OSPREY….SWOOOSH
UO: It's the Final Four and we are no where near March.
Ash: What?
Drew: It's a sports thing.
Gabby: College Basketball
Tori: (On the phone) Uh UO some people from the NCAA is calling.
UO: Are you kidding me? They are suing me for using Final Four and not making money of it?
Tori: (Back on the phone) They realized we weren't making money and are dropping it.
UO: Thank you! Where's the rest of the cast
Misty: I don't even want to know
Dawn: Ready (Winces)
Anabel: Easy there Dawn your still recovering.
May: Don't strain yourself
Brock: Ready to go
Max: Let's go
UO: Alright. Misty?
Misty: UnitedOsprey1991 Does not own Pokemon or Kamen Rider. He would be a billionaire and he would have paired Ash with at least me and May
Normal: Dialogue
Italics: Thoughts, Flashbacks, and telepathy.
CAPS: Attacks
Bold: Yelling and Belt Noises
Bold and Italics: Yelling in head:
Chapter 45: Fixing the past
Four days after the last chapter (DP165 I will be bouncing around a few episodes)
When we last left our heroes, they had defeated Team Galactic. As they were defeating Team Galactic, they fought against the Dark Riders, Dante, Dracul and Dusk. Dracul was eventually killed when her ship was crushed due to Azelf's attack. In Mt. Coronet, they fought off Dusk and destroyed the machine that Team Galactic had used to summon the pokémon Palkia and Dialga thanks to the efforts of Dawn reflecting the powerful Roar of Time back at them.
Said blue haired coordinator was slowly waking up. She was being held by Misty who was hugging her tenderly as to not irritate her injuries. She sat up and tried to stretch but winced as a pain in her side and in her back flared up.
"Dawn sweetie, you need to be careful." Misty said as she sat up.
Dawn nodded. Despite the healing abilities given to her and the help of Tori and Anabel, her body still felt like a truck ran over her.
Putting on her top, she brought the blue haired coordinator over to a log.
"Another day of massaging and healing and you'll be back in fighting shape." Misty said sweetly.
Dawn nodded and closed her eyes and let Misty massage her legs letting out a pleased sigh. She lifted her leg to allow easier access to the muscles. Turning her over, Misty summoned some water and brought it over bare stomach to heal it.
Dawn purred at the contact and secretly wished Misty's hands would roam further than her stomach but whatever she was doing was amazing.
"Dawn you okay?" Misty said shaking the blue haired coordinator out of her haze.
"Yeah, I liked your massages. Guess I dozed off." She said giggling.
Misty smiled. "Thanks. Your skin is so soft almost like silk. Such powerful legs in a small dainty package." She said returning the giggles.
They walked to their bags and changed out of their sleepwear and into their walking clothes as the rest of the camp woke up.
As breakfast happened, Dawn took a look and spotted two new figures in this every growing family. The first was short shark like creature name Gible. This guy had been following the group for a while and eventually Ash caught it after saving it from some poachers. It had recently started learning the most powerful Dragon type Draco Meteor. Which to her frustration, always seem to hit Piplup and nearly caused the penguin to leave Dawn's service. After an apology, the penguin and coordinator made up and moved forward.
Turning to the other figure, who was sparring with Drew. It was an Infernape. In the town they had just left, they ran into Barry who gloated about getting the Sunnyshore badge and qualifying for the Sinnoh League tournament. Barry then challenged Drew to three one on one battles. It started with Monferno versus Empoleon. To the surprise of Barry, Monferno was able to hold his own against Empoleon until it was hit with a Hydro Canon, which Barry panicked over because he didn't expect it to be that strong and was about to help go search for the wayward monkey when large flame flared up in the woods. Monferno emerged completely enraged. Observing the eyes, they realized Blaze activated and Monferno was out of control. Drew put his life on the line and actually fought against Monferno. Eventually, Drew was able to get close to Monferno and calm it down. Once it was calmed down, it evolved and now it could actually hold a real spar with the trainer.
With everyone fed and trained, they departed for Sunnyshore City. A couple of hours later, they were in the city. The two trainers were pumped up to get back to normal and a gym battle was just what the doctor ordered. Getting directions, they headed straight for the gym. Upon reaching the door, Ash knocked on the door.
"Hello? We have two trainers looking to battle the gym leader!" Ash called out.
A voice then spoke. "Hello trainers. Due to extenuating circumstances, the gym is no longer accepting battles. Please accept the Beacon Badge in the dispenser."
Two clangs were heard and it revealed two lighthouse shaped badges.
Ash and Drew were having none of that. Ash started to slam on the door. "Hey! We came here for a battle! Not to be given a badge!"
Dawn raised her hand. "Uh…why don't you accept the badge, I mean its like a gift.
Drew softened his look. "Call it a matter of male pride Dawn. Would you like it if you were given your last ribbon?"
Dawn shook her head getting the fire user to smile. Drew turned around and growled as Ash kept knocking and the gym refused entry.
"That's it I am going to knock this down! THUNDER-" He said charging up an attack.
"I'm with you. INFERNO"
"Wait! STOP!"
The attacks powered down but the security system still saw Drew and Ash as a threat and reached out to attack them.
"Infernape use Mach Punch." The voice said. An Infernape came and crushed the security system.
Drew and Ash wiped the dirt off. "Thanks. Who are you?
The red haired man grinned. "I'm Flint. Fire type user and a member of Sinnoh's Elite Four. I also happen to be the friend of our illustrious gym leader."
After the introductions, Flint led them to a big house on the coast. Along the way they observed the large solar panels. This caught the interest of everyone, especially the Earth Trio."
"Like what you see? This entire city is powered by solar energy. Being one of the sunniest spots in Sinnoh can do that to you."
Immediately, Drew turned to him and brought a notebook. "Is there a way we can copy the specs? If we can scale this up, I don't think any of our cities would worry about pollution and energy again." He said with a sparkle in his eyes.
