The familiar darkness of heavy lids came and went, as his eyes forced themselves apart. At first, he wasn't sure whether he'd been out for seconds, minutes, or even hours. The bright afternoon sun knocked the last of those possibilities out.
His ears perked, receptive to loud cheering. A synthesis of excited cries and praise that blended all together into indiscernible noise. It sounded happy, anyway - victorious. Like a wonderful sight had graced all those around him.
The lightbulb went off. Somehow, in his exhaustion, he'd nearly forgotten. There was a victory.
The ruffled, slightly burnt fur on the crease of his cheek was touched with wetness. Tears. He looked up to the source. Gentle, copper eyes looked down upon him with glee. With gratitude.
It was their victory.
"Pikapi…" His squeaky voice uttered, raspy. He realized his voice was hoarse, from the repeated cries of attacks. Especially the last. It was starting to sink in that the rest of his body was awfully sore, too.
"I know… we did it." Ash whispered. He sounded hoarse, too. As Pikachu struggled to sit up - to give a high five, at the very least - he slumped back into Ash's cradling arms.
"Hey, cut yourself some slack." Ash smiled, winking down at his companion. "You must be totally wiped."
"Pika… Pikachu!" Pikachu protested. Okay, so maybe he wouldn't be moving. But, he wasn't going to lose consciousness during one of the proudest moments of his life. He settles for watching from his trainer's arms, content. He watches Ash's attention shift suddenly, and he watches, too.
A violet cape fluttered, moving further away from them both.
Ash was already rushing after, careful not to jostle Pikachu much.
"Hey, wait up!"
She was already backstage. Ignoring whatever the announcer was shouting over many a loudspeaker, Pikachu was content to get away from all the noise. Ash probably was, too.
Looking up, he saw Deidra turn to face them. She looked rather imposing in stature, up close. But, any sliver of hostility she'd held onto had vanished.
Ash stood up straight, and extended a hand, carefully cozying Pikachu under his free arm. "Thanks for a great battle."
A studying gaze unnerved Ash, turning between himself and his companion in his care, sporting disheveled, dirty fur, bite marks, and a posture that said no more than 'I'm exhausted.'
But, the utter joy in the Pikachu's face was unmistakable. Despite his chaotic appearance, he didn't look one bit regretful, or pained. The looks he and his trainer sported were identical. Her lips curved into a smile.
It was bizarre to think that, barely hours ago, she'd hated them.
"Thank you," she said, voice even and commanding; steady and certain. "For the match, and for making me understand that I'm not alone in caring for them." As she accepted Ash's handshake with a firm grip, it was clear what she meant when she said them: the pokemon. "I don't mind having to improve myself if it's to re-challenge you."
With that, she took her hand back, retreating into the depths of the stadium with her short cape fluttering after her.
Smiling to himself, Ash turned on his heels, taking the opposite path. He was quickly stopped in his tracks.
A small crowd stood in Ash's way. Not a gaggle of reporters or pestering fans. Only his friends, Professor Oak, and first and foremost, his mother.
Ash stared at the group, without a word. He wanted to whoop for joy, or at least boast. He wanted to celebrate. But, now that he had the bragging rights…
"Well, are you just going to stand there all day, or what?" Brock teased, smiling from ear to ear.
Ash swallowed, finding his friend's attitude contagious. Beaming, he opened his mouth to speak.
"My baby!" Delia promptly captured the trainer in a hug, throwing her arms around his shoulders. Sniffling, she buried her face in her son's marked cheek. Her eyes were already red and puffy with tears. "You did it… I knew you could."
"Mom…"
"Oh, sorry dear! I know I'm embarrassing you, but I just can't help myself!" She appreciated what passed for a hug in return, but not too many moments like this came, for a parent to cherish! "You've made me so proud…"
"No, Mom…" Ash shuffled, already beginning to feel static dance along his skin. "It's just… Pikachu!"
"Oh!" Gasping, the auburn-haired woman pulled back, sheepish when she spotted the miffed-looking mouse under Ash's arm. "Sorry, Pikachu… I didn't see you there!"
Her gaze turned between her son, his partner, and their friends. She took that as a sign to step aside and give them all some space.
