(Iris): As it seems… Dawn's loneliness got the better to her, as Cilan came to see me, while I was gone. What I don't get is why she would be so friendly towards my guest. That's what happens when you are a two-year old robot.

Dawn placed Cilan on the couch and said, "Make yourself at home. Miss Iris will come back, later. For now, I shall serve you some tea."

Cilan said, "No, it's fine. Tea sounds good, as long as it's tasty."

Dawn smiled, "Will some chamomile tea work for you?"

"Yes, please. Nothing beats the soothing classics."

She left to the kitchen, as she prepared tea. Cilan grew a bit frustrated.

He thought, "Iris had her for almost a week, now. She had been improving, since her injury. But is she hanging with this machine?"

Dawn asked, as she sat down, "If you don't mind, let us chat, while we wait for the tea. I baked cookies for the occasion, after Iris left. So, what are you?"

He asked, "Come again?"

Dawn blushed, "Tell me about yourself. It must be nice to speak to you, since we met back at the hospital."

Isn't she hospitable? That's like I said – Friendship, admiration, compassion, and love. It's what she may have that humans have, but robots don't.

He replied, "Well, you may not know me, but I am an A-Class Pokémon Connoisseur and Co-Gym Leader in the Striaton City Gym. I examine all the trainers and their Pokémon, through a steady examination."

Dawn smiled, "Wow. You're like some sort of specialist."

"You could say that."

"Can you judge me? I'm not a trainer, but I have wonderful taste!"

Cilan examined her and said, "Well, despite being an artificial human being, with a striking and amorous resemblance of Ash Ketchum's old friend, Dawn, you are quite an exquisite young girl. Only one flaw to your body… It's a bit worn out."

Dawn said, "Yeah. I don't know why. I have been under repairs, ever since I was… I was… I was…"

"You okay?"

"Sorry. I tried to remember. But it seems so… so… so…"

She paused and froze a bit. The kettle blew, as Dawn regained composure. She asked, "Would you get the tea for me? I feel light-headed."

Cilan said, "Sure."

He went to the kitchen, as she sat down and placed her hand in her chest.

"I could be… in… love… But I don't…" she said, "But… What is this feeling I have?"

She then scanned herself.

Download systems check… System shutting down, for further examination… Shutting down in 3… 2… 1…

She powered down, dropping her head, with her eyes going black. Cilan returned, as he saw Dawn, deactivated. He ran to her and examined her. He thought, "I wonder if her batteries died out."

Iris came back and called, "I'm home!"

Cilan heard her and called out, "Iris!"

"Cilan?"

What is he doing in my house? Didn't I call to Dawn that she would not let anybody in?

She ran to the living room and saw Dawn, broken down, as Cilan held her hand. He explained, "She let me in… and well… When I judged her, she suddenly malfunctioned."

Iris approached Dawn, "Dawn! Dawn! Wake up! You didn't have to break down, after what Cilan has done!"

Dawn woke up and spoke, "Systems check at 100%... fully operational…"

She then said, as she looked at Iris, "Miss Iris? You came back."

Iris scolded, "You and I need to talk! But first, I need to speak to Cilan… alone!"

She deactivated her and approached Cilan. She replied, "I'm sorry. I was at the doctor. I told Dawn not to let anybody in, but…"

Cilan said, "That's okay. She did let me in."

"I told her not to!"

"Well, she made a mistake. Give her a chance."

Iris hugged him and said, "I felt bad. I was in a hurry, but… but I should've told her, dead-on, before I left. It's my fault. I'm sorry."

Cilan held her tight and said, "That's okay. There's no need to feel bad. After all, she was built about two weeks ago… or months."

"Actually, she was two years old. Long story – don't ask. Plus, I think her circuits are jumbled. I think I'll take her to the hospital, tomorrow, and have her checked out."

As they hugged, Dawn suddenly reactivated herself and saw the two trainers have a hug. She let out a scowl and said to herself, "I am Miss Iris's friend, and so is Cilan. She cannot have him… as her boyfriend. Never."