Flint chuckled at the enthusiasm as Gabby took pictures while Tori started to do some basic outlines. "Yeah, it was my friend that built this whole thing. I am sure he could help you with the designs."
They finally reached a modest house that was over the cliff side. Flint knocked on the door. "Volkner you there?"
A Raichu who happened to be outside saw him and jumped onto Flint.
"Haha. Hey there Raichu. Is Volkner around?"
"I'm right here Flint." A bored voice said. They turned to see a blonde man with a blue jacket and jeans.
"Oh there you are Volkner. These two trainers want to battle you and I am sure you want to give them an inspiring battle."
Volkner looked at the trainers and pulled out something in his pocket and tossed it to the trainers.
"Here. Take the badges. I don't do battles anymore." He said walking away.
"So that's it huh?" Drew said getting Volkner to stop. "You are supposedly the eighth gym leader. The strongest trainer aside from Flint and his group in Sinnoh. Yet instead of being the trainer that is the boss before big guys, you're a whiny brat who thinks that because he doesn't battle anymore, means we aren't worth his time? Here's what I think about your free badge." He then proceeded to crush the badge. He turned and walked away. "If you guys need me I'll be blowing off steam." Volkner watched as Drew walked away and then went back inside.
Drew stormed off. Gabby sighed. "He'll be fine, he gets frustrated real easily. You guys figure this out. If not, we might need to find another gym." She said as she and Tori went to follow Drew.
Flint scratched his head. "I guess an explanation is in order. Come on, I know a good place to have lunch and we can discuss this."
A few minutes later they were sitting in a diner that Flint said had some of the best food I the city.
"So you want to know about Volkner right?" Flint asked as he leaned back. "Well, I guess it goes back to when we were kids. I challenged him to a battle and I beat him. But he didn't despair and we became fast friends. We eventually became the best trainers in Sunnyshore City. I went and became an Elite Four member, while he became the Gym Leader here. He loved it, but over time something changed. He started putting less effort into his battling and more into his technology obsession. And well you saw what happened at the gym."
"So he's lost his edge." Drew's voice sounded scaring everyone at how stealthily he came in. They turned and saw him, Gabby and Tori entering the restaurant."
"Hey Drew, you feeling alright?" Misty asked.
"Yeah, I'll be alright. Caught the end of the story. Reminds me of a movie."
"Not one of those silly ones you like to quote." Misty groaned.
"No its one of my dad's favorites. At the start of the movie, the pilot and wingman of the main character lost his cool or in his words his edge and he turned in his wings. The main character nearly did the same after he lost his co-pilot. (Top Gun reference)Volkner doesn't seem to have the spark to battle? Let's give it to him. Flint why don't you and Ash battle. We can get Volkner to watch his friend battle one of his future opponents."
"Such a waste of time." Volker said walking in. "Flint you are wasting everyone's time. You should not have brought them up to the tower."
Flint stood up. "Where is this attitude coming from? We grew up wanting be the strongest trainers in Sinnoh. Where is that winning attitude?"
"I don't need a lecture from an Elite Four Member, now if you two want the badge, take it."
Drew was fed up and walked up to him. "If you think battling is so boring, then how about you watch our friends battle. If you don't think we can convince you to battle again, we'll take your badge and leave you alone."
Volker nodded and they all went including the diner chef to the gym.
Flint and Ash stood on either side of the battlefield. Flint called out his Infernape while Ash thinking about Type match up went with Buizel.
Drew looked at the battlefield. "This could be a test of where we are. Tag team we were able to hold our own against Cynthia but I doubt she was taking us seriously."
May looked at Drew. "Do you think Ash can win?"
Drew shook his head. "I don't have belief he can win. We both know that an Elite Four member is another level beyond a league champion and Frontier champ."
"Then why have them battle?" Max asked.
"This battle isn't about winning Max. Think of how we spar. We can unleash our potential against each other, because we trust each other enough. We don't do it to win, we do it to improve ourselves, find our weaknesses and overall have fun. We all do it. This battle is not just about winning, it's about the spirit of battling. Ash will probably lose, but it doesn't mean he won't go down fighting." Brock explained.
Volkner heard this and became slightly intrigued at the proceeding battle.
Ash started the battle off with a Water Gun. Infernape quickly dodged by jumping in the air. Buizel quickly followed up with an Ice Punch, to which the quicker monkey blocked freezing the arm. Not even missing a beat, Ash ordered a Sonic Boom. Buizel did a handstand and fired it off with his tail. Infernape blocked it with its arm shattering the ice and then a Mach Punch finished it off.
Undeterred, Ash called back Buizel and tossed it to Tori and send out Lucario. Lucario was able get off an Aura Sphere and a Force Palm, but Infernape as expected was another level, despite all the training they did. A Fire Punch followed by a Mach Punch put Lucario on its knees and Ash called it off and pulled Lucario back.
Volkner stood up. "I've seen enough. This spark your friend has is nothing but a joke."
Before he could leave, Ash called out Pikachu. Slightly intrigued he sat back down. Pikachu went forward with a Quick Attack but bounced of Infernape. Infernape went into a Flare Blitz to which Pikachu used Volt Tackle. The attacks collided and Pikachu was sent back into the wall. Unfazed, Pikachu ran and used Iron Tail, which Infernape countered with Mach Punch.
Volkner watched this with increasing awe. The sandwich shop owner saw this. "You know, I remember something like this happening before. With a certain Pikachu and a certain Chimchar.
Volker turned to the man. "Yes. I remember you. I was the guy that tried to take your pokémon. After you stopped me, I took a long hard look at myself and I left the poaching business and eventually opened up the shop."
Volkner watched as Infernape used Close Combat to try to knock Pikachu around. The mouse then jumped up and used Thunderbolt.
The Electric trainer started seeing flashbacks, to a younger Flint and Volkner taking Ash's spot. He watched as another Volt Tackle and Flare Blitz collide and send up a large puff smoke. When it cleared up both were standing and well past exhausted.