"Pikachu…" Pikachu muttered, waving the accident off. He was thankful that he had so little electricity to expend on shocking anyone, right now.
Brock stifled a chuckle and stepped forward first. He looked down upon Ash, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Congratulations, Ash." Lit with gentle, fraternal pride, Brock admired his best friend. "You've really come into your own!"
"Aw, do you have to sound so sappy about it?" Ash protested, his cheeks burning red. "You're starting to sound like mom… no offense."
"He is the mom friend," Misty butted in, giving Brock a nudge of her shoulder, before turning to Ash. He got a friendly punch in the arm, instead. "Way to go, Ash. That was a hell of a battle. But, you kept your cool under the pressure!"
"Pikachu-pi!" Pikachu perked up, miraculously building up enough strength to hop into her arms.
"And, I couldn't forget you, Pikachu!" Misty cooed, swiftly scooping the mouse into her arms. He'd nearly fallen short! "You were remarkable… I can only imagine you're wiped, after putting out all that Pika-power!"
"Cha~!"
"What a performance!" May cooed, stepping up to Ash, her fingers linked together. "Seriously, I think that was your best battle, yet!"
"You guys are too much." Ash grinned bashfully, rubbing his head. "We just did what we always do, and fight our hardest!"
"Yeah, but you finally won!" Max beamed, and gained a mischievous smile. "I guess that means I won't be able to rub it in your face for losing, anymore."
"Nope!" Ash knelt to his friend's level, sporting a Cheshire grin. "And that means you're next!"
Color quickly drained from Max's face.
"Just kidding!" Ash laughed, playfully nudging the youngster, before standing back up. "Now you know how hard these things are, right?"
"They sure are… right, Koda?" Max looked to his friend, who was standing off to the side with Drew, for help.
"Hm. No kidding." The boy clad in black nodded. He looked up to Ash, nodding in his direction. "Props, old man. You really nailed it."
"Eh?" Ash flinched, the next to lose color in his face after Max. "I'm not old!"
A belly-laugh escaped Drew from the sidelines, filtered through a smirk. He was content to just watch and listen, among the commotion.
Parting the sea of friends, Dawn now stood before Ash. "You did great," she praised, still in uniform. Without any further word, she raised a hand.
Ash didn't hesitate, clapping his palm against hers.
Before the two could share a tender moment, just enjoying Ash's victory, Dawn was crowded by her own team. Empoleon stood beside her, cawing to get Pikachu's attention. Buneary, meanwhile, hopped on the steel type's shoulder, equally worried about Pikachu's well-being.
Where he was cradled in Ash's arms, the electric type smiled. Their chatter was a little overwhelming, but the sentiment behind it was clear. He appreciated them.
"Well, Ash may have finally come into his own," Professor Oak said, speaking up, "but, I'm sure he's quite tired. Let's let him and his team get some rest, huh?"
After a stop at the nurse's station and a power nap, evening arrived. Pikachu had perked back up, standing on Ash's shoulder with his ears erect. Ash and his starter stood on a small, high platform, atop the large stage raised above the arena.
The night sky was a dark blue, bordering on black, but there was no escaping the spotlights, shining down on his platform, and Deidra and Jimmy, beside him, taking second and third place, respectively. Excited chatter bubbled through the crowd. The Champion, Lance, loudly cleared his throat, and the commotion abruptly died out.
"Ahem. Thank you, all, for coming out to honor the countless trainers who have continued our proud tradition, in battling valiantly in the Pokemon League! Minutes ago, you witnessed all of the competitors, and their pokemon, receive their honors for taking part in countless well-fought battles. Now, the virtue in that can't be understated - but, now, I'd like to direct your attention to the trainers who have proven themselves as the strongest among us."
The Champion walked to face the lowest platform of three, opposite of Jimmy, who held a small, bronze trophy, bearing a blue sash over his shoulder. "First, Jimmy, a former Champion of the Silver Conference. Even after getting so far, he still sought to improve his strength and skills, to assure his readiness to challenge the final pillar of the Pokemon League. While he didn't place first, this time, I'd say that his skill, strength, and resolve have all grown, for his efforts. Thank you, for joining us, and showing your passion." A respectful nod was exchanged between the Dragon Master and the aspiring trainer.
