Another Road Repaved - Coordination

by Mezamun

Ash and Dawn have finally become a pair, and set their sights on Cinnabar Island, for the upcoming Wallace Cup! Dawn takes the spotlight, and in the meantime, she and an old friend delve into some uncomfortable truths in their relationship. But, Dawn is determined to have that Aqua Ribbon, no matter the obstacle! Meanwhile, Ash has his own to confront, while he supports Dawn!

8. Chasing You

"I hope Dawn's not too mad that we bailed…" Ash mused aloud, carrying several paper bags loaded with to-go meals on his wrists, some of them visibly greasier than others. After a roundabout through the commercial stands set up about the island's populated areas, Ash was on his way back to the Wallace Cup dome. Pikachu and Rosemary walked along at his side.

"Pika Pika chuu." Maybe a little, he thought, but some of her favorite food would probably make a good apology.

~...I'm not so sure about that.~ Rosa voiced. Her already feline ears folded lower to frame her head. ~I'm getting some serious bad vibes.~

"Bad vibes?" Ash grimaced, stopping in his tracks. "Rosa, do you mean Team Rocket?"

The Riolu shook her head. ~No. I mean from Ma. She feels very upset.~

"Dawn…?" Although his wariness for danger waned, an uneasiness still hung in his gut. He ran in the direction Rosa seemed to be facing, with his two partners following, until he spotted two other figures coming their way. "...Dawn! Empoleon!"

Dawn was also running, with her starter trailing behind her. That was enough reason for Ash to stop, holding up each of his arms to show off the bags. "Hey, sorry. I got us dinner—"

"He's such a jerk!" Dawn shrieked. She stopped short of Ash, stomping the cement below her.

"...What?" Ash frowned. Rosa had been right. But, where had that come from?

"Kenny!" Dawn spat. "He told me he was in love with me… But, everything about it was all wrong! It was the worst!"

Ash's lips pulled thin. Kenny had gone and spilled it…? And it'd ended this badly? An unenviable feeling of guilt found itself in Ash. He'd been the one to encourage in the first place. But, how? "Dawn, what-"

"That battle you had with him… Back in Sunyshore City! It was a sham, Ash! Before it, he told me… He said that if he won, then we'd travel together…! I never told you, but I never, just—"

Dawn clenched a hand into a fist to the point where it trembled. Looking about for any target for her frustrations, she didn't find one. She swung a punch at the air in a futile attempt to relieve her anger. "He… I was just a prize to him! He battled you because he was jealous of you! He called me names to get my attention! Ash, he… He even became a Coordinator to win me over!"

"...Pika-ka." Pikachu trailed off sympathetically, as his ears drooped.

"He what, now!?" Ash made a face in disgust, and genuine disbelief. "He didn't tell me that part."

"Yeah! And he—" Dawn paused. Quiet for a moment, she turned her eyes back to Ash. They were wide, and her brows low in disbelief. "What do you mean, he didn't— Ash, you knew about this!?"

The look of betrayal on Dawn's face gave Ash the immediate feeling that this sounded a lot worse to her than he'd meant it to. "...Well, I mean, yeah, but-"

She gasped. "When you said it's something I should've heard from him… You knew all the way back then!?" Dawn didn't know what to make of anything she felt, right then, but anger was definitely bubbling up. It was enough to make her snatch his off-white collar in her grasp. "And you let me just… walk around, not knowing any of it!?"

"Hey, hey, hold on!" Ash put his hand over hers, if only to gently pry it from his collar, and take it in his own. "I told him the same thing I told you — that you should hear it from his mouth."

"I was running around like an idiot. Hanging out with him, thinking we were still friends…!"

"You're not friends, anymore…?" Ash realized immediately that this was the wrong question to ask.

"Of course not!" Dawn pulled her hand back, only to jab her pointer finger at him. "Heck, why were you still being friendly with him!? Weren't you— weren't you mad at all!?"

Ash bit his lip. As sympathetic as he'd been until this point, for obvious reasons, indignation was boiling over for him, too, and he belted out with his own shout. "Of course I was mad!"

"Could've fooled me!" Ash had gotten in her face, and Dawn leaned back to dominate the space between them. As close as he was, he could see just how bloodshot her ordinarily exuberant eyes had become. "You were palling around every other— we had lunch with them! Like Mister Copycat didn't just admit that I was a trophy to him, to your face!"

At their feet, Rosemary let out a low whine, slowly backing away from what was essentially an ugly fight between her parents. She felt a paw on her back; Pikachu pat it, offering her comfort.

The mouse frowned at the scene, but knew better than to intervene.

"He was past that!" Ash defended. "That's why he said something in the first place! To smooth it over!"

Dawn bristled in disbelief. "What, are you on his side, now!?" With a trembling lip, she turned on her heels, ready to march off a second time. "If this is the support I'm getting, then-"

"Dawn."

A hand fell firmly on her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. It was gentle as it ever was, but steady. Even though she could surely shrug him off and keep walking, somehow, the sudden seriousness in his voice compelled her not to.

Rather than turn her back around, Ash walked his way around so that he stood in front of her, now holding both of her shoulders. The ordinarily shining, charcoal eyes she was used to seeing were sure and steady as steel. It was a little sobering, even. He rarely looked so serious; only eclipsed when his Pokémon were part of the picture.

She sniffled, but gave him breadth to speak.

"You can hate what I decided to do, back there. You can even call me an idiot for it, if you want! Have a ball. But, there's one thing I want you to know more than anything. I'm always on your side."

There was something about the sincerity behind those words that she could practically feel in her bones. Even if she had every reason to be furious… Dawn felt at least a little placated by his pledge of loyalty. She shook her head, trying to center herself, again. "Then… then, why…?"

"Like I said… of course I was mad. There was a part of me that understood where Kenny was coming from… acting stupid and being afraid, because you like someone. But that didn't make it any less weird that his angle just… totally left you out of the picture."

That part, he could never relate to. Maybe his crushes had formed so seamlessly out of friendships that he could never hope to understand. Maybe he was just a different type of person, altogether. People got so weird and convoluted about love, it honestly creeped him out.

"...But, at the end of it all, it wasn't my fight to have. I know you, and I know that you wouldn't want me fighting your battles. Hell, if I got steamed there, and got up all in his face about your honor… That wouldn't be all that different from him trying to fight me over you, would it?"

Everything about Ash's explanation made sense. Everything about it sobered Dawn, and reminded her more of why she'd liked him to begin with. He understood her. He listened. But, it was perhaps the last point he made, about fighting over her, that struck her so completely.

In fact, it made her look at Ash in a way that she hadn't, before. In a way that she hadn't looked at anyone. He was so… so fully committed to respecting her. Committed to seeing her as her own person, who could perhaps handle any fight, even if it stung.

"...Ash." She stammered. Though her eyes were glassy, they met him with straightforwardness — with trust that contrasted so harshly with her outburst. She felt — no, she knew more than ever, that she'd made the right choice in falling for him. With that, her anger crumbled. Cracking like a shell.

She buried her face in his shoulder, and sobbed. Arms tightening around his waist like a vice, she spilled tears and wails that were muffled by his collar, but still heard for quite the distance. With the protective shell of her anger brittle and giving away, the pain below it remained.

Losing her friend still hurt.

"He— We've been friends since we were little kids!" She whined. "As long as I can remember! I don't…" A hiccup. "...I don't care if he liked me, or, or didn't! But, just… That he was just playing games with me… It feels so gross!" Her shoulders trembled more, still, even as Ash's arm securely cradled the small of her back. She felt his hand run through her hair, and for once, didn't fret for its appearance.

"...Like it was all a lie."

"...I don't know if I can say that's true," Ash decided to say. As furious as he was, listening to Dawn fall apart on him… He'd be lying for his own sense of righteousness, if he really believed that was all there was to her friend. Even for her, he didn't want to believe it. "...But I ain't gonna tell you how to feel… Crushes can be annoying and stupid. They tangle your feelings up, and make you act like an idiot."

"I hate it," Dawn sniffled. She pulled a kleenex out of her bag, wiping her eyes and nose before she could be seen in her current state. "I hate it! Everything should be straightforward… Everyone should just say what they mean, and what they feel! I hate having to guess around it!"

Ash continued to run his hand through her flowing locks. A thought occurred to him. "Hey… Then, let's make a promise." He pulled back, only to take Dawn's hands in his own. Looking upon her again, he smiled softly. Her eyes were puffy, and she didn't look nearly as neat and devoid of sloppy, ugly crying as she'd have liked to. Under all that was the same Dawn, and he didn't want to see her in this kind of pain, again.

"That's how we'll always be. Straightforward with each other. No matter what."

"...That sounds great." Dawn blotted at her eyes some more. For the first time in what felt like hours, she had the tiniest crevice of a smile on her lips. "...A-and we'll always back each other up in the decisions we make!"

"Yeah!" Ash readily agreed. "Any decision we make, is one we'll make as a team." Dawn nodded, and he felt satisfied. Even moreso, when he felt weight on his shoulder, and Dawn did on hers. Pikachu had taken his proper perch, while Rosa nuzzled her snout into Dawn's cheek.

~You still got snot going on.~ Rosa pointed out bluntly, which made Dawn flush terribly, and hurry for another Kleenex.

Ash tried to stifle it, but he couldn't help but laugh.

"That's not funny," Dawn insisted. Unfortunately, this only made Ash laugh some more.

"Ah…" He settled, shaking his head. "...Are you gonna be okay?"

"...I'm fighting, tomorrow." Dawn said, regaining an air of seriousness. She pulled back from him, looking off towards the rising moon in the sky. "I'm fighting, and I'm winning."

"Hm." Ash hummed affirmatively. Though, a thought nagged at him like a bad itch, and he had to vocalize it. "You know there's a fifty-fifty chance you'll fight Kenny…"

"Then I'll beat him." With none of the doubt that'd plagued her, before, she turned to Ash. Her tears had dried. "I promised myself, back in Fuschia City, that I'm not going to get caught up moping over who I am, or where I am… Or anything else. Even Kenny's not going to get in the way of that. I have my Pokémon to think about. Our legacy. I want the world to see their appeal, the way I do."

"If that's the case…" Ash smirked. "Then, we'll be supporting you, all the way!"

"Pi-kachu!" Pikachu cheered.

~Count on us!~

"Empol!"

Dawn giggled, shaking her head. "I know, yeah… and Ash?"

Tilting his head, he blinked. "Yeah?"

"Thank you."

---

"Now! It's time to start the semi-finals of this year's Wallace Cup! Before we move on to Larkspur and Kenny, we get to see two big names go head-to-head!" Lilian built up cheers and enthusiasm from the audience, pausing only momentarily to let them quiet. "Wallace's very own understudy, Brendan, and the winner of this exact event, last year, Dawn!"

"So! Looks like we're getting that follow-up on our last battle, after all." On the opposite end of the pool, Brendan addressed Dawn, tilting up his headband with a cool smirk. "I'm glad you made it this far. It'd be a real shame, if we didn't get the chance!"