She deactivated herself, as Iris turned to Dawn and turned her back on. She woke up and saw Iris, who was sad.

"Miss Iris… If I made you mad, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Next time, when I am gone, you don't let anybody in. Suppose you let in a thief or a Team Rocket member?"

Dawn was confused, "You mean… not all people are good?"

Iris plummeted to the floor. She got up and yelled, "YOU THICK-BRAINED TOASTER OVEN! OF COURSE, THEY ARE NOT GOOD! WHY DO YOU THINK THAT THERE ARE BAD PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD?"

She sighed and thought, "Like Ash… Such a kid, or somewhat."

Cilan said, as he was nervous, "I should go now. I'll leave you two to talk it out."

He left, as Iris pleaded to him, "Cilan! NO! I didn't mean to make a scene! Please don't go!"

Cilan smiled, "It's okay. I'll come back, another time. Sorry about the mistake. And thanks for the hospitality."

He went to the door and left Iris's house. Iris was relieved, but also angry. Dawn then waved, "Best Wishes!"

She then said to Iris, as she got up, "Oh. He didn't have his tea. Miss Iris, would you like some tea?"

She yelled, "NO, I DON'T WANT SOME TEA!"

She gasped, as Dawn was scared. She then sobbed, "Why did you yell at me?"

Dawn started to cry, as Iris approached her, "No, no, no… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell."

Dawn hugged her tightly, just like Iris did to Cilan, and said, "I want to be with you… I want you… I'm… I'm your best friend… I want to be happy for you…"

She sniffled, as Iris was upset, "Oh, Dragon Screws! Why are being weepy? You'll rust!"

She snuffed, "But, even so, I'm taking you to the hospital, for your examination. The doctor told me to take you in, twice a week, for repairs."

Dawn said, as she had tears rolling down her cheeks, "Okay. I'm sorry. I just wanted you as a friend, and not just your helper, during your rehabilitation. Your leg still seemed okay."

She then asked, "You know, when I return, should I wash my uniform and put on your clothes? After all, we are the same size."

Iris said, "Maybe. I don't think it'll fit you. I'll ask the doctor for a spare jumpsuit."

Dawn continued to hug me, like she was a true friend. Why was she upset at me, after I talked with Cilan? Is it because she doesn't listen? Or maybe it's because her memory tracks are old and worn out.

She asked her, "Dawn. Let me ask you something. Do you feel anything that has to do with love, compassion, or admiration?"

Dawn would reply to me that she doesn't. She only does it that her programming tells her.
Pfft! Liar!

The next day, at the lab, Dawn was being repaired, checking her head for any signs of faulty brain activity. Good news is that her brain was normal, but she must stay home, away from any people, for one whole day. She would still speak to me. Then I asked the doctor about her activity, from the other day, and he said to me that it's probably her old circuits acting up.

"Good. I figured that it was something else," she said, "But I don't get why she'd hug me and say that she wants me to stay with her, always."

The doctor replied, "No. I'm afraid that she's our exclusive property. If you want to keep her, you'd have a lot of money on you."

I retorted, "I don't have any money! And like Shellder I will keep her! You said that she's perfect for my rehab, and that's it! I never intend to keep her."

The doctor said, "Well… She isn't a Pokémon, that's for sure."

"Doctor… How much is she, if I did want her?"

"Well, it's a lot of zeroes. But enough of that. You said that she malfunctioned, during your friend's visit?"

"Well, yes. She kept saying in a short loop, and then she shut herself off."

"That must mean that she went into Safe Mode."

"Safe Mode?"

"She would do a systems analysis on her and see what the problem is. So far, no signs of damage… except that her obedience has been fading."

I think maybe she's more than just obeying me, and vice versa. I think she wants to be free. She does have some qualities that humans have. But, poor Dawn…

"Thank you for your time," I said, as I got up, "When will Dawn be ready?"

The doctor said, "Around tonight. She'll show herself to your house, by then. She has self-preservation in her."