Ash gleefully raised a thumbs-up to Jimmy, held just low enough to avoid making a scene. Pikachu imitated him.
Jimmy smirked, giving the same gesture in return.
"And second…" There was the briefest of hesitations, something that only the three on the platform noticed because they were familiar enough with Lance to catch on. "Deidra Agrona, a fledgling member of the Blackthorn City Dragon Clan. Though her climb to the top has been unusual and full of trials, she has, of course, shown that she has the makings of what it takes to become a true dragon master."
The teen from Pallet couldn't help but notice the wavering in Deidra's normally stoic face. She accepted the silver trophy, holding it with such gentleness that Ash hadn't previously thought her capable of. However, as Lance's figure moved on, no longer blocking her tender expression from the general audience, she once again masked herself with a stoic face.
"And, now, our conference winner, a trainer native to the region and a longtime competitor in many a league. Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, it is my honor to present to you the Indigo League Trophy." Lance handed over the small, lightly decorated gold piece. "Thank you for giving us an inspirational battle."
"Thanks!" Taking the trophy, Ash watched as Pikachu crawled over his shoulder to get closer to the prize. As the electric type's little yellow paws touched the golden surface, Ash flashed a smile at Lance.
"With that, I thank our audience, I thank our organizers, and I thank our competitors, as I conclude this year's Indigo League Conference!"
As Ash waved to the onlookers, fireworks went off. A shower of blues, reds, and greens lit the night as the crowd began to disperse to celebrate. When he walked off the stage, though, Ash was greeted by a crowd of his friends. Brock, Misty, May, Max, and Dawn all gathered him up, lifting him and Pikachu high with their prize.
"Woah!" Startled, Ash yelped, suddenly hoisted above. "What's the big idea?"
"Just getting a memorable snapshot!" Brock chuckled, supporting the weight of Ash's torso, hoisting him upright.
"So… stay… still…!" Dawn grunted, clumsily struggling to support his waist. Being among the least muscular of the group wasn't doing her any favors, but damn it, she'd support him!
"If you say so!" Ash laughed, cupping the trophy to hold it upright.
"Pi!" Pikachu cooed, hopping off Ash's shoulder to slide into the cool, comfortable bowl inside their newly won, solid gold trophy. Sitting up from inside, he let out a victorious 'cha!'
"My baby boy got the gold!" Delia delightedly cooed, snapping a picture of the momentous occasion. "Say cheese!"
The shot was taken - and, it would stand as a memory of that great day, for many years to come.
"I can't believe every restaurant was totally packed…"
"Well, they did just have the closing ceremony, Ash." Professor Oak replied, sitting at the cabin's dining room table. He twirled a heap of instant noodles onto a pair of chopsticks, blowing on them to cool them off. "People must be hungry after all of that excitement."
"Still, you'd think we'd get a VIP section, or something…" Ash couldn't complain too much, though, scooping up a piece of sesame chicken from his bento box, downing it in one bite.
"Don't start getting spoiled, dear." Delia tutted, quietly polishing off her own box, opposite of Oak. She could never understand why he opted for instant meals over freshly made food, but old habits die hard. She shrugged, keeping her attention on Ash. Were he anyone else, she might worry that victory would make him complacent...
"Only for tonight." Ash grinned cheekily. "It is my big day… our big day," he corrected himself, eyeing his companion, Pikachu, who sat on the floor with Empoleon, Buneary, and Rura.
"Pika-chu!" Pikachu raised a paw to Ash, before returning his attention to his own meal. He hesitated. "Pika?"
There was a large piece of pokechow held out right in front of him!
Buneary offered the morsel between her paws, fluttering her lashes - or, what passed for lashes for a Buneary, anyway. "Bun, Buneary!" 'To the victor goes the spoils,' as humans tended to say!
"Pikachu…" Pikachu flushed, shaking his head. He didn't deserve any more than the others!
"Buneary!" He deserved it, she said! "Bun-Bun, eary!" Like Ash said, it was their special day!
"Pi…" he hummed, and accepted the food gleefully. "Pikachu!" Thanking Buneary, he nibbled down on the offering.