"You know I wasn't going to miss that chance." While Brendan was certainly in competitive spirits, perhaps there was something different in Dawn's demeanor. Her gaze was unwavering, and laser-focused. The Aqua Ribbon was within sights, if she could just defeat two more opponents. But her immediate goal, perhaps, was more important. Showing off her partner at his best.

That couldn't happen until she introduced him. With complete focus, Dawn spun and slung a spinning Poké Ball towards the center of the pool. "Empoleon! Spotlight!"

Shimmering lights of the Poké Ball's own doing highlighted Empoleon, who landed on the stage with a wing extended towards Brendan. A declaration of battle. "Empoleon!"

Brendan grinned, throwing his own Poké Ball with finesse. "Swampert! It's showtime!"

The sleek, powerful quadruped materialized opposite of Empoleon. Flexing his fins, he eagerly awaited battle.

"Now, I don't want to wait for this showdown anymore than you do, so, let's get busy!"

The clock started at five minutes.

"Swampert! Hammer Arm!" Brendan took the initiative; his starter Pokémon lunged forward with a wide swing of his right arm.

"Step aside, with Swords Dance!" Dawn countered.

While Swampert came in with a wide clothesline, Empoleon pivoted from one taloned foot to the other, shifting his weight behind him. A graceful spin to his right allowed Swampert to move past him, as he conducted himself in a dance with his blade-like wings to build focus.

Brendan let a laugh of amusement pass his lips. He was mildly impressed. "Follow up, with Waterfall!"

A second charge catapulted Swampert back towards Empoleon, with roaring water coating his assault.

A move that Empoleon chose to twirl around, with his wings held tightly above his head; a near pirouette that saved him from any damage. Only the mist washing off of Waterfall touched his feathers; highlighting the graceful display. A red aura tinted the mist, as his attack power sharply increased.

"Look at that! Two attacks in a row, dodged by a graceful use of Swords Dance! Empoleon powered up without any downside, and looked great doing it!"

Brendan's points took a small dive.

---

"You see that, Clefairy?" Up in the stands, Ash sat in a rather crowded arrangement; Pikachu and Dawn's Clefairy took up his lap, while Rosemary sat on his shoulder, with his cap hanging halfway over her head. "Those moves Empoleon's using… They're all thanks to you!"

Dawn had left Ash with her Poké Ball before the match, insisting it'd be something she'd want to see. Now, it was definitely clear to Ash why he had.

"Fair… Clefairy~!" Clefairy cooed, waving her little claws about. The clumsy, lumbering movements he'd had as a newly-evolved Prinplup had been refined! Her tutoring had bore fruit!

"Who knows how this battle will go…? But, one thing's for sure. He's come a long way!"

---

"Swampert! Use Mud Bomb!"

A huge pile of mud and muck amassed in front of Swampert's mouth. Clearly heavy, as Swampert himself recoiled as the explosive orb was fired towards Empoleon.

"Cut it down, with Steel Wing!" Dawn sternly commanded, crossing her arms over each other at the wrist.

Empoleon mirrored her; his wings taking a cross formation, as a silver sheen coated each of them. "Emmm… pol!" He cried, slicing Mud Bomb down the middle with a flay of his wings.

The remainders of Mud Bomb splattered every which way behind Empoleon, only to react violently and explode, one after another. Even airborne, they made the pool below them ripple.

"Wow! What power behind that Mud Bomb, and what finesse from Dawn's Empoleon! You can see the strengths of both Pokémon, right now!"

Dawn and Brendan both lost a small amount of points, with Dawn still in a minute lead.

"Use Muddy Water!" Brendan declared gleefully, with one hand forward.

While Empoleon had been busy cutting down Mud Bomb, a rising, nasty tidal wave arched over, and crashed into him. Empoleon cried, as he was carried away by the tide.

"Empoleon!" Dawn gasped in worry. Meanwhile, her partner was just now emerging from the mucky waters, shaking his head. His coat was grimy now, and he seemed to be squinting.

"Wow! What a Muddy Water! Empoleon was taken entirely off-guard!"

Dawn's points dropped to match Brendan's.

"Now! Waterfall!" Brendan followed up, giving Dawn no room to collect herself.

Swampert shot forward, crossing the pool's wide expanse. This time, though, the filth generated by Muddy Water collected in the veil brought about by Waterfall; cloaking the starter Pokémon in both of his native elements.

Dawn collected herself. "Empoleon! Use Ice Beam!"

Empoleon opened his beak, and fired freezing rays that danced across the pool surface. Unfortunately for him and Dawn, they missed Swampert entirely. The complete misdirection gave Swampert ample chance to smash his full weight into Empoleon.

"Oooh! That super-cool Waterfall and Muddy Water combination highlighted Swampert's natural traits, and did some damage to Empoleon, to boot! And it seems the valiant bird is having trouble seeing his foe, due to Muddy Water! Dawn's in a bit of a tight spot here!"

Dawn grimaced, as Swampert swam back to stage. Her points rested at about two thirds.

'This could be a problem… Not only is Brendan tough, but Empoleon can't even see, now! If that's the case, then I'm going to have to guide him.' Dawn pointed onward, and shouted, "Empoleon! Use Drill Peck! Move forward, at eleven o'clock!"

"Empol!" Empoleon squawked dutifully. He had absolute confidence in Dawn. With a slight adjustment to the direction he was oriented in, Empoleon leaned his body forward and turned into a wild, buzzing a pointed beak leading the charge, he shot across the mucky pool's surface.

The centripetal force carved the way for him, with water and mud arching over his progression forward. As a true emperor would, he carved the environment around him to suit his assault.

"What a gorgeous and powerful use of Drill Peck! Empoleon's not giving up!"

"Swampert!" Brendan called. "Block it!"

Still landborne, Swampert raised both of his padded arms over his body, just in time for Drill Peck to viciously jab at him. He grunted in pain, as the penguin spun, spun, and spun!

But, he didn't yield. His defenses held strong until Empoleon's momentum died. The two Water-types separated atop the platform.

"A noble effort, but Swampert is just too sturdy to go down, that easily! Both of these Pokémon are putting on quite a show!"

Dawn watched her points drop again. Brendan's chipped away, too, but his points were safely at around two thirds.

"Use Hammer Arm!" Brendan cried. His started sprung forward, and wound up.

"Block it, with Steel Wing!" Dawn urged.

Empoleon crossed his wings and reinforced them. It was his only consolation, as he felt an awful vibration rattle through his entire body. Hammer Arm had made him numb and, in the process, sent the penguin soaring back towards Dawn.

The Sinnohan Coordinator gasped. That attack had been tremendously strong…! But one glance at the terrain clued her in to the avenue Brendan had just provided: below all the grime, crystal clear waters laid below.

"Empoleon! Dive right below you!"

Naturally, Empoleon trusted Dawn's judgment more than anything. He fell into a nosedive, sinking beneath the parted waters, beakfirst. A cool, refreshing submergement followed, and the penguin slowly blinked his eyes. His eyes were, once again, clear!

"Now! Use Drill Peck!" Dawn shouted.

It was awfully convenient — and pretty much necessary — that the Wallace Cup's underwater arena was fitted with speakers to broadcast the trainers' commands. Empoleon heard Dawn's voice, and he shot straight for the surface while building up a quickly accelerating spiral.

He surfaced, crashing into Swampert's chin on the way up in a striking uppercut that sent Swampert soaring away.

"A nice comeback from Empoleon! And look at him, now; his coat is clean, and his vision is crystal-clear!" Lilian narrated, after Empoleon had returned to the field's main platform. "Submerging to get away from that Muddy Water was a sharp move on Dawn's part!"

"Great work, Empoleon," Dawn praised. Even so, she had to face the reality of her situation: Empoleon was beginning to tire, and her points rested around half, while Brendan retained significantly more. If he continued overpowering her… "Empoleon! Swords Dance!"

"Pol!" Empoleon pivoted and swung his wings with clarity and purpose. A red aura denoted another sharp increase in attack power.

"Powering up some more, eh…?" Brendan grinned, before his expression became stern. "Waterfall!"

Swampert reoriented himself; a swift, tidal charge forward carried him on a speeding path back towards Empoleon.

"Not this time! Use Ice Beam!" Dawn commanded.

Freezing, cyan rays struck violently at Waterfall. Far more powerful than it'd been when Empoleon was just a Prinplup, it spread its icy influence quickly. Before Swampert could even reach him, he was frozen to the stage; completely encased in ice.

Dawn could breathe a sigh of relief.

"Swampert?" Brendan asked simply; confidence filling the cool, suave tone he used. It was enough to rattle Dawn's temporary peace of mind.

Cracks began to spread through the large, icy structure. It trembled, before a loud cry burst the frozen cage. Swampert sent frozen shards flying, freeing himself purely by flexing his way out.

Dawn gasped. Empoleon grimaced.

"Wow! Even that Ice Beam wasn't enough to contain Swampert! What a fantastic show of strength; unlike Swampert, I have chills!"

For the fantastic show of Swampert's appeal, Dawn's points dropped to about a third full.

"Sorry. You're gonna have to try harder than that." Brendan grinned. "Hammer Arm!"

"Just watch us," Dawn replied. "Steel Wing!"

Swampert charged in with a lumbering haymaker, while Empoleon struck with one of his steel-coated wings. The crash of pure muscle against metal echoed through the Wallace Cup stadium; ripples coasting outward from the pool's center stage.

Empoleon struggled; with the great weight pressing against his extremity, he was finding it difficult to not lose ground. But his pride wouldn't allow that, and he pulled his wing in to shrug off Swampert's weight. When the Mud Fish stumbled by, he came around with a swing of his opposite wing.

. . . Only for Swampert to guard with his opposite arm. The clash escalated into consecutive clashes, with both Pokémon too stubborn to stand down.

"What a rush! A close quarters showdown between refined swordsmanship, and brute strength! I think the crowd's eating this up as much as I am!"

Cheers and whoops of excitement accompanied the clash, while Dawn and Brendan's points took slow, incremental drops. Brendan fell below half, while Dawn's were a quarter full.

"Use Mud Bomb!" Brendan ordered. With both of their Water-types engaged close-up, there was perhaps no better time to let off an explosive assault.

Though, Dawn was just as keen to what he'd schemed. "Climb up high, with Drill Peck!"

Empoleon climbed the skies, spinning with a sharp projection of his beak leading the ascent.

"Now, add in Swords Dance!" Dawn commanded gleefully.

While maintaining his Drill Peck, Empoleon extended both of his wings to add to the ballad. Both of his prized weapons took on a cool glow; their building power reverberating across the sky through sharp crescents of wind all about him. Thanks to the red glow from his rising attack power, they had their own radical tint.

"And Empoleon powers up with style! I've never seen such a magnificent Swords Dance!"

"Heh. All of this from just over a week? Gotta say, Dawn, you're a natural." Brendan smirked, eyeing the display from below. Even as his points dropped to a third, facing such rapid growth only made him more excited to continue. "Use Waterfall, Swampert!"

With a roaring current propelling him upward, Swampert chased Empoleon.

"Continue using Drill Peck!" Dawn ordered with a hand swinging downward.

"Pollll~!" Empoleon tilted his weight so that he shot down towards Swampert. The sharp drill collided with blunt force. Errant mists rained over the pool from the impact, before the two separated, and shot towards one another again.