Ash saw enough. "Stop. Pikachu can't go on." It was just as well, Pikachu collapsed. Ash ran over to pick him up. "Great job buddy." Pikachu grinned and nuzzled into his trainer. He then let him go to his mates as Tori looked him over.
Volkner stepped up. "Ash, what you did was amazing. That spark I've been missing, it was there all along. You two want a battle? Let me get my pokémon together and we'll battle in two days."
Ash and Drew grinned and nodded accepting his offer to battle.
Next day (Elements of DP166)
With the battle the next day, everyone broke away to do their own thing. Misty was taking a walk down the shore line of the coast, with Maril at her side. Ash and Drew were training with their pokémon, while the two coordinators were practicing for the next contest. Gabby and Tori were talking to Volkner about the solar panels and Anabel was with Brock and Max shopping for the trip back to Lake Valor.
Misty stretched her arms out. "Man, I missed the salty air." Despite being Mid-February the sun was warm and it felt good on her skin. She looked down at Marill. "You liking the water Marill?
The mouse nodded with a happy cry. Misty walked over to a jetty and removed her shoes and socks laid down on the rocks stretching her swimmer's body out like a cat."
She sighed. "I could lie here all day. Guess being the Princess of Water makes me want to swim the oceans all day."
Misty looked up into the sky. "I wonder what the waters of other worlds will be like?" She said smiling. "Whatever they are, I am so blessed to be with such good friends, and partners." She said as images of all the times they spent together as partners flashed through her head. "Dawn is so cheerful. May has the energy to light up a room. And Anabel is so adorable, she makes me want to kiss her senseless. Hard to believe I would think that about a girl. Ash though hold us together and has such a big heart for all of us. To think I followed him for my bike." She said giggling.
A few minutes of relaxing later, she climbed off the jetty, fighting the urge to jump into the water, and headed back to town.
As she walked she heard a small explosion. She looked and saw smoke by the Sunnyshore Tower and immediately sprinted towards the tower.
At the tower, Dawn was deflecting an attack from a Tentacruel like Kaiju. Next to her May was matching kicks with a Hitmonlee Kaijuu, while Anabel was dancing around a Hitmontop creature. Their friends were doing their best to keep destruction this attack had caused to a minimum. Sadly, the city landmark was damaged and the power grid as a result had been shut down to prevent further damage.
Dawn dodged another attack and fired off an Ice Beam, forcing the Gem Stinger back.
"You dare get in front of our employer's rule? POISON STING!" The thing said in a water voice.
With May, she was dancing around Stretch Legs.
"Its like you don't even know how to fight. Where did you learn to fight? A Pre-school?"
Stretch Legs growled. "Shut up you bitch! This power will crush you and your pathetic friends. MEGA KICK!"
May leaned back and her leg glowed. "BLAZE KICK!" The attacks canceled each other out and caused him to charge the coordinator.
Anabel went into a handstand spun out of the way of her opponent, who was trying kick her with multiple legs. She leapt up and threw here chakram which knocked Spin Top back.
"I don't understand, my powers should take you down."
Anabel giggled. "You may have your power, but you are untrained, unrefined. You don't know how to use it. We not only know how to use our abilities but they will continue to evolve as we use them. PSYBEAM!
Spin Top was tossed back as Anabel spun caught her chakrams raising one above her head and holding the other in front of her chest.
Spin Top staggered and was sent back to the other two as they regrouped.
"Uh Kim? These brats seem to be stronger than we thought
"Shut up Kai. Kail we need a plan."
Before they could a large column of water slammed into them. The fighters turned to see Misty landing.
"Seems like I didn't miss the party." She quipped.
The Kaijuu staggered as they stood up. Looking at Misty, Gem had a look of recognition.
"Guys, that red head. She looks really familiar."
The other two looked and they came to the same conclusion.
"Well what do you know? Its little red Misty Waterflower. What are you doing this far from your gym?"
Misty narrowed her eyes. "Only one group called me that. The "Invincible" Pokémon Brothers, Kim, Kail and Kai. I would think after being banned for life from battling would make you disappear."
Spin Top growled. "You would know you little bitch. After that Nurse banned as for life we became outlaws. No one wanted to be near us and they nearly confiscated our pokémon."
Misty growled. "You tried to kill me and sabotage our gym in the presence of a gym inspector. You also tried to ruin my gym reputation."
Stretch Legs growled. "Your whore sisters don't belong as the gym leaders. Your weak pokémon are the disgrace of Kanto."
May stood next to Misty and pointed her sword at the trio. "You're the disgrace. You can't get your own gym so you try to destroy Misty's? That is something I won't allow." She said dropping
Gem Stinger snapped towards May. "Women aren't strong, that gym deserves a strong leader, not some stupid girls."
"Stupid? Excuse me, but one of the greatest champions in the world is Cynthia, She is an idol for many trainers here in Sinnoh." Dawn slipping into her stance. "She is far from weak.
"Who are you to talk to us like that? This is between us and red here!" Stretch said.
Anabel stood with the other girls. "If it involves Misty, it involves us. We fight for her and our friends."
Misty, who was tearing up on the inside, nodded. She pulled out her belt, which prompted the others to do the same.
Ash had turned to see them take on the kaijuu. "Go get them girls." He said as two troopers jumped at him.
SLASH
The two fell in a quick slash as he sheathed his blade.
The three human turned kaijuu snarled and charged at the girls. The foursome went into their poses and as one activated their belts.
HENSHIN
EVOLVE
The four shields knocked back the three attacking monsters. They fell back onto the riders turning them into their rider forms.
"The Dancing Fairy. Kamen Rider Kusa." May said holding her sword pointed end first and perpendicular to her body and standing on one leg.
"The Empathic Mind. Kamen Rider Kyokan." Anabel said holding one of her chakrams above her head and the other in front of her body.
"The Sparkling Beauty. Kamen Rider Hanabi." Dawn said holding up her sword and then thrusting it forward like a fencer.
