Evening is falling over eterna city as ash and misty walk towards the contest hall. The darker hues of the night sky giving the city a striking backdrop against the towering mountains.

The building standing in front of them combining what looks like a museum and modern style with its towering glass entryway jutting out dramatically from a fairly simple elegant brick façade.

Bright colourful lights play across its front and surrounding grounds as small groups of people mingle or stroll across the heavily manicured grounds. Misty spotted a small gathering of people swirling and dancing around in fancy suits and gowns, lights bouncing wondrously off sequins and sparkles.

"Aww ash look at those dresses, they're so beautiful!" she exclaims, rainbows reflections lighting up her eyes.

"had you ever thought about joining a contest yourself? I'm sure that your starmie or azumarill would do amazing in one!"

"as much as I love those outfits.. It's totally not my style. Too restrictive!"

Ash laughs, remembering that there's only ever been a handful of times she's ever worn anything so extravagant, not that he would say no to seeing her don a delightfully decadent dress, maybe even something as tight fitting as what he'd seen on dawn in the poster..

"even so I still think you'd steal the show, dress or not!"

"never gonna happen you dork!" she says, softly punching him in the arm as she does. "look there ash, it's the announcements board."

Ash spies a big bright sheet listing all of the details of the contest series dawn is taking part in.

"Well if today is Thursday, let's see when the next show is."

"the sinnoh contest league proudly presents;

The amateurs vs. pros contest series

Eterna city schedule

Tuesday - normal rank - 12pm - 8pm - new challengers every hour

Wednesday - super rank - 2pm - 8pm - new challengers every hour

Thursday - hyper rank - 4pm - 8pm - new challengers every hour

Friday - master rank - 6pm - 8pm - highest scoring participant from previous each day to face current contest champion dawn for a fantastic final match

Catch the event live before they move to jubilife city!"

"so she'll be performing tomorrow night then? Seems like they're really setting the stage for her huh ash?"

"it really does, I wonder if we'll be able to even see her at all if she's going to be so busy.." ash says slightly dejected.

"you're really looking forward to seeing her weren't you?"

"well I mean it's been quite a long time since we last saw each other so it would be really cool to catch up with her."

"I'm sure it will work out just fine, famous as she is i can't see why she wouldn't be able to make time for the amazing ash ketchum!" she says in a fake announcer voice trying to lift his spirits, a bit surprised she's not upset at how much seeing dawn appears to mean to him.

"you're right, we'll get here early and no matter what there has to be a way to get in a little face time with her" he replies having shaken himself out of whatever little funk he'd fallen into. "thanks misty."

"don't mention it. Anyway, why don't we head off to a pokécenter and get some rest. We've got to get our energy back so we can chase down a super star tomorrow night!"

As they turn leave they spot pikachu with a glaceon, who appears to be wrapped in various shining ribbons, prancing around him and bowing gracefully as pikachu chitters and giggles adorably, the pair then find a nice grassy spot to rest in letting the two pokémon have their fun.

Skies darkening more, the crowd around the competition hall has started to clear and espeon's trainer is now making to leave themselves. Ash and misty, with pikachu prancing along behind them head off to the local pokécenter ready for a nice long sleep. Today was quite draining on them both and they'll be happy to put it behind them.

Entering the center doors they deposit their friends with the staff nurse and head off to an overnight room, the sight of a comforting bed in a private room oddly satisfying after sleeping in the haunted mansion the night before. They each set about getting ready for bed, not really having the energy to talk, ash climbs into his bed. As misty is ready to do the same, ash lifts the up his sheets and motions for her to join him which she doesn't hesitate to do.

she reaches over to the side table and turns off the light before nestling herself against ash, her back to him as his arms encircle her body.

"good night misty." he says kissing the back of her head.

"night ash" she says feeling incredibly safe and warm in his embrace. It was amazing to just be held by him like this, no pretense or prepositioning, just being able to be this close and know that at least fir right now, everything was just perfect just the way it is.

Though what ash didn't know is that misty had a plan brewing in her head, a wily plot to make sure ash really enjoys the show tomorrow and to make sure he gets everything he deserves. She falls asleep with a playful grin upon her lips.