Hi! This is chapter 8 and Dawn is finally gonna take part in the first contest! From one of the reviews I've got, [thank you SurferGurl14!] I have decided to say what she suggests. This chapter will be entirely from Dawn's POV. If this change doesn't work out than I switch it back.

Disclaimer: I don't own the lovely game…Pokemon.

Chapter 8: Contest Time Part 1!

Dawn's POV

Yesterday had lots of ups and downs.

Ups:

1. Paul won his first gym badge.

2. I hugged him and he didn't pull away! (YES!)

I was ecstatic - Paul seemed like he was warming to me, and I didn't even have to beg him for an ounce of emotion from him.

Downs:

1. Paul wouldn't look at me (after the hug).

2. Paul wouldn't even talk to me (jerk)!

Why must he do this to me? Just when I think we're making progress, it all fails. That sucks! It's like, I'm the only one that works for this friendship. It was like that when we were younger, too. I always used to ask if he'd come over to mine, or if I could go over to his house. I mean, he wasn't as moody as he was now, but be still didn't put in the effort.

Sometimes, I wondered if things would be different. If I hadn't of asked him to become my traveling partner, then I wouldn't have the feelings that I have now. If I hadn't fallen off that cliff, I would go on in life, only remembering my best friend from pictures at my house. If I had chosen to travel in Sinnoh, rather than Johto, I might have forgotten about him completely. Do I want things to go back to normal, though? I mean...I've now experienced love, which gives me a fuzzy feeling inside... Maybe I am happy...?

All the way through dinner last night, he kept pushing his food around on his plate. I watched him, trying to strike up a conversation, but he evaded my attempts. What hurt the most was that he wouldn't even look me in the eye. I got really pissed at him, and decided to avoid him. I don't understand why he can't just tell me what he's feeling, but then I remember that he's a guy, and he can't just spout emotions out.

I can't think of that anymore, though, because…TODAY IS MY FIRST CONTEST! I'M SOOOOOOOOO HAPPY! I ALSO BROUGHT THE BEST DRESS EVER! It's going to make me look like a goddess, and then everyone will be jealous...

I wake up at six in the morning and get ready. I put Buneary into he poke ball, giggling at her excitement to show off her stuff. Placing Piplup upon my head, I take deep breaths.

When I go down to breakfast, Paul isn't there! Shit! Now he's avoiding me, too! Why did I have to hug him? Why am I cursed to never find love in this crappy world?

When I finish breakfast, I start to walk out, wallowing in my misery.

I reach the Contest Hall, and start jumping up and down. People are staring at me. Especially this red haired kid. Damn. He's coming over to me! I try to turn my attention to the hall, and stare at the lavender walls, which only reminds me of Paul's plum head! I shake my head to myself quickly, trying to blot out his face.

"Hi! Are you entering the Contest today?" the boy asks, smiling at me.

Now I notice it, this boy is cute… His auburn hair flops over his face, and his black eyes look empty, which only makes me want to stare more intensely. He's about the same height as me, and his skinny frame welcomes me.

NO! I LIKE PAUL! NOT HIM! Oh, well. At least I can hang with him while Paul's in a strop. Maybe if I start to hang out with this guy in front of Paul, then maybe he could become jealous. Then, he'd swoop me away from this guy, and confess his undying love for me (only a dream, Dawn, only a dream...)!

"Yeah. I'm entering the Contest today. My name's Dawn Berlitz. What's yours?" I say, realizing that I'd been ignoring his question.

"I'm Kenny Kenny. Nice to meet you," he chimes with a super big smile.

We shake hands, and I grin as our skin collides.

All of a sudden, a Kirlia lands in my arms, scaring the shit out of me. I almost scream in fear, but regain my composure so I don't look like an idiot in front of Kenny. I mean, it is only a girl Kirlia.

"I'm sooo sorry! Kirlia you bad girl! You're not supposed to jump into other people's arms! How many times have I told you that? Don't run off next time, okay?" a girl with red hair scolds. She takes Kirlia from me, and winks. "I'm Zoey by the way," she introduces, whipping her hair out of her face.