Suddenly bashful, the rabbit reverted to burying her face in her fluff.
"Aw, they've really been getting along well, lately!" Misty cooed, watching from the couch, between Ash and Brock.
"They've been training together a lot." Dawn scooped up some sesame noodles, slurping them down before continuing. "She used to be a bit much for Pikachu, but I think they've found their rhythm."
"Hm." Brock hummed, speaking between bites. "Tempering the wild flames of love can be important, sometimes." Suddenly, the student went silent, feeling all eyes in the room upon him.
Maybe he wasn't one to talk…
"Ring, ring ring! Ring, ring, ring! Phone call! Phone call!"
"I… uh, better get that!" Brock laughed uneasily, rushing for the video phone. How convenient!
"I wonder who it is?" Ash thought aloud, lying back into the sofa. He was full and content, now.
"Uh-huh… Ash, it's for you!" Brock called from the other end of the room. "It's Barry."
"Barry!?" Ash did a double-take, setting down his box to approach the phone. "Didn't see that coming."
"I know," Dawn replied. "He's going to fine Ash for having such an amazing battle!" She yelped, making the best scratchy imitation of the boy's voice she could.
"I heard that, Dawn!" A voice shrieked from across the room, through the video phone. "And I'm fining you a million, for beating me to the punch!"
Barry huffed, indignant, before pointing a finger in Ash's face. "And you! Where do you get off, having the most awesome battle of the century, without letting me know, first!? Like, that was beyond awesome! I thought Infernape was something during your match with Paul, but that was just… another level! And Pikachu!"
"Pi?" Pikachu perked up, looking up from his 'dinner date.'
"You were out-of-this-world tough. Mhm." Barry hummed, crossing his arms as if he'd given some sagely wisdom. "I don't know how a dude your size got so strong, but I'm fining you, too, if I don't find out!"
"Pika-chu…" Pikachu's face scrunched at the teen's odd manner of praise. That was no way to ask.
Ash couldn't help but laugh. "Same ol' Barry… well, tell you what! I'll let you battle with the Indigo Conference Champion, himself, instead of a fine. How's that sound?"
"Ketchum, you've got yourself a deal!" Barry beamed, pumping a fist. "But, we haven't been slacking off, either, so you better prepare yourself!"
Ash smirked. "You can count on it."
Everyone was tired. Between the heat of the day, the intensity of the battle, and the exhaustion of such intense satisfaction, no one really had it in them to stay up after eight thirty. When Professor Oak began to excuse himself, Brock and Misty followed shortly after. Dawn would have, had she been awake. Ash carefully lifted her before letting Empoleon carry her off to bed.
With that, it was only Ash, his mother, and Pikachu, who had actually fallen back asleep on a pillow on the couch with the television softly humming in the background.
Carrying a black trash bag, Delia smiled at her son. "You should go get some rest, sweetheart."
At first, he nodded, going to collect his partner, but paused. Frowning as if deep in thought, he turned to walk towards his mother. Though he wasn't quite yet taller than her, since Delia was a very tall woman, he now was above her shoulder rather than below her chest.
"Mom," Ash said, serious and sincere, "thank you. Without you, I would have never done all this."
There was nothing mothers loved more than the gratitude of their children. Eyes widening, and heart touched, Delia put the bag down to put her hands to her chest. "Honey? How did I help?"
Clenching his fists, teen explained himself. "You've always supported my dream, even when before I showed any talent! You believed in me first! You made sure I was able to travel, you packed clothes for me, you made sure I got my starter from Professor Oak! Without you… I… I dunno if I'd even be here!"
That was it. She teared up, pulling her son into a hug. "Oh, Ash, you're so welcome! It makes me so, so proud to be your mama!"
Blushing a bit at the open affection since he was a teenager and that was becoming more and more embarrassing, he nonetheless hugged her back. "I wouldn't want anyone else."
Sniffing a bit, she let him go and wiped her eyes. "Well, aren't you sweet! Still, I bet you're even sleepier! Why don't you take Pikachu and go rest up? I've just got a few more things to finish before I turn in, too."
"Right." Picking his starter up carefully, Ash headed to the room he was sharing with his friends. "Goodnight, Mom. Love you."
"Goodnight, Ash. Love you, too."