"The Queen of the Sea. Kamen Rider Triton." Misty said spinning her trident and then pointing edge down with her right hand holding it and her left had in front of her."
The three kaiju snarled. "We don't care of you change your forms. You are dead!" Gem shouted as they charged.
Spin Top went after Hanabi and Kyokan. It turned out to be a bad idea as despite his apparent strength, Kyokan and Hanabi was dancing around the kaijuu. After a couple of minutes, the spinning kaijuu started becoming wobbly.
"Ulp…too much spinning."
Hanabi shook her head. "This is pathetic. How about a little paralysis to add to your confusion." She said glancing over to Kyokan.
ZAP CANNON
Spin Top sparked and crackled as paralysis set in.
"Damn you." He said as he tried to attack again and fell to the ground. "No, this power…its leaving me!"
Kyokan sighed. "Hanabi put him out of his misery."
Hanabi nodded and scanned her finisher cards.
BOUNCE MAXIMUM ENERGY
DRILL PECK MAXIMUM ENERGY
COMBO: DRILL SPIRE
Hanabi jumped up and dove down towards Spin Top and pierced through it
"Curtain Call for you. I hope you rot in prison." Hanabi said to the knocked out man and powered down.
Kusa was in the middle of a fist fight with Stretch Legs.. Blocking another attack and then punching him back, she scanned another card.
SKY UPPERCUT
Stretch yelled as he was nailed in the chin. Kusa giggled. "So much talk, so little to back it up."
"Shut up bitch. You haven't beaten me yet."
Kusa shook her head. "I say I have." Kusa said scanning another card.
BLAZE KICK MAXIMUM ENERGY
Kusa's foot glowed red and fire engulfed it. Stretch Kick extended his leg but Kusa jumped up and bounced on the extended leg. Doing a flip she launched her kick and kicked him in face.
"This show is over." Kusa said as Stretch Legs blew up and deformed into Kim.
Kusa sighed and powered down and tirned to watch Triton.
Triton was dancing around Gem's tentacles and those that got close were stabbed by the trident.
Gem laughed. "I knew you were weak, your just dodging my attacks." He sent out a tentactle and to his surprise it was caught.
"Weak, huh?" Triton said. She scanned her Ice Beam card.
ICE BEAM
The tentacles froze and so did Gem Stinger.
"Strength isn't just the power of your pokémon. Its also the strength of your bonds and the power your friends." She said as she scanned her finisher cards.
AQUA JET MAXIMUM ENERGY
AURORA BEAM MAXIMUM ENERGY
COMBO: AURORA JET
Triton jumped and spun around in the air leaving a beautiful rainbow behind her. She turnened and drilled through the kaiju, getting him to blow up and knocking Ken out.
"Rot in your watery prision." Triton said powering down. Looking around and hearing the cops, the riders vacated the premises and headed towards the Pokémon Center after leaving evidence of the trio's crimes.
Later that night
With the destruction to the tower, the gym battles were put on hold till it could be repaired. They made plans to head to the next contest in Daybreak town and then double back before the Grand Festival.
Misty was in Ash's arms as he threaded his fingers through her silky hair.
"You girls did amazing." Ash said kissing her forehead.
Misty smiled. "All that training did wonders. Those losers were a joke and now they will pay for their crimes."
Ash hummed. "Guess Glenn's influence can convert anyone especially those with vendettas against you."
Misty nodded. Just then the door opened and Ash grinned as their remaining partners came in.
"Hey you two. Comfy?" May said as she came and nuzzled into Misty. Dawn came around behind her and nuzzled into her back and Anabel laid her head on her legs.
Misty smiled softly. "We are now." She said turning and repositioning her so she can wrap her arms around May and Dawn. "Thanks for earlier. What you said about me and defending me against those three, it does a heart good to know I have people who car so much about me." She said closing her eyes and squeezed them closer. "What would I do without you?" She said falling asleep with a megawatt smile.
Ash watched as the other girls planted small kisses on Misty and then fall asleep holding the red head like a teddy bear. Ash slid down as much as he could without waking them and held them tight.
"I am never letting you go." He said closing his eyes and joining them in slumber.
Three days later, Daybreak Town the day before the contest. (DP 161-162)
The gang had left Sunnyshore City as the destruction was more extensive than previously thought. Volkner gave them an estimation of two weeks before the tower was back in working order, but reassured them they had enough time before the Sinnoh League to get the badge.
Dawn was confident in getting her fifth ribbon. When she wasn't training her abilities, she was coming up with some combinations with her various pokémon, including one with her Cyndaquil and Mamoswine she called Flame Ice. Even though Ash encouraged her to keep training it, Brock cautioned against using it so much.
In the Daybreak contest hall, there were multiple trainers waiting there to practice and compete in the contest.
"With the number of contests winding down, the number of competitors is expected to rise." Drew commented as he sat down.
Dawn grinned. "Just more people to watch as I dazzle the competition." She said with fire in her eyes. That fire died down when she turned and spotted a pair of pokémon.
"Oh cool, a Plusle and Minun!" Max said.
While some of them were curious about the cheering pokémon, May noticed that the blue haired coordinator was shaking like a leaf.
"Dawn sweetie is everything okay?" She asked.
Dawn shook her head. "I'm fine." The blue-haired coordinator took a look and saw that the two cheering pokémon were next to a very familiar trainer.
"Well if it isn't Dawn. How quaint."
Dawn waved her hand. "Hello Ursula, its been a while."
Ursula sniffed. "I should say it hasn't been long enough. How many ribbons do you have? Surely you can't have more than me as I have four."
Dawn smiled. "Well, me and May have four ribbons as well. We win here we will be in the Grand Festival."
Ursula laughed. "Surely you won't be winning this. Not with these cuties." She said pointing to Plusle and Minun, which got Dawn to gulp and shiver. "Plusle, Minun why don't you give her a cheer and a hug.
Dawn started shivering and fell to the floor. "Please go away." She said to the pokémon shoving them away.
