underwater, not quite willing to sink.
Empoleon launched forward, and Empoleon reached.
Politoed quickly surfaced, snatching the ring with a croak.
~Rats!~ Rosa quietly cursed. But, her breath was running short! She tapped on Empoleon's hide, and he shot up.
"Rio!" She surfaced, gasping for breath. After a moment, she held her rings high.
"Alright! Nice job, Rosa!" Ash cheered on, proud of their bounty.
"Good work, Empoleon!" Dawn cheered. After a moment, she blinked. "Huh? Those rings…"
"They're all red!" Ash observed, before looking to their opponents.
Politoed and Wartortle held a multitude of rings each, boasting all colors.
"I'd say victory is ours!" Misty boasted, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Good game!" Bruce raised a hand, bumping fists with Misty.
~Whoops…~ Rosa blushed.
"Oh, I get it… You wanted to go for all the same color, right?" Ash smiled, leaning out to pat her head. "No biggie. You did your best! Both of you."
"Well, hey! Don't feel too bad," Misty called from across the pool. "At least, not until we've beaten you at everything! How's a game of chicken sound!?"
"Chicken!?" Dawn blurted out. She wasn't exactly built for power struggles… nor was she dressed for it! "But, we're…"
"You're on!" Ash leapt into the water, bringing Pikachu in with him.
After a loud, far-reaching splash, Ash emerged.
Pikachu promptly shook out his fur. Ash would have to deal with that splash.
"Come on, Dawn! Ash has the right idea," Misty taunted. "Don't tell me you're chicken!"
The coordinator's flame was lit. "Nobody calls Dawn Tsumura a chicken!" Abandoning any common sense or reservations, Dawn hopped in.
"Bruce, you're built for the water. You good for a round?" Misty looked to her larger, more muscular competitor.
The man smirked, swimming forward, moving towards the shallow end. "Duh. Come on, and hop on board!"
"Okay, just… move your-"
"Hang on! I'm still getting my balance!" Dawn complained, holding onto Ash's forehead as she situated herself atop his shoulders.
"I can't see!" Ash complained, before hooking his arms securely around her shins. "Got you!"
Dawn exhaled, sitting upright. "Okay… no need to worry! We're good to go!" Dawn challenged.
She felt a slight tinge of regret when Misty nearly towered over her. She really was built like an athlete! "Me and my big, fat/mouth…"
Misty locked fingers with her younger friend, taunting her with a smirk. "Come on. Don't leave me hanging, here!"
Dawn's brows furrowed. "You, on the other hand, do have a need to worry!" She shoved forward, with all of her might.
Misty hardly budged. Bruce only had to take a step to keep their balance.
The Gym Leader shoved back, knocking Dawn back. The girl shrieked.
"I gotcha…!" Ash stumbled, grunting as he worked to keep his partner upright.
Finding herself steady, Dawn exhaled. "What now?"
"We're just going to have to do what we do best – work together!" His competitive spirit lit, Ash waded forward, allowing the two top competitors to meet. Already, he felt Dawn beginning to bend back. "Alright… together on three! One… two… three!"
Ash shoved forward, and Dawn pushed with him.
Misty yelped, nearly knocked off of Bruce's shoulders. "Where'd that come from!?"
"Where do ya think?"
When Misty looked down, Ash was sporting a cheeky smirk. "Don't forget, you're up against both of us!"
"Hey, the same goes for us, little man!" Bruce chuckled, putting his own weight into the struggle.
"Who're you callin' little?" Ash squinted, pushing Dawn forward.
Excited hollers and cheers kept the pool party alive, as the four pushed back and forth.
"Sorry, Dawn… but the water's my territory!" Misty shoved, pushing Dawn back.
"Yeah…" Dawn grunted, waiting for the next extra push. 'Any day now,' she thought. "But good ol' muscle is Ash's territory!"
On cue, she felt a burst of momentum, and shoved forward.
Bruce yelped, and Misty was toppled.