Several points of impact were made within the sky in a fantastic show of aerial control. But just like any thrill, all good things had to come to an end. A fourth clash forced the two Pokémon to separate and drop back down.

Empoleon dropped towards the narrow bridge of ice drawn by his earlier Ice Beam, sliding back across it. He dug his pointed wings into the surface; bringing him to a halt just before he hit its end.

Swampert landed on the center platform; rattling it with his weight.

'We're in a really tight spot here,' Dawn thought to herself. Though she was having the time of her life, she couldn't deny the situation she was in. Their points had chipped away some more, and hers were barely a sliver. 'If Brendan gets one more good move in, we're done for. And Empoleon…'

Empoleon was hunched over on the ice, panting heavily. His feathers were frayed in several spots, and he'd suffered a number of scratches and bruises. Even with three different executions of Swords Dance, he'd had to throw his all at Swampert, just to break even.

It was no wonder Brendan had made it to battling Wallace.

'We only have one shot at this… but how can I get enough momentum…?' Dawn frowned, assessing the field as it was. Empoleon was on the border of the ice, with the pool to his back. Swampert was a ways away… If they could just propel themselves…

Dawn's eyes shot wide. "That's it!"

"Hm?" Brendan quirked a brow.

"Empoleon!" Dawn shouted. I need you to start a Whirlpool, behind you. Horizontal!"

"Pol!" Empoleon nodded, lifting both wings above his head.

"Thirty seconds on the clock~!"

A roaring Whirlpool balanced itself above Empoleon, before he whipped it in a vertical pattern, rather than its usual facing up. It roared to life behind Empoleon as intended… and began to drag Empoleon in, along with the ice he stood on!

"What's this? Empoleon's started a Whirlpool that's dragging him in! Just what sort of last-ditch effort has Dawn prepared for us…!?"

Empoleon was dragged into the twisting current, before quickly finding himself at its center.

"Now!" Dawn threw a hand forward, finger pointed at Swampert. "Shoot yourself forward, with Drill Peck!"

Empoleon started to twist, twist, and twist some more. Building up cyclical movements, he stirred Whirlpool's core more and more in the opposite direction of its current. Whirlpool condensing itself, as if a coil were being pushed to its limit.

And like any coil pressed, the force behind it had to be unleashed.

Empoleon launched out of the eye of the storm; soaring towards Swampert like a guided missile. His Drill Peck gained an overpowering glow at its front; centripetal force tearing waters and icy footholds apart merely by being close to it.

The gap between the Pokémon was closed within seconds.

"Fine! We'll take you head-on," Brendan shouted. "Hammer Arm!"

"Swaaamp…!" Swampert wound up, and swung.

Ripples and waves battered the pool's wide surface; trembling beneath the clash of wills between Empoleon and Swampert. Brute strength and indomitable will pushed against one another for dominance.

'Ding!'

"Aaaand, we're out of time!"

The disruption prompted the two Pokémon to break off. Empoleon and Swampert stood on the center stage, panting heavily. The platform beneath them wobbled before settling down flat.

"That was a heck of a show — one I don't think I've seen from any Wallace Cup, so far! Watch out, Coordinators, because these two might've just set the standard! But, with a score this close, it's hard to say just who triumphed…!"

Both Dawn and Brendan remained at the tiniest of slivers.

Dawn turned her eyes to the display screen; her heart absolutely pounding in the suspense. Her fist tightened.

Brendan stood coolly with a hand on his hip.

The understudy's face shrunk and disappeared from the screen, while Dawn's took over.

"...And the winner by points at the time-out is Dawn! What a rabble-rouser, folks! That last Whirlpool-Drill Peck combination of hers put the finish she needed on a drag-out match! Was that a thrill, or what!?"

The cheers rolled in, loud and clear, like the cooling mist that had been emanating off Empoleon and Swampert's attacks. Dawn basked in it for a moment, while she let out a breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding.

The pressure of that match'd had her head spinning. She could only imagine Empoleon was far more exhausted than she, so she recalled him to his Poké Ball in a flash of red. She smiled upon the occupied ball fondly. "Thanks, big guy. You were amazing."

Afterwards, she looked across the field. Brendan had already retreated.

"Let's hear it for Dawn and Brendan, while we clear up the pool for the second and final battle of the semi-finals; Larkspur and Kenny!"

With Lilian's rallying, Dawn saw it fit to return to the dome's internal corridors.

---

"Please take care of Empoleon, Nurse Joy."

"Of course, Dawn! Just give me a short time, and I'll have your partner fighting fit. Congratulations on your match, by the way! It was a real thriller." One of the many Nurse Joys called on reserve chirped jubilantly, as she pulled in the tray that held Empoleon's Poké Ball.

"Oh, thanks! The big guy really fought his heart out." Dawn smiled softly, looking upon his current habitat.

"He should be back to you by the time the next round is over. I suggest you enjoy the show, until then!"

"Enjoy the… yeah." Dawn sucked in a breath, and bit her tongue. Nurse Joy didn't deserve her ire towards her… well, towards Kenny. She shook her head. "Thanks." As she turned to leave, she nearly bumped into a larger frame. "Woah!"

"Whoops!" Brendan backed up, laughing. "That's the second time, now. Was beating me not enough?"

Dawn giggled, shaking her head. "Thanks for that battle. It was awesome!"

"Totally awesome!" Brendan agreed, flashing a grin truly meant for TV. "You and Empoleon blew my expectations out of the water!"

"I honestly have you to thank for that," Dawn replied. "I don't think I would've realized just how far Empoleon could go, if you hadn't beaten us, last week. I doubt he would've realized it this soon, either."

"Nothing to get you rolling like a little competition, huh?" Brendan gave Dawn a friendly pat on the shoulder. "For real, though… That's really good to hear. Means Wallace had the right idea."

"Wallace…?" Dawn quirked a brow. "What do you mean?"

"I'm gonna be discreet here, for a minute, so play along with me." He leaned Dawn's way, holding up a hand to guard his words from anyone else present — even if that was only Nurse Joy. "I'm not even chasing ribbons, right now. I'm still training to beat Wallace, y'know?"

"C'mon. No one's doing that," Dawn interrupted, quite rudely.

"...You really got that idol thing wedged pretty deep in your cranium, huh?" Brendan blinked. "Anyway, point is. Wallace suggested I drop in on his tournament. Scout the current competition; make sure there's at least a few other Coordinators up to his standards. The next generation of Coordinators is pretty important to the guy."

"The next generation…" Dawn sat on the words for just a moment. She was part of that next generation, wasn't she? "So, you were a test for everyone else!"

"Bingo." Brendan grinned. "So, if I won… Well, he'd probably think there's more work to do, on the Contest scene. There still probably is, but like. Between the likes of you and Kenny? I think we're fine."

"...Yeah." Dawn stammered, making a face. Any mentions of him were still making her squirm. She shook it off in favor of more important things, smiling. "It's great to hear that Wallace takes carrying on his name so seriously. His idea really paid off, and I have Empoleon's evolution to thank for it!"

"Hey, hey. Don't forget to thank yours truly!" Brenan laughed, giving Dawn a playful nudge before walking past her. "Now, I've gotta go get Swampert healed up. Catch you later, Dawn."

Dawn glanced back. She, herself, still had to wait for Empoleon. For now, though, she could at least watch the battle that was about to unfold. "Yeah. See you later."

---

"Now! For the battle to determine the Wallace Cup finals, we have two exemplary gentlemen here to duke it out for their chance at the gold! Let's hear it for Kenny, and Larkspur!"

The crowd was roaring, already; surely riled from the last exemplary match between Dawn and Brendan, and eager for more from two more skilled Coordinators. The sun was shining brilliantly upon the roofless dome, and the air was cool and refreshing, at the pool's edge.

All ideal conditions for a proud Coordinator to do their best.

Somehow, standing on his end of the stage, Kenny didn't feel nearly so enthusiastic. He idly rolled his Poké Ball in his hand; not quite sure what he was hesitating for. It felt as if he'd choke on his words if he spat them out.

Larkspur, seeing no progress from Kenny, surprisingly took initiative. "Leafeon! Full bloom!" Taking Kenny aback in the revelation that he'd taken his and Dawn's advice, Larkspur flung a Poké Ball towards the central platform.

"Leafeeeon~!" Leafeon cooed, standing proudly with one foreleg placed in front of the other.

"I'd like to remind contestant Kenny that the match can't begin without him selecting his own Pokémon to battle!"

"...Right! Sorry." Kenny coughed, hiding his flushing face behind his hand. There was no time for dawdling. He tossed his own selected capsule backhanded. "Breloom, take center stage!"

The bipedal fungus entered the fray next; raising his bright red claws under the sunlight. His plumage was a bright, healthy green, and his eyes were radiant and focused. In contrast to his trainer, he was absolutely postured and collected for a good fight.

"Alright! Now that we have our competitors… Let's get busy~!"

"Okay Leafeon! Let's show them how you shine, with Sunny Day!"

"Mach Punch!"

Leafeon had parted her mouth halfway, ready to launch an orb of solar energy when she was intercepted by a red and green blur that had already dashed its way across the platforms spanning the pool.

Leafeon squealed as her mouth was knocked shut with an uppercut to the jaw, tumbling through the air in an ungraceful heap. The grass type stumbled across the far end of the stage, surprisingly managing to keep her footing.

Even Lilian gawked. "Were you able to catch that!? Breloom spanned the entire pool in time to knock Leafeon senseless, preventing her from lighting up the skies! To say that Breloom is well-trained is quite the understatement! That show of toughness will cost Larkspur some points."

And, sure enough, it did. It wasn't enough to be of concern, but the younger coordinator's points did chip an inch or two.

Larkspur adjusted his glasses, keeping his composure. "Try, once more!"

Leafeon was successful a second time around; casting an orb that brought brilliant sunlight shining down upon one and all. But none benefited from this more than Leafeon, whose evergreen leaves shone brilliantly. She trilled happily in her natural element.

Kenny's points dropped just a bit. He responded by taking the offensive. "Use Fury Cutter!"

Breloom charged Leafeon with emerald claws, slicing at her. The quadruped leapt nimbly over his head, however, going far out of reach. Breloom spun around, lunging at Leafeon for another attempt. The pure Grass-type was far too quick, however; Chlorophyll highlighted her leaves with vibrance, and the results shown in her swift escape.

Kenny grimaced. "Use Energy Ball!"

Breloom gathered an orb of emerald power between his claws; crackling with life, and unleashed it.

"Aerial Ace, please!" The green-headed greenhorn called.

Leafeon pranced, and pranced some more, before lunging skyward. Aerial Ace carried her into flight, while he could only hear Energy Ball detonate below him. "Leafeon~!" She cooed, gearing her flight towards a quick descent. She smashed into Breloom for a super-effective hit.

"Breloom!" Kenny gasped.

"Leafeon is staying one step ahead of Breloom with those moves, folks! Chlorophyll is really shining, today, and it seems that Kenny just can't take the heat!"

Kenny's points hovered a bit below three quarters full.