"Don't be rude Dawn. Let me show you the pressure your under. Plusle, Minun time for your cheer!"
The two cheering pokémon created sparkling pom poms and nuzzled against Dawn. After a few moments of electric shock, the poor girl's hair was sparkling and a frazzled mess.
May looked at Dawn. "Pretty, your hair looks like diamonds." She said trying to complement her. Unfortunately, this was the wrong thing to say to the traumatized girl.
"D-Diamonds?" Dawn said as she fainted getting the group to slightly panic. Brock picked her up. "Sounds like a bad memory." He theorized.
Max pulled out his pokedex. "Yeah, Plusle and Minun aren't really dangerous, wonder why Dawn freaked out like that.
Ursula laughed and walked away. Seconds later, she started freaking out as her hair mysteriously sparkled and went everywhere. She ran as those in the hall started laughing at her.
Drew turned to Ash. "You know we're supposed to not use our powers like that."
"I know."
He then turned to Gabby. "Please tell me you got that?"
She grinned. "Oh heck yeah."
The group left with Dawn in tow and headed towards their room. An hour later, Dawn groaned awake.
"What happened?" Dawn asked.
"You passed out after Plusle and Minun messed with your hair. Something about a Diamond?" Ash said from across the room. May held up a glass of milk. "Here, Brock said warm milk would calm you down."
Dawn smiled and took the glass. Taking a sip, Dawn felt her hair being petted and closed her eyes feeling at ease.
She sat up and May took her chance to get her arms around her. "I guess you want to know the story huh? Me being scared of a Plusle and Minun."
"Could it have been a bad encounter?" Brock asked.
"You don't have to say anything Buneary." Ash said gently.
Dawn shook her head. "No. Its fine, I was going to tell you anyway." Dawn looked at the ceiling. "It was in preschool. Me, Kenny and Lenoa was put in charge of a class Plusle and Minun, cleaning them, feeding them and playing with them. One day, I was chasing after them while they were doing their jobs I grabbed them and brought them over. Apparently, I squeezed them too hard and I got zapped messing up my hair. Leona and Kenny came up with the name Diamond Dandruff and well it spread to the rest of the class. Hence my hatred of the name Dee Dee."
There was some silence that was broken by a couple of giggles and some laughter. Dawn pouted. "Its not funny."
Ash calmed down. "I think it was. You were a little over eager to help out and you didn't think about your own strength. Plusle and Minun are fragile pokémon. You didn't mean anything right?"
Dawn shook her head. "No, I would never hurt them." Piplup and Buneary hopped up to her and she cuddled them. "I love my pokémon as my own children. It was a lesson I learned from that day."
The whole group smiled as they prepared to attend the festival the next day. Unknown to them, they had a eavesdropper. Ursula heard the end of the story and chuckled sinisterly.
The next day, the Contest began with the usual fanfare. Dawn and May both advanced into the knockout stages with impressive scores as did Ursula and Jessie who was disguised as Jesselina. The first round had Ursula and Jesselina going against each other and it went in favor of the Peach haired coordinator. This set up a match with May who fell to a similar strategy of Plusle and Minun teaming up and overcoming a much stronger Blaziken and Skitty.
Meanwhile on Dawn's side of the bracket, she was able to pass through easily, but her Flame Ice combination of Cyndaquil and Mamoswine was falling apart in the execution stage. The coordinator was in the waiting room, calming herself before the final round.
"You'll do fine sweetie. Just relax. Your pokémon are better than hers." May said fixing up Dawn's make-up. Dawn had gone for smaller gloves but kept the knee length socks and her hair was in a single ponytail.
"Well, well. Who would have thought little Dee Dee got to the final round." Ursula's voice called out.
Dawn flinched, but Misty came right to her defense. "That was a private conversation, what is your problem?" Misty called out.
"Oh don't be a sourpuss. I just came to wish Dee Dee good luck."
"I suggest you get out of here, or a bad hair day will be the least of your worries." Ash said.
"Like what?" Ursula taunted.
Drew shrugged. "I wonder what will happen if your dress comes undone in the middle of the performance. Don't think you have anything worth showing off, but your shame will be a lot worse than Dawn's."
This seem to scare Ursula away and with one more parting shot, she left.
Dawn took a deep breath. "Got to relax, got to breath. This is for my fifth ribbon."
"Good luck sweetie." May said kissing her cheek. Dawn took another deep breath and got ready for her performance.
On the stage, Marion psyched up the crowd.
"Alright it is now time for Daybreak Contest finals! On my right it's Ursula of Jubilife City. On my left, it's Dawn of Twinleaf Town. Both are looking for the fifth ribbon to qualify for the Grand Festival. Five Minutes on the Clock and BEGIN!"
"Plusle, Minun time for your encore."
"Mamoswine, Cyndaquil Spotlight!"
The two pairs showed up in a shower of starts and sparkles. Dawn started off with Mamoswine swallowing an Ice Shard, similar to Ash's strategy with his Grotle. Cyndaquil then jumped up and used Swift at the same time, then rode the bigger shard with Mamoswine using Take Down.
Ursula grinned. "Plusle, Minun, jump. Then Encore."
The two cheering pokémon jumped and then started clapping. Both of the attacking pokémon's eyes started to dim.
"Mamoswine use Hidden Power. Cyndaquil use Flame Wheel." Dawn commanded but the two pokémon didn't listen and used the same attack.
Brock grimaced. "Encore is a move that forces the opponent to repeat their moves several times."
"Under normal circumstances, it's a very annoying move but used strategically, it can be powerful." Drew said remembering it from playing his games. "But in a competition where you're supposed to excite the judges…"
"…your points total will suffer." Ash said. He looked down at the arena and saw Dawn panicking as her points started to drop. "Dawn is starting to lose it. Ana?" He turned to the empath. "Can you do that Aura projection ability you did with Chimchar?"
Anabel nodded and cupped her hands. "Grab my shoulder." Ash did so and surprisingly Misty did so. In a second, Anabel's eyes snapped open glowing blue and a blue line connected the three with Dawn.