Iris smiled, "Just like me!"

XXXXX

Well, I waited all night for her, and she didn't show. I figured that I'd hang with Cilan for the night. Maybe I needed to give Dawn some time alone. Good thing I remembered to feed my Axew and my other Pokémon, before I left.

She was at Cilan's bedroom, as she went into her sleeping bag. She spoke, "Cilan… Do you hate me, now that Dawn is in my life?"

He replied, as he was getting ready for bed, "I don't. I just felt awkward about her."

Iris smiled, "I'm very glad. And to think I almost had to ditch her."

"Is she here now?"

"No. She's at the lab, being repaired. I figured that she needed some undisclosed time. By the sight of you, I think maybe she wants to be clingy to me."

Cilan sighed, "Iris, you know robots are helpful, but not friendly!"

"What's wrong with my robot, then?"

"Well, I think she had a mind of her own. Don't you think it sounds weird?"

"Maybe…"

"Well, I don't see why I'd trust her."

"Well, how about we have an outing together? I figured that we need some time to set things right. Dawn does love the view of Pidoves."

Cilan smiled, "It's a date."

She blushed, as she fell asleep. He then whispered, "Hopefully, maybe I can make Dawn know her place to Iris."

Time went on, and I had to wait for her. They said that the repairs seemed longer than usual. But, no matter. As my leg grew to become healthier, by every passing day, I wait for my friend.

But it lasted about ten extra days. And by that time, my leg started to feel better. Sadly, four more days passed. They couldn't afford to bring Dawn through the rain. And then…

Dawn walked by, coming to Iris, wearing a pink jumpsuit and a ponytail. She then waved to Iris, as she saw her, through the window.

"She came back! I miss her!" She sobbed.

She opened the door, as Dawn let herself in. Dawn bowed and said, "Forgive me for my lateness. My servos are pretty old. But they gave me an extra jumpsuit and adjusted my hair."

Her skin was also shiny and new.

She added, "I look this way, now. I'm like a real girl."

Iris smiled and giggled, "I was worried about you. We have a lot to catch up on."

Dawn hugged her and said, "Oh, Iris!"

Why do I get the feeling that she's too clingy? Well, when she hugged me, it wasn't a friendly hug. It was a hug of extreme happiness. That's the sign of a best friend… Oh, dear. How will I tell her about the picnic?

XXXXX

At the bathroom, I was in the tub, having a bath. I thought to myself if Dawn and Cilan would get along. I said yes. Hey, they were rather friendly, but there's some friction between Cilan and the robot. I can't shake it off, but maybe I'll have answers. I can call Cilan, after I ask Dawn.

After her bath, she approached a motionless Dawn and grabbed the phone. Dawn woke up and asked, "Excuse me. How about a massage for your leg again?"

Iris said, "No, not today. Anyway, how about you and I have a picnic with Cilan? I figured that we have a chat together. It has been two weeks, aside from waiting for you, and I figure that maybe we get to know each other, very well…"

Dawn then said, without thinking, "Cilan? He was a nice… guy…"

Iris responded, "Yes. But maybe that time from the other day might've screwed with your head. What do you say?"

Dawn nodded, "Aw, heck. I suppose I should…"

She muttered, "Home-wrecking boyfriend…"

She left, as Iris called Cilan, "Hey, Cilan! Iris! Guess what?"

The following afternoon, Iris, Dawn, and Cilan was by the cliff, as the Pidoves flutter by. Dawn blushed by the birds, as Cilan said, serving tea, "Dawn, would you like some tea? I figured since you're human-like, I was wondering if you eat."

Dawn said, "No, thank you. Tea is good, but I only make it. I never eat. It's a common trait to us. If we eat, we may clog our gears."

Cilan said, "Do you sometimes drink coolant?"

Iris barked, "Cilan, it's fine. Sorry, Dawn. Cilan was just joking."

"I wasn't," he said, "I was somewhat curious about her and how she was built."

Iris said, "That makes two of us."