"Excellent work, Leafeon!" Larkspur praised her. Even with an edge of nervousness hanging in his tone, his rising volume did plenty to show that he was establishing greater confidence on the fly, thanks to the advantage he held. He didn't relent in pressing it. "Now, use Weather Ball!"

"Leaaaf~!" Landing on all fours, Leafeon conjured a swirling ball of light that quickly gained an orange tint. Blazes wrapped around its core, denoting its element under the harsh sun. The burst was fired towards Breloom.

"Shoot!" Kenny exclaimed. Finding himself in a bind, he called out the command that first came to mind. "Energy Ball!"

Breloom projected the orb of natural power, and it crashed into Weather Ball. It struggled briefly, before flames consumed its essence, and exploded violently. Embers rained across the pool's surface, and Breloom was slung back to the edge of the main platform.

"Ouch! Perhaps the wrong choice for Kenny; not only did Breloom fail to defend themselves, but in his haste, he used Energy Ball, twice in a row!"

Up on the display screen, the bar underneath Kenny's face dropped to halfway full.

---

"It looks like Larkspur learned a lot, since his last battle with Dawn." Ash said, watching from the stands. "Last time, he was the one stuck getting punished for one move. Now, he's got Aerial Ace and Weather Ball backing him up… But, Kenny…"

~His vibes are all over the place!~ Rosa observed, peeking out from under the brim of Ash's cap. ~Something's really off with him.~

"Piiika," Pikachu hummed. He'd seen Kenny at peak performance, before, and this certainly wasn't it.

"It's gotta be because of Dawn…" Ash frowned. "From the other night. Man, losing because of a funk would be so lame… I wonder if he can pull it together!"

---

Kenny's fists balled up by his side; clenching hard enough for his nails to dig into his palms. This battle was slipping right through his fingers, and he knew it. What was going on…? Surely, he was better than this? He had to take the offensive! "Breloom! Mach Punch!"

"Aerial Ace! Onto the pool!"

Breloom stretched to the limits of the bare human eye; a green blur, laced with red, slung across the platform to swing at Leafeon. The force behind the attack did little, though, but send a shockwave across the open pool.

Leafeon danced an aerial ballet, rising and soaring before dipping towards the pool's surface. The water parted and rippled for the cooing Pokémon as she soared just above it. Mist sprayed in every direction, basking her coat and leaves in a cool, refreshing breeze.

Better yet, the harsh sunlight reflected off Leafeon's dance; her glowing leaves, coated in mist, took on the sheen of an actual rainbow. Prismatic colors shone off her ordinarily emerald extremities. She skated her way back towards the platform; a complete spectacle in and of herself.

"Look at Leafeon go~! Dancing on the waters provided by our unique battlefield, and coating herself in an actual rainbow! Larkspur is making the most of the Wallace Cup setting, folks, and Leafeon is running circles around Breloom in the process!"

For Leafeon's beautiful display, Kenny's points dropped down to a third full.

But, as the saying went, all good things must come to an end. The harsh sunlight provided by Sunny Day started to dim, relenting to normal weather. Leafeon started to slow in her skating on the water's surface, gasping at the loss of momentum.

Similarly, the vibrant glow of her coat and leaves dimmed.

Kenny gasped. There was an opportunity. "Fury Cutter!"

The brief moment of confusion was all Breloom needed. Bright red claws took on a green charge, slashing to meet Leafeon's head first tackle. Sparks of Bug-type and Flying-type energy danced from the impact, but neither showed any signs of giving.

"Oh, tough break! That's the end of Sunny Day; Breloom has struck back, too, without Leafeon's blinding speed to worry about! The game of touch-and-go has turned into a head-on clash!"

"A head-on clash…" Kenny echoed quietly, his mouth hanging open. An epiphany was starting to wedge itself in the cracks of his shrouded mind, denoted by wide eyes. 'That's how I fight! At least, it's how I'm supposed to… Showing off our brawn and technical skill. But, how can I do that if all I'm doing is… chasing?'

Chasing. Chasing after Dawn; first for her approval, then to build something greater with her. As recently as his time on Cinnabar, to put things back in order… And now, chasing after Larkspur; one attack after another. 'I've been too hasty… I still am! All it does is land me in trouble. Hell, look at Dawn… She beat Brendan because she was entirely focused on herself, didn't she?' Even everything from last night couldn't throw her off her game.'

Kenny inhaled heavily, and exhaled. "...Hey, Larkspur. I'm sorry."

Across the pool, Larkspur ran a hand through his hair, befuddled. "Pardon?"

"I'm sorry for not giving you the battle you deserve. But, that's all about to change!" Gaining a sudden sense of conviction, Kenny pumped a fist. This only left a question of how. His points were already so low, and Breloom couldn't take super-effective hits forever…

It was time to put the battle at his own pace. "Breloom! Consecutive Fury Cutter!"

"Loom!" Still engaged with Leafeon, Breloom held her off with one claw, drawing back the other to slash it across Leafeon's side.

The Grass-type howled, losing focus. A second slash followed, and several more after with repeated slashes of Breloom's claws, escalating in strength and vibrance.

"Breloom strikes back with a persistent Fury Cutter! It seems that was enough to overpower Aerial Ace! But, will it be enough to turn the tides!?"

Larkspur's points took another dive, but they were still far beyond Kenny's.

Larkspur nervously adjusted his tie. If they didn't establish Sunny Day, once more, Breloom's ferocity could prove a problem. But, would they have the chance…? "Use Sunny Day, please!"

Leafeon collected herself, and howled towards the skies. An orb of heat climbed, and expanded into Sunny Day.

Inexplicably, Kenny did… absolutely nothing. Larkspur quirked a brow, analyzing his foe. Contrasted to the nervous wreck his foe had been a minute ago, Kenny stood with a straight and confident posture; a smirk on his lips, and a hand on his hip. For some reason or another, he'd blatantly allowed him to set up Sunny Day. "But, why…?"

"Sunny Day is back in play, folks! And Kenny and Breloom did nothing to stop it!"

In fact, Kenny wasn't making any commands at all. Oddly feeling unnerved, Larkspur took initiative. "U-use Leaf Blade!"

Utilizing her blinding speed, once more, Leafeon swung an emerald crescent at Breloom.

"Catch it!" Kenny commanded with confidence.

Breloom mirrored his trainer's demeanor, and reached to catch Leaf Blade in his claws. Struggling with the force behind it, but pinching it between them, nonetheless. "Bre…!"

"Now! Use Counter!"

Breloom drew back one arm, and delivered a roaring uppercut to Leafeon's belly. The force transferred back to the quadruped was paid back in double; a shockwave of radical orange energy bubbling out from the impact point.

Leafeon howled, knocked unceremoniously back towards Larkspur. The grass specialist's points were knocked down to near half.

"What a show of strength and confidence from Kenny and Breloom! They seem to be turning the battle in their direction now, folks! Who will triumph is anyone's guess, at this point!"

"I told you I'd give you a better battle," Kenny posed, smirking, now. "Mach Punch!"

"Breee…!" Breloom lunged forth. Hovering over Leafeon before the latter could even properly recover, he swung with an aggressive right hook.

Leafeon was sent skipping across the pool, like a stone tossed leisurely by a bored youth. Howling as she hit the surface; it was as jarring as it was refreshing.

Larkspur's points took another small drop.

"Stay afoot with Aerial Ace, please!" Larkspur called.

"Eon~!" Leafeon righted herself; soaring loops around the pool's surface to recover her momentum. Rainbow hues coated her again; chipping away at Kenny's points to a dangerous low.

"Use Energy Ball!" Kenny commanded.

Breloom generated another orb of verdant light, and fired.

"Dodge, please!" Larkspur ordered.

Leafeon skated a zig-zag pattern around Energy Ball, avoiding it completely. However, it still detonated on the water's surface; a great splash behind her glimmered beautifully under the harsh sunlight. Lively greens highlighted the waters before dying away.

Larkspur's points hit a third of the way full. The boy grimaced. 'Even though his move missed, he's closing the gap between us… This is looking quite dangerous.' Dealing a decisive blow soon was critical. "Use Weather Ball!"

Climbing the air with Aerial Ace, Leafeon abandoned the move to summon a blazing Weather Ball. It plummeted towards Breloom.

Kenny's toothy grin shone under the harsh sun. Just the turn of events he was hoping for. "Use Mach Punch on the water, Breloom!"

Already at the platform's edge, Breloom struck a horizontal slash across the pool's surface. The sudden concussive force kicked up a huge wave immediately in front of him, before it collapsed.

The tide consumed Weather Ball; little was left of the powerful move but hissing steam.

Larkspur's points dipped lower, still.

"That powerful Weather Ball just couldn't stand up to the elements. Kenny really seems to be backing Larkspur into a… What's this!? Sunny Day is dying out, right before our eyes! And at such a crucial moment!"

"Right on time." Kenny smiled at the most recent development. With the clock reading only a minute left, things were falling into place. "Breloom! Fury Cutter!"

Breloom charged Leafeon with shimmering claws.

"Dodge, with Aerial Ace!" Larkspur pleaded.

Leafeon soared out of arm's reach, building speed before shooting back down for a final charge.

"That's it!" Kenny exclaimed, snapping his fingers victoriously. "Use Counter!"

Breloom crouched, crossing both of his arms over his torso just in time for Leafeon's skull to crash into his guard. The fungus growled, struggling against her through grit teeth. Orange, Fighting-type energy built between the two Pokémon.

"Bre… loom!"

Retaliatory energy blasted Leafeon sky-high. Larkspur's Pokémon soared, then fell, landing on the opposite side of the platform in a heap. Swirls in his eyes confirmed a knock-out.

"Aaaand, Leafeon is unable to battle! In a complete upset, Kenny and Breloom staged a come-from-behind victory, by knock-out! These are the kind of theatrics that I think it's safe to say everyone came here for! Let's give a big hand to both of our Coordinators!"

"Thank you, Leafeon." Larkspur recalled his partner in a flash, smiling sadly at the capsule that now contained her. Looking across the stage, he bowed politely to Kenny. If he was going to lose to anyone, here, perhaps…

Kenny returned the show of respect with a nod, after praising and recalling Breloom. 'I did it… I battled at my own pace, and did things my own way.' He could hear the crowd's cheers and coos of appreciation, but it was little more than background noise. He turned for the dome's corridors.

'But if I'm going to battle with regrets… There's one thing left to do. Please, let me find you, before the finals.'

---

"Now, I'm sure you're as parched and overwhelmed as I am after watching those thrilling match-ups, everyone! So, we're going to take a very quick intermission before the Wallace Cup's final round! Get a drink, do what you need to do, but be snappy about it! You won't want to miss a blink of what's to come!"

Lilian's voice sounded over the intercom; the brief break was a huge relief to Kenny, as he rushed down the hall. He'd need all the time he could squeeze in, if he wanted to set this straight. If he could just have some look and run into…

Dawn. The other child of Twinleaf stepped out from around the corner of a different hallway, slowing in her tracks. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glance of Kenny. Even in a brief second, her icy glare gave him a chill. She continued to walk.

Kenny suppressed any urge to cower, and ran up to her. "Dawn!"

"I'm battling you," she said, matter-of-factly. By the way she leaned on the ball of her foot, Kenny had the impression that she was ready to walk off at any moment. "I'm not letting you get in the way of me competing."