Dawn was starting to panic as Cyndaquil and Mamoswine kept using the same moves and now thanks to the double spark, both of their furs were starting to sparkle and her hair was in her messed up state.
'Dawn!' Dawn snapped her head as everything seemed to stop. 'Its Ash and Misty!' Ash thought.
"Guys? What are you doing here?" She asked.
'We are using Ana's Aura Projection to talk telepathically.' Misty said. 'Dawn, your freaking out and its making us worried.
'But what about my hair, everyone will see!'
'So they'll see, big deal.' Ash said amusedly. 'You're pretty even with mangled hair. And look.'
Dawn looked at her pokémon whose hair had died down. They weren't concerned about their looks, they were concerned about their trainer.
'They are worried Buneary. You don't have to worry about your appearance, we can fix it up.'
Dawn nodded and the connection vanished.
Ash and Misty let go of Ana's shoulders who started breathing heavily. "Wow that took a lot of me." She said leaning on Misty's shoulders.
"You alright?" She asked.
Anabel nodded. "Aura Projection with one person is one thing, multiple people is another. Guess it's a sign of my abilities evolving if I didn't outright pass out." She said catching her breath. "Takes a ton of concentration but if its to help my friends, I'll take the pain." She smiling.
On the field, Dawn told the pokémon to attack each other. Despite the point reduction, the two did so and the Encore wore off. Checking the clock and the score, she had thirty seconds to pull of a miracle win.
"Alright. Mamoswine, Cyndaquil I know we haven't perfected this. Use Flame Ice!"
Mamoswine used Ice Shard and then used broke it as Cyndaquil charged up a Flame Wheel. The attack finally pulled off correctly and actually separated the Cheering pokémon as Ursula's score dropped a lot.
Ursula growled. "Use your team-up Spark!" She called out
Dawn pulled out her sword. "Use Smokescreen, separate them then use Swift. Mamoswine use Hidden Power."
Mamoswine sent the Hidden Power towards the Smokescreen while Cyndaquil sent Swift into the smoke. This knocked the partner pokémon apart.
Ursula ordered another Spark but time ran out before the attack fired. Looking at the score, Ursula through a fit as Dawn had pulled yet another comeback out of her hat. Dawn and her friends cheered as the blue haired coordinator hugged her two pokémon and thanked them. She pointed to the crowd at her friends, in particular to Ash, Misty and Anabel to thank her for the confidence.
Two days later (DP 171)
The group was on their way back to Sunnyshore City to take on the gym as they called Volkner and he said the gym repairs were ahead of schedule. They were sitting in the Arrowwood Town Pokémon Center preparing for May's contest. With a limited number of contests left, this would be May's last conceivable shot to get into Sinnoh's Grand Festival, while Dawn with five ribbons in hand would sit this one out.
"Excuse me?" A young woman's voice called out. The group turned to see a formally dressed woman with purple hair. The air around her seem to suggest nobility. She turned to Dawn. "Are you Dawn Berlitz?" At Dawn's nod, she smiled. "My name is Freesia. And we've been waiting for you."
"Waiting…for me?" Dawn pointed at herself.
Freesia nodded. "Yes, to turn you into a princess."
At that the whole group looked surprised and followed Freesia to a hotel in town. It was evidently the penthouse suite with all the expensive décor.
"Please allow me to introduce my mistress Princess Salvia." Freesia said. Out of the adjoining room, stepped a figure that if they didn't know any better, was Dawn's twin. She was wearing a light blue dress shirt and skirt with white gloves and a headband that kept her hair back along with a jewel necklace. Other than the dress, it was looking at a daintier, more regal Dawn.
Salvia curtseyed. "Greetings, Dawn and fellow friends, Ash, May, Max, Misty, Brock, Anabel, Drew, Gabriella and Victoria.
They all returned the bows and curtseys. Dawn seemed to notice the resemblance. "Wow you look just like me."
Drew crossed his arms as the Princess sat down "You seem to have us at a disadvantage, your highness. You seem to know quite a bit about us but not of you."
Salvia crossed her arms in a lady like fashion. "Yes. Well, the thing is I've actually been a fan of Dawn here for a long time. I watched your first win in Floaroma Town and before the chaos that befell the Wallace Cup, I was fascinated by your Piplup."
At that, Dawn released the penguin to greet the princess. Piplup looked confused at the two look alikes and Salvia knelt down to gently hug the penguin. "You are even cuter in person. Thank you. Now onto the reason I asked you to come."
Salvia put the penguin down. "You see, you inspired me to be coordinator and I have been training a pokémon to take part in a contest. Unfortunately, with the traveling and the royal duties I have to do, I haven't been able to enter one."
Salvia walked over and took Dawn's hands in her own. "I am asking you if you would swap places with me for a day. You get to act like a princess, and I get to perform in a contest, it's a win-win for us."
Dawn looked at the girl's eyes and smiled. "Of course, Salvia. I would love to try this princess thing out."
Salvia gasped and hugged her. "Thank you! Now come we need to hurry to make this work." Salvia pulled Dawn into the side room. A few minutes later Dawn stepped out and Ash blushed. She was in a light pink floor length dress, elbow length gloves, a red sash, a pearl necklace and a silver tiara.
"Well what do you think?" Dawn said twirling around and curtseying. Ash walked over. "You look amazing. I don't know how my girlfriends keep looking their best." Ash said kissing her.
The other girls gushed and took some photos of Dawn in her disguise. "It feels so weird to be in this, but it feels so good."
Salvia stepped out in Dawn's usual outfit with her gloves and stockings. "I must admit, the material in this is not what I am used to. But it feels so invigorating."
Looking at the two, to the outside observer, it looked like there wasn't any changes, but to those in the room, it was hard to not call them by their disguised names.
"Saliva, do you have a pokémon?" Anabel asked.
Salvia nodded as Freesia came forward with a poke ball. She took it and opened it releasing a Togekiss.