The conference's celebratory dinner was coming up soon - too close for comfort, even!
"Come on…" Ash grunted, fumbling with the tangled, deep blue tie strewn unceremoniously around his neck. "Over, then under… that's supposed to make a loop, right?" Oak's fatherly instructions were recited in his head - he'd been a bit too embarrassed to ask for help from anyone else.
But, the Professor had already left, along with his mother, to secure good seats for the group. He was more or less on his own. Ash sighed, slumping his shoulders. "This is hopeless…"
Downstairs, Brock and Misty had a different predicament.
Misty huffed, tapping her heels against the wooden floor. "Honestly… how long is it going to take them?" The redhead wore her hair down, barely concealing earrings, matching the gentle blue of the Cascade Badge. An ocean blue strapless dress made up the rest of her ensemble.
"Dawn can tend to take a while, when the pressure's high… but Ash should be down, by now." Brock grimaced, sitting up on the living room sofa, drumming his fingers on his arm. He was tempted to relax completely, but he didn't want to crumple up his pale blue button-up, or his slacks. "If they don't step it up, we're going to be late."
"I hear you, I hear you. Don't leave without me!"
Ash descended, carefully securing Pikachu on his forearm, while the mouse did his absolute best to button the cuffs on the wrist of his trainer's white button-up. "There's no way I'm missing my own big night!"
"Pi… ka… Pika!" Pikachu grunted, before chirping in satisfaction, as he secured the last button!
"Thanks, buddy. You're a lifesaver!" Ash grinned, scratching his companion under his chin. The Conference Champion opted to leave his tie behind, deciding it wasn't worth the trouble. Instead, he wore his button-up shirt slightly open, going for a stylish, slightly roguish look. At least, that was how he justified it to himself.
Misty raised a brow. "That's not… Oh, whatever, I'm not gonna fight you on it."
"For once," Ash muttered under his breath.
Whipping her head over to him, the water specialist clenched her jaw. "Excuse me?"
Brock, trying to avoid their bickering, stood up. "Where's Dawn?"
A low, frustrated wail let them know.
"She's still in the bathroom…" Misty mumbled. "I left her in there when she was doing her eyeliner! What could she be doing now?"
Ash frowned, setting his lips thinly. "She's probably freaking out about her hair. Pikachu, stay here, buddy."
"Pika," the mouse agreed, hopping down on the couch.
As Ash walked back into the bathroom the two girls had been sharing, he found it unlocked and slightly ajar. There, on the verge of angry tears, Dawn stood with her back to Empoleon. The poor steel type was trying to clip a necklace, but he just couldn't manage it.
"What are you doing?" Ash asked, deadpan and dry.
"Finishing my outfit!" Dawn hissed, bunching her hands in her cream yellow dress defensively. Between the pearl white flats and the white necklace she was trying to wear, she looked very soft and demure. If only her attitude matched.
"Hey, hey, don't get snappy with me. I'm not the one holding us up," Ash argued.
Dawn frowned. "Well, if I could just get this necklace on…"
"Do you need the necklace?" He jammed his fists in his pockets.
"... Yes."
He sighed, walking behind her and taking Empoleon's place. Sticking his tongue out as he concentrated, he managed to hook the whole ordeal. "Nice!" He paused. "... Wait, this isn't the dress you wore on our date. Where'd you get this?"
"I went shopping while you and Pikachu took a nap yesterday," she confessed, busy admiring herself. Satisfied with her look, she hugged Ash. "Thanks!"
"Empo!" the bird squawked. He'd helped, too!
"Thank you, too, Empoleon."
Happy that was all taken care of, Ash grabbed Dawn's hand and led her out of the bathroom. "Let's go!"
As they entered the room, Brock nodded approvingly. "Very nice! We all look -"
"Like we're going to be late!" Misty said, cutting him off.
Though Brock threw her a dirty look, he nonetheless fell into step with the group as they left. Pikachu hopped onto Empoleon's shoulder, and then they were out of the cabin.
Indigo Hall's main ballroom was huge - gigantic, even, in Ash's opinion. Countless dinner tables decorated the area, seating various dignitaries, league employees, several placing competitors who bothered to show, and their accompanying friends and supporters. Ash was sure he'd seen Jimmy, somewhere, with Marina. He didn't look thrilled.