Dawn smiled, "That will be fine. I don't mind with what you said."

Cilan said, "Good, then. I hope we can be friends."

Iris said, as she got up, "I should go get some wood. We should have a campfire and watch. I love to have a campfire at a picnic."

She dashed off, "I'll be right back!"

Dawn called, "Be careful! Don't run too much on that leg!"

Iris called back, "I won't!"

It was then I knew that I made the idea of having Cilan and Dawn chat… End result: worst idea ever.

Dawn then stared at Cilan. She then asked, "So, what is your deal? Why do you like Iris?"

Cilan said, "Well, we met, after we were in a Gym Contest. There was a trainer named Ash Ketchum, and he had befriended a lot of friends, including Iris. He told me about himself, and he had lots of friends, like us. In fact, we met a girl that looks like you… back at a competition."

He continued on, as Dawn was in concern. She then nodded, "I see. By the way… Do you love her?"

Cilan blushed, "What?"

He then responded, "Well, that was out of nowhere. But you see, Iris and I are just friends. I don't think a kiss would be right. Besides… She's not my type."

He explained, "I get her Pokémon battles, seeing that she is of a unique style with her Axew and other Pokémon, but deep down, she's very spunky."

Dawn scanned, "Spunky?"

Cilan said, "Yes."

She spoke, "I don't believe you… What about that hug I saw?"

He replied, "It's about admiration. You know the four words…"

He recited, "Compassion… Admiration… Love… Friendship… It's about understanding and acceptance. In my words, it is a delicious combination."

She paused and spoke, "Compassion… Love… Love? LOVE?!"

She then glared at her in her red eyes, "Love? I understand love… for a friend! But never for a boyfriend! You're lying to me!"

He responded, "It's okay. I understand that you think it's something else, but… But you see, I just wanted you to be honest about me."

She then asked, "Uh, why do you ask?"

He replied, "Well, the other day, when we were training, she and I talked about how you and Iris should be together. Besides, your life is great, but sometimes you are being so grateful to Iris. You have been with her, since the beginning. And well… You're such a good friend."

Dawn pouted, "You're just saying that… because… because…"

WARNING! Malfunction detected…

She shook, as Cilan tried to comfort her. Dawn shoved him and shouted, "GET AWAY FROM ME!"

She grabbed him by the collar and shouted, "YOU DON'T DESERVE IRIS! SHE'S MY FRIEND! MINE!"

Cilan pleaded, as he was held up in the air, "Dawn! Listen to reason!"

Dawn spoke, "No one takes Dawn away, while she is under rehabilitation! Compassion, admiration, love, and friendship! Those four words are illogical to me! But when it comes to Iris, I take it, seriously! No one sees Iris, but me!"

She went to the edge of the cliff and added, "You, however, don't need Iris."

Cilan was terrified. He cried, "NO! What are you doing?"

Dawn spoke, "I'm going to get rid of you. I am Iris's personal best friend. I don't need someone, like a boyfriend, to take her away."

Iris appeared and saw Cilan being dangled in the air. She dropped her firewood and shouted, "DAWN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Dawn shouted, "Iris! This is for your own good! Cilan has been nothing but trouble to you! Now I know why you showed up late! It's because of HIM! WASN'T IT?"

Cilan cried, "IRIS!"

Iris panicked, "DAWN! PUT HIM DOWN!"

Cilan cried, "NO! Don't say that!"

Dawn smirked, "GLADLY!"

He grabbed her arms and tried to break free, but he was still caught in Dawn's grip. Iris pulled out her small remote and switched her off. Cilan broke free of the mannequin-like Dawn, as Iris ran to him. He hugged her and said, "I'm okay."

Iris sobbed, "This is a HUGE misunderstanding. She's not supposed to be like this."

She looked at Dawn and was in tears. She groaned in anger.

That did it! Rehab or not, Dawn the Robot has got to go! She hurt Cilan! Robots never attack humans, if I recall. Tomorrow, she goes back home. I hope they are liable to her malfunctions.

To be continued…