Misty's eyes watered at the sight of the Togekiss, something Salvia saw. "Whatever is the matter Misty?"
"She had a Togepi that she raised from a baby. Togekiss is the final evolution in the line." Anabel said as Misty touched it. The Togekiss seemed to sense her sadness and hugged her getting the red head to smile.
"My apologies on that, you have my sympathies. But as you can see, Togekiss is quite ready for the contest." Salvia said as she returned her to the ball.
Drew nodded. "I think we can pull this off. Also one thing, Dawn where's you know what?"
Dawn looked confused and then widened her eyes. "In my bag. Could one of you take it?" May was already walking over and was searching through her bag and grabbing the buckle. A knock on the door startled the group. "Miss Salvia?" A male voice said.
Salvia looked at the group. "Its my butler. Dawn, just stay calm. Freesia will help you out."
Dawn nodded and Freesia led the group out. The butler looked at them with a curious look. "The princess got lost and this group helped them out. Thank you and good luck in the contest, May and S-Dawn." Freesia said as they all said their farewells.
The butler turned to "Salvia." "Your majesty, you have an interview and then an event to meet the people visiting.
Dawn gulped. "I was not aware of an interview. My apologies, my mind was elsewhere, no need to worry."
"Now your majesty, it is okay to act like this in private, but you must act like a proper princess. Also do not forget to smile."
Dawn gulped as was led out.
Meanwhile in the contest hall, Salvia was nervous about signing up for the contest. "This is so sudden, what if I am not ready for this." Salvia said.
Ash grinned. "You'll be fine. May will be there too, she is going for her fifth ribbon, so she has more to play for."
As they were talking, Jessie, who was disguised saw them and growled. "How dare that little tramp go into a contest when she already has five. After Salvia registered, she stomped over.
"Listen, missie, what are you…" Jessie began but trailed off when she got a good look at the eyes. "Your not—MMPH!"
Brock grabbed her mouth and brought her to a side room. "I am going to let go and we will talk rationally." Brock said. Jessie nodded and Brock let go. She turned to see the twerps sans Ash and the Dawn look alike look serious. "What is going on?"
Misty looked at Salvia who was talking with Ash. "That is Princess Salvia, she and Dawn swapped places like the Prince and the Pauper. Because of that deception, we are acting like she is Dawn. So please help keep the deception."
Jessie nodded and then scrunched her forehead and the laughed. "Oh this is priceless. Glenn is looking for the princess to get her kingdom to capitulate. Who knew you twerps already foiled it before it could begin."
"Does this share of information, mean you'll keep quiet?" Ash asked.
Jessie nodded. "Yep." And then slipped into her Jesselina persona. "Alright dearies good luck."
Jessie left the group in thought.
"If they are making a play on the princess, Dawn will be in danger without her buckle." Max theorized.
"Right, Max, Brock you go find where Dawn is."
"Why us?" Brock asked.
"If Misty, May or Anabel get spotted, it will tip off that Dawn might be there because people rarely see the girls apart. Brock and Max don't stand out as much. Besides, Max could sneak through the crowds." Drew said.
As they were saying that, Dawn was finishing up a meeting with a nice gentlemen. Dawn sighed. "Glad that's over."
"That meeting might be over, but you have seventy people to meet. Just relax. Then, we have a lunch where you'll meet more people."
Dawn groaned. "If I knew this was going to be a lot of work, I would never have signed up for this."
"Are you alright Dawn?"
Dawn smiled. "Yeah, its just I don't think I can be a princess. In fact I would rather be out there helping people than sitting on a throne. Of our friends, Misty is probably the closest to a princess my friends have.
"The red head one?" Freesia asked to which Dawn nodded. Freesia thought about it. "She doesn't seem to be the type to lead. But underneath her exterior, there is this power I feel that is coming from her and your friends Ash and Drew. A power to truly lead."
Dawn smiled knowingly. "You don't know the half of it." She then sighed. "Alright, let's get this over with. Send in the next person. And Freesia?" The maid looked at Dawn. "Thanks for today."
Freesia returned the smile and watched the next person come forward. Dawn and Princess Salvia were such nice girls, she was glad to serve them.
At the contest hall, the contest got under way. May used Blaziken and had it us it's Blaze Kick and Fire Spin to kick around a glowing Ember Ball and then blew it up in a shower of sparks. Jessie went with Yanmenga and use Sonic Boom and Air Slash.
Now Salvia was up. She looked at the ball and nodded. "Alright, Togekiss Spotlight."
Togekiss appeared in a crown shaped light.
"Use Aura Sphere." Togekiss fired it into the sky. "Now Use Sky Attack, split the Aura Sphere."
Togekiss glowed red and flew into the sphere and separated into multiple spheres.
"Finish it with Air Slash."
Togekiss' wings glowed and slashed through all the spheres creating a shower of sparkles. Togekiss landed and bowed with Salvia returning the curtsey. The crowd absolutely ate it up and almost certainly sent her into the knock out rounds.
Salvia returned to the dressing room. Ash and May walked up to her. "That was amazing." Ash said.
"Dawn would be upset she missed this, thank Arceus for Gabby and her camera work." May said.
Salvia giggled. "I must admit, I was quite nervous. But that was incredible. The feeling of performing for the people and seeing so much applause, it was amazing. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Your friend Dawn did not have to do this."
May smiled. "It's been our pleasure. Not every day a princess gets to act like a normal girl, and a normal girl act like princess."
Salvia nodded and a tear fell from her eye. "I wish I had more friends like you. Thank you."
May wiped the tear as the results were announced. As expected, May, Jesselina and Salvia advanced to the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile with Dawn, she was groaning internally as the lunch she was supposed to attend seemingly blew up as food was sent flying everywhere and she fell to the ground. She was escorted to a side room and cleaned up.
Her butler turned to her. "My lady, are you perhaps ill. You know you are supposed to act proper in public. Please explain yourself."