We tell her our names and tell her of the Contest that we're entering. We find out she's entering too. I feel somewhat happier that I'm not in this all alone - I have friends now.

"Can all the coordinators please make their way to the allocated hall, please," an automated voice rings out. The crowd of people get into action, pushing and shoving to get inside.

We all walk in together and find the waiting room for contestants. I see the board which has the names of our dressing rooms. I scan it and find our names.

"I'm in dressing room six!" I shout with glee.

"Me too!" Zoey says jumping up and down.

"I'm in dressing room three," Kenny says glumly. "It' going to be awkward, because my ex-girlfriend's brother is in the same dressing room. I swear, I'm either going to get punched or humiliated..." He pouts, scanning the room for the dreaded brother.

"No need to worry!" I assure him, sensing his sadness "We'll all meet up before it's our turn to show the judges what we got!"

He nods and walks off.

After changing into our costumes, Zoey and I sort out our hair.

"You look great Dawn!" Zoey exclaims.

I'm pretty pleased with my outfit. I'm wearing a baby pink dress with a darker pink ribbon around my waist. I'm wearing black stilettos. My hair is put into two pigtails. My nails are painted lilac and I have my lucky ring on my finger. It took me a while to find the perfect outfit, and my money was very tight, but I pulled through in the end. Besides, if I win the Contest, I'll get prize money as well as the Red Ribbon.

"You look great as well, Zoey!" I compliment with a smile.

Zoey is wearing a yellow long sleeved shirt. She has a denim waistcoat and denim jeans. She has brown flats on her feet. She is wearing a lovely gold bracelet. Her red hair is flowing out. I totally envy her good looks. Even without any makeup on, she looks lovely. I think she's one of that natural beauties.

She smiles and bows. I smile and curtsey. After touching up my makeup, we decide to get out of the stuffy dressing room.

We walk out to meet Kenny.

"Looking good, ladies!" Kenny says, after noticing us walking by.

"What about you? Kenny, for a guy, you look good!" I chirped with a giggle.

Kenny is wearing a pink long sleeved shirt. He has a sky blue blazer on and matching silk sky blue trousers. He has black sensible shoes on, too.

He smiles and we look around the crowded room. We all turn to look at the TV on the wall.

"Ladies and Gentleman! Welcome to the first Contest in the Johto region! Our contestants are all trying to win the Red ribbon! Who will win? You'll have to find out!" exclaims the smiley presenter on the TV.

Once she has introduced the judges (a Nurse Joy, Professor Elm and a short man who always says "Remarkable!"), she gets down to business and starts calling out contestants for their audition.

Person after person comes out, always one coming back in a tearful mess. We can only guess what happens out there. Unfortunately for us, the TV doesn't show the auditions, it only shows the actual Contest, so people don't get nervous. But that only makes me more timid.

Before long, the only people who haven't auditioned yet are Kenny, Zoey and I.

"Next up is…KENNY!" the presenter says, making us jump out of our skin.

"Good luck," Zoey and I whisper to him.

He just nods and starts walking down the hall. I cross my fingers for Kenny, clenching my eyes shut in desperation.

When he comes out again he looks happy.

"Next, ZOEY!"

Zoey walks down with a spring in her step.

Zoey comes out looking even happier.

"DAWN!" The presenter screams.

I nod and walk down the long corridor to the stage. I pat both my Pokemon's heads, and take deep breaths.

I can't say I'm feeling pumped. I'm really nervous. I just can't get Paul out of my mind. He keeps clouding my thoughts, making me want to crawl up into a corner and sit there for all eternity.

"Piplup and Buneary, sparkle!" I order, as they jump in front of me.

My Pokemon come out and nod.

I just can't do this. I look around the crowd with wide eyes.

Wait. Who is that?

That looks like…PAUL?

I forgot that Dawn calls Paul Iron Man in this chapter so that is why she fails to call him that. Did you like that it was just Dawn's POV? Tell me through your reviews. Or just PM me! Sorry that this chapter took so long. I was really busy! Did you like the new characters introduced? I don't know why I put that Dawn thinks Kenny is cute. He's not [in my opinion]!

Remember: review, review and review!