"...Yeah," Kenny said, rubbing his neck. "I… saw that in your battling, compared to mine."

"Well, one of us is here because they have a dream to chase." A bitter and unfeeling reminder.

"Agh…" Kenny groaned. He couldn't protest, though. "Yeah, I deserved that… But, Dawn, you have to listen to me!"

"I don't have to do anything!" Dawn snapped, turning around to glare at him.

"...Yeah. You're right. You don't." Kenny resigned with a sigh. "But, please… I'm asking you to. When we walk out onto that battlefield in a couple minutes, I want to do it with no regrets."

Dawn exhaled through her nose, and anxiously ran a hand through her hair. Unfortunately, he'd picked a line of reasoning that resonated with her, though she'd hate to admit it. "Fine. What is it."

"...I feel horrible, Dawn. I was a coward with you. And what's worse than that is that I didn't even come close to understanding you… Honestly, I still don't." Kenny frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. Though he felt low, he willed himself to maintain eye contact with Dawn. "I spent so much time in my own head that I never really listened to you… and, after thinking about that, I got why you ended our friendship. I completely failed you as a friend."

Kenny attempted to do the opposite of what he'd just said, and read her expression. Understand just what it was that was going through her head. The ridge of her brow held low; she looked… not quite furious like the night before, but confused. Troubled.

Dawn scrunched her nose, thinking her words through. "If you're trying to make me feel guilty, then that's not getting anywhere," she said. "I felt guilty yesterday. I felt guilty back at the lighthouse, when you threw that decision of yours in my face. I'm done being responsible for other people's feelings!"

"I'm not!" Kenny retorted. "I'm not trying to make you feel anything… I'm done chasing. I made my own mistake, and I'm owning it." As rotten as he felt; as small as he felt in Dawn's presence, right now, he resolved to stand his ground. "I'm going to continue my path as a Coordinator, and from now on, it's gonna be my own. Not an excuse to be close to you. I want to battle you as my new self, Dawn!"

"...Y'know, it's really annoying," Dawn muttered out.

"Huh?" Kenny asked.

"How you managed to say all the right things, when I'm still furious with you." She shook her head. She wanted to be stubborn, and obstinate, and tell him to scram so she wouldn't get dizzy over the confusion. But, she, herself, had said that she hated dishonesty.

"It's hard to look back at our years together, now. Everything's just… been painted by what I learned last night. It made me feel seriously uncomfortable, Kenny. But…"

Hearing that one 'but,' Kenny waited expectantly.

"If you mean that, then I have one request for you."

"Name it," Kenny uttered without even a moment's hesitation.

"Battle me today. Battle me as a rival, and an equal." She looked up to meet Kenny's gaze. Nary a smile, yet, but he could see the sincerity in her eyes. The seriousness she was giving him that he probably didn't deserve. "Try to defeat me with everything you have, because it's what you want for yourself! Then… Maybe, then, we can start over from scratch, from there."

"...Man." Kenny fought a trembling lip, but he just had to laugh, and rub at his eyes.

Dawn frowned. "Man, what!?"

"I'm sorry! It's just… Agh. A lot of things." He was grateful he had any chance at all. Enough to bring him to tears, if his first prideful instinct weren't to hide it. Look at where that had gotten him, though. More than that, though… "It's just… it's funny; your condition. You and Ash really do belong together." Resigning to that one final time, perhaps, he extended a hand. "It's a deal."

Dawn hesitated, slowly extending her hand. Seeing her hesitation, Kenny pulled his own halfway back. Although they'd reached an agreement, the air still felt terribly awkward. Both of their hands were hanging in the air, guessing at the appropriate next move.

Truly, the epitome of awkward teenage romantic angst.

"Alright! We're back in business! Dawn and Kenny, please report to the battlefield!"

"...Well, we better-"

"Yeah."

Each Coordinator walked their own way.

---

"Aaaand, here we are! The final round of this year's Wallace Cup comes down to two accomplished and decorated Coordinators; two competitors in Sinnoh's most recent Grand Festival, and one of them a finalist; and as we already knew, the winner of the last Wallace Cup! Will Kenny rise to the occasion, and break expectations? Or is Dawn on an unstoppable path towards the gold? Let's find out, now!"

With her grand introduction, Dawn stepped forward onto her platform. She took a deep breath, absorbing the many cheers of excitement from the audience. Some rooting for her, and others just eager to see a grand performance. She lightly cradled Togekiss' Poké Ball in the palm of her hand. Whichever they were here for, Dawn would show them all of her appeal.

She wound up, and with newfound conviction, slung the capsule high into the sky. "Togekiss! Spotlight!"

Spinning in its ascent, the Poké Ball came apart at the latch, and a blinding light climbed even higher, before fanning into two brilliant wings that heralded a larger, rotund body. Togekiss blessed her audience with her snow-white wings, colorful patterns, and most of all, her lulling voice.

"Kiss~!" Togekiss sang, taking a gentle coast around the pool; soft, dense feathers shimmering in the mist that kicked up for the brief moments her wing tips touched the pool. Enjoying the refreshing cool breeze, she cheered, and orbited back to hover beside Dawn.

To Dawn's satisfaction, Kenny showed no hesitation in committing to the Pokémon he'd already chosen. Surely clutching the Poké Ball he'd walked out with, he slung it backhanded. "Skarmory! Take center stage!"

If Togekiss was an angel, gracing the dome with her good graces and soft, pristine appearance, then Skarmory was a fierce predator of the skies. Silver wings unfolded like a well-oiled machine, revealing razor-sharp, blood-red feathers. A harsh cry pierced the skies, as Skarmory flew a swift lap around the pool. He roosted beside Kenny, saving every ounce of energy for combat. If her game was charm, his was efficiency.

---

"So… Here we are." Ash frowned, leaning forward in his seat. Already in the stands, he was clueless to the conversation that had followed immediately beforehand. "Looks like we're getting a dogfight! That should be exciting, but…"

"Pika-ka," Pikachu hummed in worry.

~I think Ma looks okay.~ Rosa pointed towards the girl from Twinleaf. ~Her vibes feel fine!~

"...She does look totally focused." Ash breathed a sigh of relief, upon seeing Dawn's straightforward posture, and clarity for battle. "Now, she just has to win this!

"...Vibes?" Ciara, who'd chosen to join Ash in the audience, tilted her head at the odd intrusion of the Riolu into her thoughts. She shook the thought off; last night's discussions hung in her head, more than any strange Riolu could. "...Though, I certainly hope they're both prepared."

"They're strong," Ash assured. "They'll be alright."

---

"Well, look at that! With two flyers, it looks like we're about to witness a great air battle! Without further ado… Let's get busy~!"

"Togekiss! Air Slash!" Dawn commanded.

"Kiss~!" Togekiss whipped up a current on the end of her wing, and flung it at Skarmory.

"Dodge, Skarmory! And use Spikes!" Kenny countered.

In the face of the slicing gust of wind, Skarmory dove low, ducking the projectile. He coasted along the pool, peppering its surface with volatile black spikes that fell from the gaps in his red wings.

"Kenny opens up with Spikes! A nasty trap, to be sure…! But, it won't offer him anything in the meantime! It looks as if he's opening this Contest Battle by setting an ambush!"

Dawn grimaced. 'We can't afford to fall, then. If he does damage that way, it'll hurt Togekiss, and throw us off our game!' She wouldn't be shaken so easily. "Aura Sphere!"

Togekiss conjured a blast of life energy, and lobbed it.

"Flash Cannon!" Kenny countered.

Splendid silver burst from Skarmory's beak. If Togekiss' Aura Sphere was a steady shot with impeccable aim, then Flash Cannon was ruthless cannonfire. Its shine clashed and struggled with Aura Sphere momentarily; the two blasts ebbing and pushing against one another, but it didn't last. Flash Cannon cut through.

"Kiss!" Togekiss cried, just barely withdrawing her wing from being scorched by Flash Cannon.

"That's some power on that Flash Cannon! Kenny's off to a solid start!"

Dawn's points chipped away a little bit, but what was more remiss was her opponent, himself. 'I can't believe how strong he's gotten…! For everything, he hasn't been slacking.' Then, since she'd started traveling again, she hadn't, either. "Use Sky Attack!"

A bright, steady glow collected around Togekiss as she built up power. After a brief charge period, she launched towards Skarmory with a blinding shine.

"Autotomize!" Kenny shouted.

Skarmory extended and loosened his limbs, as each of his metal segments shifted and gleamed under the afternoon sun. Perhaps it made each of his limbs move easier; perhaps he was more aerodynamic, now. Whichever the case, he had the speed necessary to veer safely out of Sky Attack's range.

"Oh, no! Sky Attack has missed!"

Kenny grinned, seeing a great opportunity. "Steel Wing!"

Skarmory turned belly-up, and shot towards Togekiss at once. Suddenly above and upon her, he used his limber body to rotate, and slash her back with a merciless strike of his wings.

Togekiss cried and plummeted towards the pool's surface. But, she didn't merely skip on water; one of the many hazardous spikes detonated under her, and sprinkled her with shrapnel. She cried out.

Just a painful hindrance for a trained Pokémon, certainly, but her problems didn't end there. Her momentum sent her bouncing off the surface again, detonating another set trap. Togekiss skipped off the water, howling as her wings and underbelly suffered explosions.

"Togekiss!" Dawn gasped in horror.

"Kiss…!" The Jubilee Pokémon hissed, and regained a look of determination. She pulled back up towards the sky, as loose metal fell from her dense feathers.

"A nasty counterattack, and Skarmory has made full use of Spikes! Togekiss is having an awfully rough time, out there!"

"Use Spikes, again!" Kenny ordered, as Dawn's points dropped to two thirds.

'As if I'd just let him get away with that…!' Dawn grimaced, and gestured a hand forward. "Air Slash!"

Togekiss whipped up a vicious wind, and with a calculated swing of her wing, sent it plummeting towards Skarmory, who was shedding further traps from his wings. He shrieked, as condensed winds pummeled his back, and made him lose his sense of balance.

The metal bird was forced to awkwardly flap and turn, crying in irritation. The extended gamble had backfired, in the short run, and made them look clumsy.

"And, Skarmory gets punished for those ambush tactics! Ouch!"

Kenny huffed, as his points took a significant dip for the first time in the match. He might've made an error, but there was no point in fretting. He'd be sturdy, and stay the course. Waving a hand, he continued. "Use Steel Wing!"

Skarmory ascended to meet Togekiss' altitude. Sharp eyes trained on her, as he swiftly closed the gap between them. Wings extended wide, but folded for minimal air resistance. Silver luminescence trailed from each razor-sharp feather; cutting the air like a knife.

"Kiss!" Togekiss exclaimed, tilting her wings to roll out of Steel Wing's way.

"Togekiss! Behind you!" Dawn warned. "Dive low!"

Sounds of his approach were faint, as he was entirely aerially mobile. But, the faint scrape of steel on steel clued in the maternal Pokémon. She frowned, and took a nose dive towards the water's shimmering surface. Skarmory passed over her, but just barely; several feathers were scraped from her hide; floating down to settle atop the water.