But, most noteworthy of all, were the Elite Four, themselves; Lorelei, Koga, Bruno, and Agatha, along with Lance, sat at a table, not far from the center of the room.
Naturally, this year's Conference Champion was nearby. Ash's table was stationed pretty close to the elites', where he sat with Dawn, Misty, Brock, Delia, and shared a spot with Pikachu. Another table down, Max was accompanied by May, Drew, Koda, and Professor Oak.
Chatter throughout the hall blended into a sense of lively merriment, one conversation indecipherable from the next. Without any food on the table, of course, that was to be expected.
All of that stopped, when a bold, commanding man at the center cleared his throat and spoke.
"May I have your attention, please."
Just like that, Lance commanded silence from the entire room.
After a brief pause, he stood from the Elites' table. "Thank you. I'd like to take a moment to honor all who have made this night, and the events preceding it, possible." The mahogany-haired man gestured around him. "The many employees of the Pokemon League itself, who accommodate spectators, trainers, and pokemon alike." He turned his attention to the main staff's table nearby. "President Goodshow, himself, for his passion and devotion to keeping the tradition alive."
An obscured smile curved into the stout man's bushy beard, and he nodded in thanks.
"The many wonderful people, from around Kanto, and around the world, who come to share the joy of pokemon battles with us. The many trainers who fought their hardest against all odds. And, needless to say, the pokemon themselves, who show unending courage, perseverance, strength, skill, and teamwork. Indigo Plateau would do nothing without you. I speak for those accompanying their trainers right now, and those who couldn't attend."
A curved smile spread across Pikachu's cute features. His ear twitched, in a mixture of joy and embarrassment. He made eye contact with Ash, and let out a quiet, content squeak.
"And, I can think of no one better to voice their appreciation of these efforts than this year's victor." The Champion turned to Ash, himself, looking upon the trainer fondly. "Ash, would you do the honors, and make a toast?"
Ash swallowed, lightly tugging at his collar. Jimmy had warned him of this, which he was grateful for. But, the mental rehearsals he'd put himself through over the past day weren't proving helpful, now. It was one thing to promise victory at a block party. Speaking for a whole crowded room was another.
"Pikapi."
Ash felt a tug at his shirt. Pikachu was smiling up at him. No words were needed. He had faith in Ash to do this, just as Ash had faith in him.
Hopefully not much time had passed, with his hesitance. Misty, Brock, and Delia looked to be waiting patiently. It couldn't have been more than a few seconds.
"Ahem," Ash swallowed, raising his glass. Given his age, it was only filled with water. "I'm much better at pokemon battles than giving speeches, so you'll have to cut me some slack, here."
Subdued, warm laughter passed through the room, giving Ash relief. Charming honesty won him some points. That was encouraging. With that mercy in mind, he pressed onward.
"I came to this league for a couple of reasons. I wanted to be the best. To push myself and my pokemon, to prove that we have what it takes. I think we succeeded."
The beady-eyed mouse sitting atop the table winked at him.
"But, it's not all about winning. When I came here, I saw lots of great faces. People and pokemon I knew…" He turned his attention towards Max, who flushed, fiddling with his glasses. The young, studious trainer smiled in turn. "And, plenty of new faces, too."
He'd scanned the crowd for Deidra, before. He did once more, during a pause. She was nowhere in sight. But, he did get a glance of Jimmy, who gleefully raised his glass to him.
"...and we all had fun. We got to see pokemon fight their hearts out, and show us their all. We had the…" he swallowed. What was that word...? "...we had the privilege of seeing them work together, with their trainers. I think those bonds grew stronger here, in the past two weeks. I think trainers and pokemon grew closer. And, if you ask me, that's the best part of any Pokemon League!"
The room seemed to catch on to the fact that Ash's toast was reaching its crescendo and clapped along with his words. Ash was thankful. But, he wasn't done.
"So, thank you, everyone, for letting that happen. And, most of all…" With his glass held firmly in one hand, he held out his opposite arm, and winked at his companion.
Pikachu caught on, and climbed onto Ash's shoulder.