Dawn was fed up with the stuffy man. "Maybe I want to act like a girl my own age for once in my life. I am 13, I am not supposed to know how to be an adult yet. Yet, you seem to force me to act like I am some grandma."
The butler was stunned at the behavior. "I…I see. Maybe you are right. Perhaps I am pushing you too hard. But it is important that you understand these things.
Dawn nodded. "I know, but it doesn't mean I can't be kid once in a while. If I ever take my place as ruler, I will know everything."
The butler nodded. "Very well. Please clean yourself up, we still have to attend the Arrowroot Contest Final."
Dawn perked up at that. "Oh that sounds lovely. I hope my favorite coordinators are there."
An hour later, the Arrowwood contest reached its finals.
"Before we begin the finals, we have a very special guest joining us today. Let's give a warm welcome to visiting dignitary, Princess Salvia."
Dawn, in her princess disguise, waved to the crowd. Just before she sat down and explosion occurred near the press box. When it cleared, there was a large Medicham like monster.
"Hello, Princess. So nice to see you." He said in a deep voice. "My master would like a word with you."
Before the creature could grab Dawn, it was knocked out of the box onto the floor as the crowds escaped. He got up to see Max and Brock in the box.
"Max, Brock? What are you doing here?"
"Drew had a feeling something was going to happen and sent us to shadow you." Brock said.
"Get out of here. We can handle it. Any longer and your cover is blown."
"Princess we must flee." Freesia said. Dawn nodded. "Good luck."
In the changing room, Ash saw the monster and immediately started running for the arena.
"Ash, where are you going?" Salvia called out.
Ash grinned. "Stay here Salvia. I can handle this. May watch out for her."
May nodded and Ash ran out into the arena.
In the arena, Max and Brock were pushing the troopers back. All of their training was paying off as they were barely breaking a sweat. It became even easier as four troopers were cut down almost instantly and Ash reappeared.
"What took you so long?" Brock joked.
"Had to make sure the cameras were fried. We need a better system than this." Ash said pulling out Raikou.
They turned and saw their opponent growl. "Riders, you dare interfere in our noble cause. Prepare to die.
Ash smirked. "Your noble cause can shove it. Ready?"
Max and Brock nodded and inserted their cards in their buckles. The belts formed around their waists and pulsated.
Getting into their stances they shouted as one and flipped the levers.
HENSHIN
EVOLVE
As one the shields popped out and came back to cover the three young trainers and they assumed their rider forms.
"The Jet Fighter. Kamen Rider Ace." Max said holding his Sais edge down.
"The Iron Wall. Kamen Rider Onyx." Brock said swinging the axe and stomping it into the floor.
"The Lightning Prince. Kamen Rider Aura." Ash said holding his sword above his head.
Psy Fist growled. "Your Dead!" He said charging up a fist. "FOCUS PUNCH!"
The Kaijuu charged and Onyx smirked and stood in front of the two other riders and scanned a card.
IRON DEFENSE
The card took effect just a moment before impact. Onyx was pushed back a couple of inches but he held his ground, which gave Ace the opportunity to attack.
PSYCHO CUT
Psy Fist was flown into the air with large sparks flying. Ash immediately jumped and slashed downwards getting it to spark electricity. The kaijuu stood no chance as the riders triple teamed it and took it down to its last legs.
Psy Fist growled. "This…was not…how it was supposed to be."
Aura tsked. "Good always remember? Now its time to end this game." He said as the three riders charged their cards.
AERIAL ACE: MAXIMUM ENERGY
PSYCHO CUT: MAXIMUM ENERGY
COMBO: PSY SLASH
IRON TAIL: MAXIMUM ENERGY
FIRE SPIN: MAXIMUM ENERGY
COMBO: IRON FORGE STRIKE
THUNDER: MAXIMUM ENERGY
LEAF BLADE: MAXIMUM ENERGY
COMBO: THUNDER BLADE
TRIPLE COMBO: HEAVEN'S BLADES
At one all their weapons glowed. Onyx jumped into the air and Ace and Aura disappeared. They appeared on the left and right of Psy Fist and Onyx came crashing down. Multiple slashes occurred as Aura sheathed his weapon.
"Game over." Aura said as it blew up.
The riders looked at the slightly damaged arena and headed underneath the stands to power down.
An hour later, the contest finals were finished. Despite the enthusiasm Salvia showed, May's experience won her the day and her final ribbon to qualify her for the festival. They were now back in Salvia's quarters, where the two life swappers were changing.
Salvia came out in her regular clothes and bowed. "Thank you so much for today. It was so much fun."
"I'm glad. I just hope I don't have to all that nobility stuff for a while. That was draining." Dawn said getting her counterpart to giggle.
"Before you leave. Dawn I have a present for you." Salvia said handing her Togekiss' poke ball. "Please take her with you. Where ever you go, its more beneficial for her to go with you."
Dawn looked at the ball and smiled. "I will take really good care of it. Thank you."
With that, the princess bayed farewell to the group as they began their journey back to Sunnyshore City. But Glenn's moves are almost ready. Will the Grand Festival be a Grand Disaster? Find out next time.
END OF CHAPTER
UO: GOOD LORD THIS TOOK FOREVER! Laziness, stuff with my girlfriend and the site getting wonky today killed my drive to update yesterday.
Preview: The Gang heads to Sunnyshore City to compete for their badges, and then come back to cheer on May and Dawn in the Grand Festival. Multiple kaijuu try to ruin the parade and Glenn is ready to start his final plans. What will happen? Find out next time
Next Time: A Festival of Sparks
Please Review Kindly. Next update is Bleach Grand Prix. Also check out my pals, Lalapie203, Spartan719, Code-Emperor07, Kurogane 7, Soleneus, Soulsilverlord, Vanishing Raptor, Kage Bijuu, Giratina Zero EvashinobiKaiserKnight Kamen Rider Super-Fan and NorthSouthGorem. I help on a lot of their works. Also call me out on mistakes.
OSPREY…SWOOOSH