Ash and Dawn walked down the bright and lit up street of Saffron city. Dawn moved a little closer to Ash than he felt comfortable with. Although he didn't want to bring it up because he didn't even know if she was doing it on purpose, thereby he didn't want to look like an idiot.

Saffron city was now very impressive and probably only second to LaRousse. Although there weren't moving sidewalks, there were escalator bridges that would allow people to cross the street without stopping traffic. Also many satellite imagery maps at the bridges that people could use to help them on their destination.

"So Dawn, although this may look impressive, I'm sure you haven't seen LaRousse city right?"

"Isn't that where Drew lives?"

"Yeah I think, May's visiting him right now actually. They're going to both be here for my match tomorrow."

"Really?"

"Yeah, guess who I'm facing?"

"I'm dumbstruck, who is it?"

"Paul,"

"The Paul we know?"

"No the twenty foot lumberjack Paul Bunyan, with his blue ox named Babe.-Of course it's the Paul we know."

"Sorry my mind is a little off right now?"

"How come?"

"I don't know actually," She lied, even if it was one drink she never had alcohol before and she was tipsy.

"Figures, well the hotel is right over there so you'll be able to unpack; luckily I accidentally order the two bed. I have a poker meet with Damian, Lucas, Brendan, and Tracey in an hour, so I can't stay around."

"Your enjoying the freedoms of an adult, aren't you?" Dawn smiled as she said that.

"What can I say; poker with a few rounds of good beer is relaxing." Ash shrugged, and Pikachu did the same.

"Wait Pikachu, you drink?"

"Pikachu!" He tried to communicate.

"He doesn't drink much, he'll have a sip like once a night but he's not an alcoholic." Ash looked to his shoulder, where his best friend situated himself. Ash scratched Pikachu's chin with his index finger.

"Okay I guess that's understandable,"

"We have to cross this bridge to get to the hotel," Ash changed the subject.

They stepped on the escalator, some college guys were leaning on the side of the bridge obviously checking girls out as they passed by, they whistled to Dawn.

Dawn blushed but Ash paid no attention as they continued on.

When they finally made it to the room, Dawn dropped her bag.

"Ash can I use your bathroom?"

"Go ahead," After Dawn went into the bathroom a showerhead sound could be heard. Even though Dawn had taken a shower only about six hours ago, her constant worry about her appearance that forced her to take another, especially now that Ash was around.

Ash crashed on the bed that had apparently been remade by the hotel service, also there was a whole wad of fan-mail on the desk in the middle of the two beds.

Ash figured he had noting better to do until Dawn got out so he took off the heavy duty rubber band and opened up the many letters.

Dang, you were amazing against Buck today, can't wait to see you face off against Paul tomorrow, and show him what real training is all about.

Some of the fan-mail from girls read like:

You and your Pikachu are so cute.

And his favorite was one that read:

Pikachu, Heracross, Crawdaunt, Garchomp, Lucario, and Charizard. Your team is a true sign of power for sure.

When Dawn came out of the bathroom, Ash propped himself up and actually noticed her figure.

Seems like adolescent growth finally kicked in for her, wait why the heck am I looking at my friend like that! Ash mentally slapped himself.

Ash then checked the time.

"Holy crap Dawn, you were in there for forty-five minutes," Ash physically slapped himself.

"And you didn't notice the time?"

"I was busy reading my fan-mail, I have only fifteen minutes to get to my poker meet, and we usually get there about ten minutes ahead of time to set up anyway!"

"Oh, Sorry...?"

"No time!" Ash grabbed one of the hotel room keys and slid it in his pocket and then dashed out the door.

Dawn figured that she might as well watch T.V. as she would wait for him to come back in a few hours.

Meanwhile, Pikachu and Ash dashed across the massive hotel. The Lobby was like one of a Casino, with slots in one area, a whole array of Craps tables in another. Ash dashed across the bet room with the football game that was on the big T.V. with the many leather chairs. And then he finally made it to the Poker room where Damian, Lucas, Brendan, and Tracey were beginning to set it up.

"Sorry I'm late," Ash panted.

"No matter, we just got here actually."

Later when the game was in play, Ash brought up Dawn.

"Actually guys, Dawn just showed up today, and I'm sharing my room with her."

"Oh that doesn't sound right." Lucas joked.

"N-Not like that!" Ash blushed.

"Yeah, unless you're willing to pay her a million bucks," Damian joked. Lucas, Brendan, and Tracey tried to hold back from laughing but it wasn't long until they all broke out slamming the table. Even Ash couldn't help, but laugh himself.

"You know," Tracey started, "Usually Damian your whole 'a million bucks' thing is annoying, but that was the perfect way to use it."

"Gosh that is rich though, I would pay a million bucks to hear the joke again." Brendan said as he took a sip of his beer.

"Really?" Damian asked.

"No, just saying." Letting Damian's hopes down.

"To clear this all up," Ash started, "Dawn came today after my match, we talked for a while, and she apparently wants to stay to watch the competition."

"Yeah we know, but the way you said it left a chance for a joke wide open." Damian said.

"Guess your right, alright I call first," Ash placed down his hand that was a Straight Flush.

"Oh c'mon!" Brendan admitted defeat, so did Lucas, Tracey, and Damian. Ash slid the pile of chips his way.

"Guys, lets let Ash win, so he'll be able to pay Dawn for her services," Damian brought up as they all cracked up again.

Ash just looked at them, "This will never end will it?"

All of them smirked, "Nope."