Ash raised his glass. "...thank you, pokemon!"
"Pika-chu!"
Taking the cue of everyone around him, Ash drank gratefully. After that toast, he could swear his mouth was drier than a Hippowdon's Sandstorm.
Pikachu took the opportunity to raise his tiny, custom-suited glass. "Pika, Pikapi!"
Enthusiastic, clapping applause followed, bringing the flustered trainer's duties to an end. Ash breathed a sigh of relief, before getting the nagging feeling he was being stared at.
Delia, Misty, Brock, and Dawn all gave looks of approval. He could swear his mother was using her napkin to blot away tears.
"You nailed it!" Dawn whispered, giving Ash's shoulder a light squeeze. Her eyes shone with pride.
"Way to pull it together," Misty agreed.
"You really think so?" Ash flushed, running a hand through his hair. His head felt naked without his favored cap to fiddle with.
"Without a doubt," Brock affirmed.
"Well, that's great, because I think that really worked up an appetite!"
Conveniently enough, appetizers were already being passed around, much to Ash's delight. As he munched on the needlessly ornate little snacks, a new person stood.
Marina, beaming in her glitzy dress, tapped her fork delicately against the side of her glass, pinkie out. "May I have your attention?" When everyone looked at her, she lifted her chin. "I would like to informally make an early announcement on behalf of the Kanto contest committee. This year's Grand Festival, I'm sure, is a highly anticipated event! As always, it will be hosted after the League Conference." She smiled gently. "This year, it will take place in early September. I hope you all can make it, to both participate and watch. After all, yours truly will be hosting!"
As everyone clapped, Dawn's eyelashes fluttered.
That was right! Her time was coming up, soon! Ash had already gotten his trophy. It was time for her to get hers. Clenching her fist, a vital, competitive air overcame her.
"Yeah… September's gonna be my month, then!"
Invigorated by his girlfriend's fighting spirit, Ash cheered her on around a mouthful of fancy crackers. "Yeah, Dawn! I'll be with you all the way!"
She giggled. "Thanks! But… I think I'm gonna go talk to Marina real quick, okay?" With that, she got up.
Before Ash could properly see her off, Brock stood, as well. "If we're excusing ourselves, I'm gonna go talk to the league medics. It's always good to get more professional connections."
"I should probably check on Professor Oak," Delia noted. "He's been so fatigued from the excitement!"
"I'm coming with," Misty said. "I wanna see Max."
Ash blinked. "... Did they just ditch us?"
"Pika, Pikapi."
Rolling his eyes, Ash supposed it was as good a time as any for him to take a break, too. Standing up, he headed for the halls. On the way out, he was certain he saw Himashi and Ritchie, but decided on not stopping to talk. He seemed to be entertaining friends, and Ash just wanted a break from the formality of the banquet hall for a moment.
With his hands in his pockets, Pikachu and Ash hummed out a little tune together as Ash walked off some of his nervous energy. That was when the two saw a man. Well, not any specific man. He was pretty plain looking. Nondescript, even. Like, extremely plain. Too plain, maybe. He looked like every office worker in the world layered over one another with low opacity.
And, he was walking right towards Ash.
"Can I help you?" the trainer asked, raising a confused brow.
"Not yet!" the man said, cryptic from the get go. "I'm just a fan of justice!"
Ash tilted his head. "Yeah?" He quietly wondered if Pikachu was as weirded out as he was. The gripping of tiny claws into his shirt told him the electric type was also weirded out.
"... You don't recognize me!" The man smiled. "I can't talk here, but I figure you would have recognized me. Ash, it's me, Looker!"
The teen smiled awkwardly. He didn't remember the man. "Uh… I'm sorry."
"The disguise is too good," Looker concluded. "No matter! We'll talk later under less secretive conditions. For now, know you've caught a very special organization's eye for your efforts against Team Rocket! Interpol would like to recruit you!"
"Interpol would WHAT?!" he yelped, shocked.
Looker put a finger in front of his mouth. "Sssh! Not so loud!" He frowned. "Think about it. I don't expect an answer right now. But, as an act of good faith, we've decided to cover the hospital bills of you and your friends." With that, Looker walked off, blending off into the obscuring air of utter lack of notoriety. It was a better cover than any black catsuit, that was for sure.