"Aw, yeah!" Ash submerged, letting Dawn down before popping out of the water. "Put 'er up!"
"You've got it!" Dawn cheered, slapping her hand against Ash's in a victorious high five.
"Crap…" Misty surfaced, having too much pride to blatantly huff for breath. "I guess you guys win this one."
"Man, you're a monster!" Bruce laughed, slapping Ash ono the shoulder. "I'm, like, a head over you, how'd you do that!?"
Ash smirked, flexing his biceps. He had no trouble showing off his scars. "Just the talents of a future Pokemon Master at work!"
"And a future Top Coordinator," Dawn added. Balance and coordination were naturally important! "That was fun! But… sheesh, now my clothes are soaked." She pouted, pulling at her sleeve.
"Oh yeah, you two weren't even dressed for a swim…" Misty kept her mouth shut – this little venture had been her idea. "Alright, let's go find somewhere warm to dry off. It's getting dark, anyway."
"There!" Misty pointed forward, where the darkness of the setting sun split with a burst of orange. A group of fire types was huddled on the dirt, where other trainers already kept themselves warm.
"P-perfect," Ash stammered, wrapped up in a towel. "Hey," he called to the trainer's opposite of them. "Mind if we drop in?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah! Go nuts." A boy shrugged a shoulder, leaning forward to pet his content Ponyta.
Ash, Pikachu, Dawn, and Misty did just that. The toasty warmth soon made their towels unnecessary.
"I'm glad this is just a backup outfit…" Dawn hummed.
"There you are," a familiar voice called. Brock approached the makeshift bonfire, holding several bags in his arms.
"We looked for you by the pool!" May followed, taking a seat next to Dawn.
"You're kidding! We were just there." Misty folder her arms. She smiled. "Well, you found us, at any rate!"
"We brought snacks~!" May chimed, before hiding an empty bag of chips behind her back. Whoops.
"Brock did, anyway," Drew deadpanned, sitting beside May. She blushed, embarrassed.
"I accounted for your appetite," Brock followed, "and yours too, Ash." Brock took a seat, handing out a couple of bags of chips and candy.
"Brocko, my man!" Ash hollered, hoarding his own. Well, he'd share with Pikachu, at least. "I wonder what happened to Jimmy and Marina, though?"
"The loudmouths? They're partied out," Drew replied flatly.
"We saw them leaving. They told me to wish you luck tomorrow, Ash!"
The trainer smiled to himself. "Hope they're not too wiped out, tomorrow. Wouldn't want 'em to miss the match of a lifetime."
"I don't think anyone would miss that for the world, Ash." Brock clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Tomorrow'll be your big day… and that's great, because today was mine!" Brock grinned widely, losing any air of seriousness he had.
"Huh?" Misty quirked a brow. "What'd you… ah!" Misty yelped. Brock had promptly shoved a paper towards her. "What in the… a phone number?"
Brock smirked, pulling back his prize before storing it safely with his belongings.
Misty's face lost color. "No way… you did it!? This is some kind of prank, right!?"
"We saw the whole thing," Ash vouched.
"Well, what do you know… in that case, check it out!" Misty quickly produced her cell phone, showing off some digits of her own.
Dawn's eyes widened. "That must be Bruce's number!"
Misty looked smug. "I wasn't going to bring it up, to give you a break. But, since you're finally in the game, there'll be no mercy!"
"What's this, now," Ash cut in, "a phone number battle?"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu chirped his agreement with Ash. He was perplexed. He focused on his apple chips.
A lull of quiet overcame the group, for a bit. May broke the silence with a hum. "I wonder where Max and Koda ran off to?"
"Right here!" Max replied, standing near the group with a bag of Ultra Balls under his arms. He was clearly trying to catch his breath.
Koda was beside him, holding the same.
Ash cocked his head. "What's up with the Pokeballs?"
"There's no time to explain," Max exclaimed, looking about, seemingly vigilant.