Said feathers triggered another set of smoky explosions from spikes.

Dawn gasped. 'That's it…! No one ever said that Togekiss has to be the one taking those spikes.' She quickly reassessed her strategy, and gestured outward. 'Coast just above the pool, Togekiss!"

"To!" Togekiss chirped affirmatively. Sure and steady, but graceful as she ever was, she coasted above the Wallace Cup's main element; close enough to see her own reflection, but just out of hazards' reach. She could see Skarmory's reflection ahead of her line of vision; he was behind her, looming over at a slightly greater altitude.

'That's it… If he can just get a little closer, then they'll be the ones getting a face full of spikes!' Dawn's vision narrowed. 'If they'll just take the bait…!'

Kenny, watching from across the pool, smirked. "C'mon, Dawn." He scoffed. "You can't think I'm that stupid. You were the one who told me to do my best to win. Flash Cannon!"

Before Dawn could screw up her expression and even wonder what Kenny was up to, Skarmory opened his beak, and sprayed lustrous power towards the Jubilee. "Togekiss!" Dawn warned.

Coasting towards Kenny's end of the pool, Togekiss dipped on her left wing and raised her right to turn. Flash Cannon sprayed through the waters to her right, lighting them with dazzling silver. All well and good, but she couldn't have seen the results coming.

A chain explosion of Spikes blasted across Skarmory's path. Though Togekiss had avoided the initial burst, explosions and sharp metal blasted her mercilessly. She howled, drifting wearily out of the smoke.

"Togekiss!" Dawn exclaimed in horror. Even from a distance, she could see that her stalwart team guardian was beginning to look weary. Her breaths were somewhat labored, and her beautiful coat dirtied with soot.

"Ouch! A totally unexpected combination of Flash Cannon and Spikes! While Togekiss is graceful and strong-willed, Skarmory is like a weapon of war; pursuing her with speed, presion, and tactics! Kenny's sure and confident style of Coordinating is bearing fruit!"

"...He wasn't kidding." Dawn watched her points drop down to half. 'Kenny's completely serious, here. If he catches us slipping like that again, we're done for!'

---

"I can't believe Kenny," Ash muttered.

"Pika?" Pikachu tilted his head.

"Can't believe him…?" Ciara asked. "What do you mean?"

"He's treating this Contest Battle like it's a league battle… That's what I want to say, anyway. Everything is about cornering Dawn to take down Togekiss. But he's doing it in a way that's fit for Contests! Skarmory looks as in control as they are. If she wants to win, she has to step her game up, fast."

~She will!~ Rosa clung to Ash's jacket, watching with intensity. ~Ma hasn't given up, yet.~

---

"Spikes, again!" Kenny snapped his fingers. In the midst of Togekiss recovering and emerging from the aftermath of the last round of Spikes, Skarmory had time to lay a third layer, afterward.

Littering the pool with his explosives, from one end to the next, before returning to hover by Kenny.

"There goes another round of Spikes…! And Togekiss wasn't in the shape to stop this one!"

'It's time to go on the offensive,' Dawn decided. Fortunately, her many, many training sessions, at home and with Ash, had left her a repertoire of tricks up her sleeve. "Aura Halo, Togekiss!"

"Toooo…!" Togekiss sang an increasingly higher note, as each of her feather clad wings swept into a wide reach. Seven different Aura Spheres were conjured, each arranged in a vertical ring, above, below, and beside each of her wings. The formation created the impression of a teal halo about the already angelic creature.

"B-e-a-utiful~! That 'Aura Halo' looks like… well, you can already find it in the name! To turn the tables on the fierce Skarmory, it looks as if Togekiss has descended from the heavens, themselves!"

"You've… got to be kidding." Kenny watched Togekiss at work, awestruck. Dawn's rapid growth needn't be underestimated, either. Not as his points dropped to two thirds for its appeal, alone. "Skarmory!"

"Go, Togekiss!" Dawn urged her partner onward. Togekiss pursued Skarmory, leading the assault with two consecutive swipes of her wings. One Aura Sphere followed after another; each colliding into Skarmory and detonating in a burst of vibrant blue.

Kenny's points chipped away slightly, again.

"You won't pin us down, that easy!" Kenny shouted. "Cut through them all with Steel Wing!"

"Skaaar!" Skarmory swooped back in with a vengeance, and crossed Togekiss' waning Halo with a streak of silver that may well have split the skies. Each Aura Sphere started to part, before wobbling and exploding in a sequence of gorgeous, teal fireworks.

Dawn's points dropped again, but it was the least of her concerns. Her eyes scanned the aftermath, vigilant for her prized partner. To her great relief, Togekiss had dipped under the sequence of explosions, hiding beneath the smoke for a brief moment of cover.

Skarmory's cry was enough to tell them, though, that she'd been found. Hovering just above, he opened his beak.

Kenny smirked. "Flash Cannon!"

"Air Slash!" Dawn countered.

Togekiss had precious little time. A hastily whipped up tempest was all she offered; acting as a funnel for Flash Cannon's power. Glimmering different shades of silver and gray danced into its core, before its light began to leak. It became too great, and Air Slash was obliterated. Togekiss cried, as she was sent plummeting towards the hazard-infested waters.

Even now, black smoke trailed in wisps from her wings. One could only imagine the results.

"Oh, no! Togekiss is headed right for those spikes! This battle could very well be over!"

In that split second, Dawn mentally grasped for ideas, as if some solution would come miraculously out of the blue… And, miraculously, one did. She gasped; eyes snapping open.

---

"Infernape! Flare Blitz!"

A stubborn, burrowing ape. Scorching columns of red and orange flames swallowing the entire Lily of the Valley battlefield. Even from the stands, it had been sweltering.

"Unbelievable! Infernape uses an underground Flare Blitz! Ninjask is blown away by the flames shooting out! The flames of the field are slowly eliminating the threat of Toxic Spikes!"

---

"Togekiss! Use Fire Blast on the pool, below you!" Dawn shouted.

"Did she say 'Fire Blast!?'" Kenny exclaimed.

In brief moments that played out, perhaps, like minutes, Togekiss faced her impending collision course, and steeled her concentration behind noble, beady eyes. Her mouth parted; all of the fiery determination that such a gentle Pokémon carried pooling into her desires to shine at her trainer's behest. A small blaze flickered, and then expanded exponentially.

A five-pointed star descended, and hit the waters, before fanning out across the aquatic domain. Hazardous spikes began to melt under the sweltering heat, before having a far more volatile reaction. Each exploded after being touched; one after another, after another.

From any of the stands, fiery explosions rippled across the pool; doing plenty to expand the already potent flame ignited by Togekiss. Spikes were rendered asunder, and the pool was now, for but a moment, a lake of fire.

"Oh! My! Goodness! Look at the effects of that Fire Blast…! Are we in the Wallace Cup dome, or are we in a volcano!? A tactic that is, for sure, fitting of the legacy of Cinnabar! I don't know whether this was intentional or not, folks, but does it really even matter!?"

Kenny was speechless, as he retrieved a handkerchief to blot at the sweat on his forehead. From his perspective, hell had come to earth, and he and Dawn were at the epicenter.

Through the blazes, if he squinted, he could perhaps make out the image of his rival, even if she was distorted by the sweltering air. Maybe it was the oxygen being sapped away by fires around him, but the young man from Twinleaf found himself breathless.

Perhaps a fresh start on their friendship was the proper thing. He'd vastly underestimated her, in every aspect. Behind the wavering air and smoke, his points dipped down to half. Togekiss was coasting over the still-kindling flames, as well; an angel braving a trial of fire.

By the way Skarmory maintained a fair distance from the inferno, Kenny could imagine his discomfort with the current element. If this lingered, their situation would only get worse. "Skarmory! Flank her from a distance, and use Flash Cannon!"

"Skarr!" Skarmory hovered just out of the heat's reach, while maintaining a consistent watch of Togekiss. The distance made for a more difficult shot, but he hadn't gotten this far without good aim.

Togekiss, meanwhile, wasn't clueless. She dove between rising flames to shield and camouflage herself. The flames wouldn't last forever, but neither would he, in the heat. Insurance enough, as she heard the metallic pulse of Flash Cannon. The flames surrounding her fanned outward into a funnel.

"Toge~!" All the indication Togekiss needed to lean her weight towards her left wing, while raising her right. Flash Cannon came in to flank her, before she leaned to shift her weight towards her raised wing, and loop until she orbited Flash Cannon's fire. Belly-up towards the sky, she looped through Flash Cannon's funnel, and tilted back under it for a full stylish loop.

Flash Cannon went on and detonated in failure, as Togekiss skated through one hazard after another.

"Look at Togekiss go! She skated the flames with finesse, and even made a stylish roll around Flash Cannon! What a hardy and graceful Pokémon! It seems the flames are finally dying out… But it might be too little, too late! Kenny and Dawn's points are just about even!"

Dawn exhaled in relief, as the fires started to sizzle and die down. The humidity was unbearable, and her hair was starting to frizz. But, more importantly, she could see the display screen. Each of their scores rested at about a third full. 'Dead even… and there's only a minute and a half left!' Each moment was becoming crucial. "Togekiss! Aura Halo!"

Several Aura Spheres surrounded the Jubilee; but it was four, rather than the previous seven. This told all Dawn she needed to know, and Kenny as well; she was veering towards the condition where she needed to conserve energy.

Was it a final breath of desperation, or a prelude to something greater…?

Whatever the case may be, Togekiss slung the volley towards Skarmory with a wave of her wings.

Kenny balled up his fists. 'I can't chance a risky take-down with Steel Wing, again… We need the cooler end of the pool.' He waved a hand towards Dawn's end of the stage. "Skarmory! Get moving, towards Dawn's end!"

Skarmory shot towards the furthest reaches, away from Dawn's previous inferno. Behind him, all four Aura Spheres gave chase. Orbiting around him, for a chance at an ambush.

"...Now! Underwater!" Kenny called, as Skarmory took a nosedive beneath the pool's surface.

Aura Sphere followed, one orb after another. Finding far less traction once meeting the resistance of the pool, however, the four of them floundered, and shortly after, burst. Splashes of great magnitude showered the corner of the pool, as if great cannon balls had been submerged.

Dawn felt relieved, admittedly, for the cool mist. But she wasn't so optimistic about the fact that Skarmory was emerging untouched. Though… something wasn't quite right. As much as he flapped his wings, water cascaded and trickled from the divots in his feathers. He gained altitude slowly, and even the most basic flight looked to be sluggish.

"Skarmory dodged that last Aura Sphere, by using the pool! A brilliant evasion, but one that's come with a price! The water weight seems to be slowing Skarmory down!"

Dawn's eyes widened. "Now's our chance!"

"Not quite!" Kenny grinned, happy to be the bearer of bad news. "Skarmory! Autotomize, and follow it with Steel Wing!"

Skarmory ascended to clear himself of the battlefield, and fanned out his lustrous red wings. Metallic parts once again shifted and adjusted themselves like live machinery. Excess water poured towards the pool. Freeing the metallic marvel of his burden, and loosening him for optimal combat.