"Interpol, huh?" Ash mumbled.
"Pika…" the mouse whined. He wasn't against heroics, but hadn't they had enough for now? He could stand a few months of no major issues. Even a few years, if they could manage it!
"Right, I hear you," Ash agreed. "We'll leave that for later."
The trainer began walking back towards the banquet hall. Before he opened the door, Dawn burst out, face intense. As soon as she spotted Ash, she froze, shocked.
"There you are!" she squeaked. "I've been looking for you!"
Noting the door closing behind her, Ash grinned, putting his hand against the door so it wouldn't open out on them and pinning Dawn between himself and the door.
"Oh, yeah? Sorry, guess I got lost in your eyes."
The coordinator blushed. Was that a pick-up line?! From Ash?! "W-What?!"
Ash's eyes widened. He'd never heard Dawn get flustered like this. That was way too cute! Clearing his throat, he tried to keep it up. "You got a date here, or what?"
Giggling like mad, Dawn punched Ash's shoulder. "Aw, cut that out!" Trying to play along, she straightened up. "I do, actually. He's very talented and handsome."
Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder. He was happy to see them flirting, but being on Ash's shoulder during it was too close for his liking.
Happy to be praised, Ash grabbed Dawn's waist, spinning her above his head easily. "Glad you think so!"
When her feet returned to the floor, they looked at one another, just smiling. Leaning in, neither heard the door opening. It wasn't until their lips connected and a camera went off that they realized anyone was watching them.
"Oh, how cute!" Delia cooed, looking into her digital camera. "Johanna's gonna wanna see this!"
"MOM!" Ash yelped, mortified.
Dawn, meanwhile, froze, eyes wide and mouth open.
Dawn looked at the floor, unable to make eye contact with Delia or Ash after that experience. Her face still felt bright red and she could see Ash continually reaching for a hat that wasn't there to cover his own ruddy face.
In fact, even as they joined the table with Misty and Brock, Delia kept talking about it. Dawn wanted to melt right into the floor. Thankfully, Lance walked up then, sparing Dawn from Delia's doting.
"Ash, I'm not sure if I clarified with you, but you are entitled to a challenge to the Elite Four and myself, you know," the caped man said. "When should I schedule that?"
Ash fumbled, looking to Dawn. "Uh, actually… Can I get a rain check on that? I wanna go cheer on Dawn at her Grand Festival challenge."
Looking over to the bluenette, Lance thought about the bond between the two. It had grown since he last battled Ash. Understanding, the champion nodded. "I'll expect an answer after the Grand Festival, then. Thank you."
With that, Lance walked away.
Dawn smiled, knowing she had Ash's full support. Now, the main focus was preparing herself and her team. Stabbing a form into the recently arrived main course, she cut away at the food with her knife.
"Alright, I'm gonna start getting lots and lots of energy so I can train to the max!" she swore. "The conference was really inspiring! There's a lot of techniques I think I can use that I saw out here! So, I'm gonna do my best!"
The rest of the table nodded, as excited as she was.
One chapter of their journey had come to a satisfying conclusion. Another was begging to be written.
And, that's the conclusion of the Indigo League Conference!
We, as the writers, would like to say thank you, to each and every one of you, who stuck with us through this journey from the beginning, until now. Like Ash's friends around him, faith was put in his bid to succeed, and now, we've seen the results. We hope you enjoyed the Indigo League, and everything before it very much! Please, review and leave your thoughts, if you'd like!
But, it's not over yet! As you've seen in this chapter, Ash and Dawn each have one more big goal to pursue before this journey comes to a close. So, stay tuned!
On that note, we're announcing a hiatus, after this. Writing a story of this size is taxing, and both of us have responsibilities to tend to, and a need for rest. So, for a bit, we're going to be taking a break from writing this story.
Besides, we want time to prepare the proper Grand Festival that Dawn deserves! Don't you?
Don't fret – the show must go on! Expect a couple of months at the most. But, we're always available if you'd like to contact us with questions or commentary! If you'd like, you could send a message here, or to our another-rxad tumblr, which will be hosting new art to accompany this chapter!
See you soon!