"We hustled some older guys out of 20 Ultra Balls," Koda boasted.
"Ey, hand 'em over!"
"You little twerps!"
"I think I see 'em!"
Three voices boomed from nearby, sending shivers down the boys' spines.
"I think we better split," Max stuttered.
"Let's ditch," Koda agreed.
"You've got to be kidding," Misty groaned.
"We should go." Dawn hurried, pulling Ash up by the arm.
"H-hey!" Ash protested, even as he went along with her. "What's the big idea?"
"You don't need to risk getting into another fight today," she chided.
"Oh yeah, coming from you?"
"All the more reason," Brock agreed with Dawn, letting out a huff as he gathered his belongings.
The rest of the group was quick to flee the scene.
The block party had been abandoned for the calmer residential streets of Pokemon League Village, with the whole gang intact.
Ash was wringing the last of the moisture out of his t-shirt, while Brock stood over Max and Koda with his arms crossed.
"What were you two thinking, gambling with strangers," the eldest scolded.
"Well, Koda has a great poker face," Max explained with a shrug, still holding onto their haul.
"Like taking candy from a baby," the boy from Sinnoh boasted.
Brock grumbled. He clearly wasn't getting through to them – especially the one he barely knew. He looked to the elder of the two Maple siblings. "May, you should probably handle this."
"Well…" May hummed, holding a thumb to her chin. "I mean, they didn't lose, so it's no big deal, right?"
"Right!" Max agreed, looking smug.
Brock sighed, defeated. "It can't be helped… In any case, it's getting late, and tomorrow's a big day."
"It's our big day!" Ash smirked, adjusting his cap atop his head. "Get ready to be blown away!"
"Pika-Pikachu!" Pikachu cheered, slapping a paw to his chest. This league was theirs!
"I'll be sure to capture all the best shots!" May winked, forming a makeshift camera with her index fingers and thumbs. "On May's Ex… ex…" the girl paused, yawning loudly.
"I think you can worry about that tomorrow." Drew laid a hand on May's shoulder. "We should turn in. And, Ash?"
The trainer tilted his head at Drew.
Drew smirked. "Don't choke, tomorrow."
Ash smiled in turn. "Me, choke? Good one."
"See you guys tomorrow!" Dawn raised a hand, before holding it up to stifle a big yawn.
"Goodnight! Rest well, Ash, Pikachu!" May called as she walked off, hand in hand with Drew.
"Will do!" Ash gave a thumbs-up, turning to walk back to his cabin. He pulled Dawn close by the waist, allowing her to lean into his shoulder.
"Pika!"
"Ugh…" Ash hit the mattress with a thud, hearing it creak below him. "I can hardly move," he laughed, grateful to lean back into the soft, downy pillow behind his head. "What a day."
"You better get some rest," Brock reminded, ever the mom friend.
"I know you're excited, but don't go staying up all night, again," Misty teased.
"Nah… not this time." The teen stretched his arms over his head. "The sooner I get to sleep, the sooner I'll get to have my match."
Dawn quietly slipped into bed, toying with her alarm before setting it beside her pillow. "And, the sooner you'll have your victory!"
"Don't work yourself up into being nervous, alright?" Misty checked, climbing into her bunk.
"I won't." Ash held an arm out, allowing Pikachu to snuggle into the side of his chest. "I'll have my best friends with me, the whole way."
"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu cooed, curling into a ball beside Ash. His jagged tail wrapped around his body. He was the slightest bit nervous, but… Ash was right. He wouldn't be alone. Neither of them would.
Ash yawned, tucking himself in. "Goodnight, guys."
"Rest well.
"See you in the morning!"
"Goodnight!"
Ash settled, following the lure of a good night's sleep. But, not before winking at Pikachu, who laid his cheek upon his chest.
Flicking his tail, Pikachu winked back before cozying up, his eyes falling shut.
The day of destiny was upon them. But, not before some well-deserved rest.