Which was just what Skarmory used his newfound speed for; shooting across the pool with even greater speed than before, he passed Togekiss, slashing her hide with shimmering splendor.

"Kiss!" Togekiss cried, struggling to right herself.

---

"That's it!" Ash exclaimed, as he nearly lunged out of his seat.

"Pikapi!?" Pikachu turned to Ash, questioning his sudden outburst.

"Huh?" Ciara turned towards Ash, albeit still watching the match out of the corner of her eye. "W-what's it?"

"Kenny used the pool to defend Skarmory from Togekiss, even if it slowed him down… and as soon as he was done with it, he sped back up again to counterattack!" The trainer smacked a fist into his open palm. "It's so obvious! Why hadn't I thought of it!?"

Be that as it may… Ash smiled widely, eyes glowing. 'Just wait for me, Blaine… I'll be coming for you, as soon as Dawn gets that Aqua Ribbon!'

---

"Toge…!" Togekiss wobbled in flight, retreating to hover before Dawn, once more.

Meanwhile, Dawn's points hung at a quarter full. She bit her lip. 'We need a chance, soon… It's now or never!'

While she felt desperation, she wasn't necessarily alone. Even Kenny could see that Skarmory was growing clumsy, and his steel hide was marked with small burns.

'Forget the repetition cost… If we can bring them down in one go, we'll win by knockout, and close the battle! Togekiss is already weak!' Kenny furrowed his brow, deliberating his final strategy. With an all-or-nothing, gutsy approach, he threw out a hand. "One more Steel Wing!"

Skarmory looped around, charging Togekiss with a headlong charge, even as Kenny's points chipped.

"There it is!" Dawn beamed. "Togekiss! Fire Blast!"

"Toooo…!" Togekiss spanned her wings, and ignited her inferno. A fiery star spanned greater than her width, and quickly ambushed Skarmory.

Nearly losing his footing in a panic, Kenny called out. "Pull back! Outrun it!"

The attack was too wide to simply swerve past at this distance. Skarmory turned on his tail instead, zipping away from Togekiss and his encroaching predator. He could feel the residual heat snapping at his tail-feathers.

"Now, let's really make that Fire Blast shine!" Dawn ordered, one hand held near her heart, the other dramatically outstretched.

Togekiss fanned hers wings once more, her whole body budding with a white glow.

Kenny, meanwhile, was too glued to his fleeing Pokémon's fate to notice or even hear Dawn. By now, Skarmory and the Fire Blast were nearing the end of the pool. "Pull up, now!"

Skarmory frantically turned his nose up to ascend, his brassy heart jumping when he just barely avoided the worst of the heat.

While one Pokémon fled from the Fire Blast, another approached it. Togekiss had taken off, her angelic form swooping into the eye of the flames. The pressure behind her latest attack shoved the center aside, allowing Togekiss to pass through a fanning ring of fire.

Much like Lance's Dragonite; she made way for greatness.

"Check that out! While Skarmory wouldn't be caught dead entering that Fire Blast, Togekiss dove into it head-on! Using what looks like Sky Attack, she's blown right through it!"

"Sky Attack!?" Kenny echoed, quite a few moments too late to do anything about it.

Togekiss had passed through the fading Fire Blast, coating herself in the more persistent flames. The heat clung to her white shining aura,coating it in brilliant, white-hot flames. Adhering to Togekiss' form, but moving far beyond it, she struck the audience with awe.

Her form was ethereal; like a winged god, before everyone's eyes.

"Let's see how you like Sky Phoenix!" Dawn declared with pride, pointing upward.

"Toge!" She cried, swerving up after passing through her very own target. With all of her momentum and all of Kenny's confusion, she had little trouble catching up with Skarmory, striking it with her radiant, flaming body.

The fire and Sky Attack's veil dispersed upon impact, creating a quick, but impressive afterimage before fading away before the stadium's eyes.

Togekiss made a quick departure herself, gently circling the air above the pool to recuperate.

"...And we're out of time! Just in time for Togekiss to finish her beautiful counter-attack, too. What does that mean for our competitors!? Let's have a look!"

The clock had hit zero seconds. The last, grand maneuver by Dawn had knocked Kenny's points to zero. To complete what was perhaps a picture-perfect scene, Skarmory fell from the air; trailing smoke and completely unconscious. A flash of red called him in an admission of defeat.

"Well, what do you know! For the second time in this year's Wallace Cup, that's a triple threat knock-out, by all three conditions! Dawn depleted Kenny's points and defeated Skarmory, all upon a time-out! I think it's safe to say that our winner is definitively…!"

Kenny's proud visage shrank from the screen and vanished, while Dawn's took over.

"...Dawn! It really came down to the wire, and Kenny's charmingly relentless Skarmory put Dawn through the wringer. But that last-minute strategy on Dawn's part sealed it all! What an amazing show!"

Deafening shouts and whistles from the crowd nearly drowned Lillian's voice out, even with the stadium's speakers in her favor. Fans of both coordinators alike shouted out in appreciation of the heart-throbbing match. What an exciting conclusion!

---

Ash whistled through two fingers between his lips, pumping his fist in support of his girlfriend and her Pokémon. "Woo-hoo! Alright, Dawn! Way to take it home!" He cheered, absolutely rowdy over the match. She'd just been so, so amazing!

"Pi-Pikachu!"

~Yay, Ma!~ Rosa cheered… before hopping into Ash's lap, and opening up his red jacket. ~Call me back out when she gets the ribbon.~ She tapped her Poké Ball, disappearing into it to duck the remainder of the fanfare.

Ciara shrunk in her seat, a pair of fingers tapping at her arm. "Kenny really did his best, too…" Moments afterward, she flushed, straightening up stiffly in her seat. "B-but I'm happy for Dawn, too! She was amazing! I-I-"

Ash silenced the fretting girl with a hand on her shoulder, flashing a smile. "Take it easy. It's tough rooting for two people you like when they're up against each other. We've all been there."

The girl curtly nodded, returning her eyes to the stage.

---

Awestruck in the face of her victory, Dawn stood speechless in a heart-stomping stupor. That was, until she watched a tired Togekiss hover back down towards her platform. "...Ah! Togekiss! You were wonderful!"

She sprinted to the landing Pokémon, throwing her arms around her. "You really pushed your limits out there, didn't you? Thank you so much. That Sky Phoenix was just perfect, too!"

"Toge-Toge~" The Jubilee Pokémon chimed, embracing her trainer with her large wings. She was on her last legs, right now, but helping her trainer achieve victory was more than satisfying!

After this, she'd need a nice, long nap.

Whether it was by coincidence or intuition, Dawn held out Togekiss' Poké Ball. "You ought to have a nice, long rest. Thanks again, Togekiss." With that, the Pokémon was absorbed in a red flash.

"Thank you, Skarmory," Kenny recalled his exhausted, toasted Pokémon. He took a long deep breath, soaking in the initial disappointment. "All the way to Kanto, just to lose, huh…" He scowled, looking across the pool to his blue-haired rival. He couldn't help but smile.

"You really earned this one, Dawn."

"A wonderful, thrilling battle that showed the unique charm of both contestants' Pokémon. I couldn't have been more thrilled." Mr Contesta announced, bringing the traditional judges' review.

"Heart-stopping, and remarkable!" Mr. Sukizo added, predictable as ever.

"Both Togekiss and Skarmory looked healthy and glistening, and showed wonderful composure through a tough, trying battle. It's very easy to see that both Dawn and Kenny raised them well!" Suzie added, with her breeding expertise.

With the three main judges having said their piece, Lillian took over. "Now, Wallace will say a few words for this cups' victor; Dawn!"

---

In short order, a stage on Dawn's battling platform was assembled — after assuring that no more hazardous traps plagued the pool, of course. A set of steps were laid out, where Dawn stood at the very top. Beside her were Pachirisu, Togekiss, and Absol. To Empoleon's chagrin, he didn't quite fit, but he stood tall beside the elevation, all the same.

With Lillian and the three judges standing by, Wallace approached the Twinleaf native for a second time. "Dawn, once again, I would like to say 'bravo!' You and your Pokémon both showed a great deal of composure and creativity, making you fitting two-time winners. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that it puts a smile on my face to have seen you grow so much as a Coordinator. For all of your hard work in bringing out your Pokémon's beauty, I'd like to present to you the Aqua Ribbon, once more!"

Just as was custom the last time around, the beautiful, coiling Milotic beside the Master Coordinator let loose a miniscule iteration of Aqua Ring to gently carry the ribbon towards Dawn.

The girl ceremoniously accepted it into her hands, her smile pressing all the way across her flushed cheeks. "Thank you, so much! It's really an honor… I had such a great time competing against all sorts of great Coordinators… And most of all, I'm grateful to show everyone the appeal I see in my own Pokémon! I wouldn't have gotten this far without them!"

A fitting, heartfelt speech, to be sure. But there was just that little bit of competitive spark in her that Dawn couldn't suppress bubbling to the surface. Smiling widely, she spun to hoist the Aqua Ribbon high above her head. "Alllright! The Aqua Ribbon is mine, all mine!"

"Chi-pa!"

"Sol."

"Kiss!"

"Empol!"

"Very well said," Wallace approved. "I've greatly enjoyed the techniques and passion exhibited not just by Dawn, but Kenny, and every other coordinator here, as well! I truly hope that this event has taught everyone to forge a deeper and more brilliant bond with their pokemon! I pray that soon, we'll all meet again!"

Milotic took her cue, pointing her head towards the sunny sky, only to fire a roaring violet flash out of her mouth that climbed the skies all the way to the top of the dome. The head and wings of a dragon emerged from the brilliant burst, exploding far above the stadium. Multi-colored sparkles rained down onto the crowd, earning thunderous applause.

---

After adequate time for Pokémon to heal, and everyone to recuperate, the dome hosted a sort of afterparty; with vendors set up through the corridors, and soft music was played over the speakers. Children and Pokémon alike dived into the once again clean pool.

Behind the stage, Brendan stood by his teacher, with his hands in both of his pockets.

"Your ire showed on stage," Wallace chided, swirling a red, plastic cup of something that was orange but decidedly not orange juice. "That was inappropriate. What was that about?"

Leaning against the railing surrounding the party zone, Brendan made no attempt to hide the self-assured smile worn on his lips. "I had a point to make. Believe it or not, the one behaving inappropriately and smearing your event wasn't me."

"...So it seems." Wallace hummed in mild annoyance, sipping from his cup. "There were a few unsportsmanlike exchanges during the proceedings of the event. I don't mind sporting rivalries — nay, I encourage them! But, perhaps there should be greater discussion on guidelines of decorum."

"Hah! Maybe not a bad idea." Brendan smirked, looking over his shoulder towards the main gathering. "...But, hey. Grudge matches aside. What do you think? Pretty sweet turnout, huh?"

"'...Pretty sweet' is certainly a way of putting it," Wallace gave a stilted smile, despite Brendan's chosen vocabulary. "But, yes. In any other circumstance, I might be concerned that the same Coordinator has won twice in a row. But, there's no doubt that Dawn's skill level has climbed more than adequately. She, along with a fair number of others, have exceeded my expectations. I believe her battles with you and the finalist will be on the front pages for days to come."

"Hah, don't tell her!" Brendan stifled a laugh through a grin. "She might faint."

Wallace curiously arched a brow. "I wasn't aware she was the type to be starstruck… Though, that would explain events of the past." That friend of hers had suggested he see her battle, when she was in low spirits, if he recalled… How thoughtful. "She hides it fairly well."

"That girl?" Brendan laughed. "I don't think she hides much of anything. I guess she was just too focused on her Pokémon, at the time."

"As it should be. I do have high hopes for her in the future… Now." Wallace frowned around the rim of his plastic cup. "About that appeal of yours…"

Brendan could hear the ire dripping off his mentor's words. Though, he could only laugh more. "Well…"

---

Dawn stood at the edge of the pool, watching the gentle ripples of cheer and play roll across its surface. The coming moonlight bounced off to share its own brilliance. The cool air of spring was refreshing; a sure relief after the inferno she'd stood through, today.

"Hey, Dawn!"

Hearing the beckon for her, Dawn pulled herself out of her trance, turning to face the owner of the voice. Today's greatest rival walked his way over. "Kenny…?"

"In the flesh, he laughed lightly. An awkward one, to be sure. He rubbed the back of his neck, while he attempted to formulate his words. "Hey, so… Congratulations."

"Thanks," was the immediate response that slipped past her lips. She sounded… not quite angry. The match quelled that, she was pretty sure. There was just a touch of discomfort. Trepidation, leaning on the flimsy truce they'd called before the battle.

Right. The battle.

"It was a lot of fun! You really pushed us down to the wire. I wasn't sure if we'd win." Dawn half-smiled, brushing a bang aside. "It's the kind of thrill that makes Contests fun, you know?"

"Yeah! Honestly, I… Kind of forgot about everything for a minute," Kenny admitted. "I was just too busy trying to outmaneuver you and Togekiss. I can't believe you found a way around all of our strategies… I guess I still have a lot of growing to do."

"I'm sure we all do. But, you… really meant what you said, right? About chasing your dream for yourself, now?" Dawn felt a certain discomfort in sounding so… timid. Unsure. Hopeful for someone she'd just sworn off, last night. But, even if she'd buried their former friendship, with all of its caveats…

She couldn't lie to herself and feel convinced that she didn't find it all a loss. She wanted to believe that his promise, today, had been sincere. That maybe they could start from scratch. She wouldn't hold his hand with it, but if he walked that tightrope by himself, then…

"I did mean it," Kenny said with certainty. "I've made some dumb choices, Dawn. But I've spent… Ugh, the past week or so staring them in the mirror, and I kind of hated it." He slid his hands into his pocket. As bold as he'd made himself behave, he wasn't invulnerable. "...I wanna look at myself and see someone I'm proud of. Someone you can call a rival, next time our paths cross." He managed a playful smirk. A tentative challenge, to leave hanging.

"But, for now, I'm going to finish collecting ribbons in Johto. I'm not waiting up for you! So, I don't want to see you getting cocky, just because you won the Wallace Cup twice."

Dawn giggled. "Yeah, as if. I'm only aiming higher!" If any strings he'd attached to their relationship in the past remained, they'd been snipped, here. He made his future plans abundantly clear. "Next time you see me, I'm going to show you my first Top Coordinator Cup."

"First, huh?" Kenny laughed, slipping a hand free to hold it palm-up. "You're telling me there's gonna be more?"

"Never expect anything less of Dawn Tsumura!" Dawn piped up, hands on her hips.

"...Yeah. Now, I know not to," Kenny laughed to himself. That was a lesson that'd been hammered in, this week. Painfully so. But, it was one he'd had to learn. He hesitated, before holding a hand outward. "...So, what do you say? Friends again?"

Dawn's sapphire hues landed on Kenny's outstretched hand. There was a moment of apprehension, as there always was, after a bad fight between friends. But ultimately, she smiled, and found this satisfactory. She reached and gave his hand a firm shake. "Friends again!"

"Awesome! That's great." Kenny laughed, rubbing his neck with his free hand. "...Now I can leave Cinnabar with a clear conscience, and go my own way. Hey, speaking of that…" His coal hues drifted away from Dawn, and around the dome.

"Huh? Speaking of what?" Dawn tilted her head.

"I've gotta go talk to Ciara, actually," he admitted. "As long as we're being honest… The reason I was acting so weird about her is, well… I definitely, uh, like her." Even if he was being honest, it was an awkward admission, everything considered. He felt lucky he'd hiccuped it out at all. "She said if I wanted an answer to any of that, I had to sort things out with you… Not that that's why I—"

"Kenny," Dawn stopped him, shaking her head. "No need to worry. I get it. And…" She retracted her hand, but maintained a genuine smile. "Thanks for being honest about that, with me. We can see each other off later, but that's important!" She reached over, shoving him forward with a pat on the back, after spotting Ciara's easily recognizable lilac sweater. "Go get her!"

Kenny yelped and stumbled, before quickly composing himself with a blush. Looking over his shoulder, he smiled. "Yeah. I will." He immediately felt lucky to have a friend like her back, and ran off to speak to the other Coordinator.

At a distance, Dawn could see them talking, but no longer hear what they were saying. But, that was their business, she decided. That was fine.

"Hey, Dawn!" Ash's voice chimed in. He ran up to her, with several plates of food; one for himself, and one for her; plastic silverware dipped in, and all. Pikachu and Rosa trailed at his feet.

"Ash!" Dawn turned to him, and giggle. "Thanks, but you didn't have to get it for me."

"Don't be silly, I wanted to! But, forget that. I want you to meet Suzie while we're still here!"

"The breeder?" Dawn asked. "You know her?"

Ash nodded. "Oh yeah!"

Dawn smiled, shaking her head. "Between Lance and her, I'm starting to wonder if there's anyone you don't know!" Not that she was complaining; she followed Ash and the party over.

"Hey, Suzie!" Ash yelled aloud, waving to the green-haired woman.

"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu chattered, greeting her, as well.

"Hm? Ash!?" The judge turned, brows raising high when she spotted the familiar face. "I had no idea you were watching the cup! And I'm certain I didn't see you among the competitors…" She blinked, spotting the yellow mouse. He looked comparatively smaller on Ash's shoulder, now that he was practically her height. "Oh, hello, Pikachu!" Suzie reached to scratch behind his ear with the expertise of a seasoned breeder. "I hope Ash has taken to petting and treating you with care, like I instructed?"

"Cha~!" Pikachu cooed, happily craning his neck for the gentle hand. Ash sure had!

Ash chuckled. "The one and only. It's great to see you again!" How long had it been, now? A couple of years? "I wasn't competing. I was here watching the winner!" With that, Ash jerked a thumb over towards the blue-haired coordinator with a grin.

"Oh, Dawn! Congratulations!" Suzie gushed, clasping her hands together in excitement. "Your battles and your appeal were all very enjoyable. You've raised such elegant Pokémon!"

"Thank you! We try our best!" Dawn replied with a small bow. "I've heard of your work! You're very talented!"

"You're too kind," Suzie's lips curved upward. "If Ash is with you, he'll have to bring you to my boutique on Scissor Street, sometime! ...Oops, I guess that leaves you feeling a little obligated, doesn't it?" She meekly admitted, cupping a few fingers over her mouth with a nervous chuckle.

"No need to worry," Dawn chirped. "We'd love to! But… we're going to have to finish my Contests and Ash's Gym Battles, first."

"Of course! I'd hate to impede you, especially after that performance," Suzie shook her head. Though, she couldn't help but take interest. "So, you're doing the Gyms, Ash… oh! And I see you have another companion!"

Rosa hung tentatively near Ash's leg. The trainer chuckled, reaching to scoop her up. But, she quickly grew embarrassed and scaled his free shoulder, instead. ~I'm Rosa.~

"Oh! Telepathy…?" Suzie blinked twice. "That's quite advanced, especially for a Riolu… even among Lucario, communicating so seamlessly is a bit of a rarity. You must have raised Rosa well, Ash."

"Only the best for my little girl!" Ash flashed a toothy grin, leaning to brush his cheek against hers. "She's had to catch up quick, but before you know it, she'll be ready to take on the Pokémon League with the rest of us!"

"If I know you, I'd place my bets on it," Suzie giggled. "It's nice to see a familiar trainer blooming with talent and heart… But, I really should be going. I look forward to seeing you two!"

"Bye, Suzie!"

"See you!" Dawn waved, watching Suzie depart. She looked back towards the pool, reflecting many different colors. The thought struck her, suddenly, that the scene looked awfully romantic, and she reached for Ash's hand.

"H-hey!" Ash yelled, stumbling along with Dawn. "What's the big idea!?"

"C'mon! I just thought it looked nice over here." Dawn looked over her shoulder, and winked.

Still holding hands, the two stood across the pool, slightly secluded by the curtains of the stage and the approaching twilight. In the pool itself, Kenny's Empoleon surfed Ciara's shiny Vulpix safely across.

"Empo…" The Water-type whined upon Dawn's return. Were they packing up already?

Dawn looked to Ash before smiling. "Aw, we can stay a little while longer. Why don't you guys go play in the pool, some more?"

Whooping with glee, Empoleon quickly scooped up Rosa. It'd been a while since he'd been able to surf with her! Pikachu began to hop after them, but the burst of a Poké Ball caught his attention. He looked back to see that Buneary had escaped of her own accord.

"Bun-bun!" Buneary shuffled over to Pikachu, pointing a paw towards the pool. "Buneary?"

He smiled. He supposed it wouldn't hurt to go swimming with her. "Pika!"

"Buneary!" The normal type cooed, her paws pressed together coupled with quite a bashful smile and rosy cheeks.

Both lagomorphs dove into the pool with much more subtle splashes.

With that, Dawn and Ash were alone again.

"Oh!" Ash suddenly muttered before bending down a bit, giving her a peck on the cheek. He then let go of her hand to wrap his arm around her waist. "I never gave you a real congrats! I'm super proud of you!"

"H-hey!" Dawn stammered, holding her blazing cheek. She cracked a smile, and turned to lean against his chest. "Is this how we're gonna celebrate from now on, or something?"

"Hm?" Ash cocked his head before chuckling. "Well, I wouldn't mind it! I'll be waiting for mine, after I beat Blaine."

"Hm?" Dawn's eyes widened. She pulled back to get a proper look at him. "Did you finally figure out how to beat him?"

"You bet." Ash looked to her with a roguish grin. "One of Kenny's strategies helped me figure out his riddle. I ought to thank you for such an amazing battle!"

"Hehe, glad I could help!" Dawn beamed. "I guess it's only fair, after I used your underground Flare Blitz, for my strategy."

"So, that was where you got it!" Ash suddenly puffed out his chest with pride. "I'm glad I could help. Let's get some training in to polish things off, and head for Cinnabar soon, huh?"

"Sounds great," Dawn agreed. "For just a minute, though… Let's enjoy my victory." She leaned her weight into Ash, watching the sky's wavering color pallet in the pool's reflection. With her fourth ribbon, she'd polished her skills, furthered her relationship with her favorite capped trainer, and learned a few painful, but valuable lessons.

The world was about to witness a better and wiser Dawn Tsumura.