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You're The Reason
by: Season Of Magic
{-}
"A festival?" he glanced between his mother and girlfriend confused. They were all in the living room. Delia was taking recipes from cookbooks and magazines, which laid sprawled all over the square table in between the two couches. Dawn was sitting in the small couch, notebook at hand silently going over her coordinating routines and Ash was just there, complete and utter clueless as to why they were doing what they were.
"Yes, there's going to be a festival in a few days and I was wondering if you could participate and help out too?" Delia asked only staring at her son for a bit as she switched books.
"I'm sorry mom but I still do not understand." Ash said as he placed his hands behind the hat and glancing at the two females as if they had gone crazy.
"I'll explain it to him Delia," Dawn said as she motioned towards the kitchen. "the food is not going to make itself." she added hoping she would get the hint.
Delia shook her head, standing up and taking the various books and magazines from the table with her, murmuring things such as teenagers these days and I really will never understand them.
Dawn glanced at Ash and pulled him to the couch with her. "Alright Ash so after you left I began traveling all over the place. Whenever I returned to Pallet I realized that things here were not as developed as other towns so I decided to change that. Your mother, professor Oak, Brock and I began a petition to get the town to do various contests and things like that but of course they just laughed at our idea. We did not give up and when the mayor saw how persistent we were he agreed that we could take a couple days out of the year where the town could come together and do something fun, that is how the festival came to be."
"What do you guys do in this festival?" Ash asked beginning to understand the situation better. He was actually impressed to hear how they prevailed in the end.
Dawn smiled and clapped her hands excitedly "Oh the festival lasts for three days so there's tons to do!" she said thinking carefully "Let's see...there's professor Oak's talk show, a Pokémon contest which I often compete in but I mostly judge along with Kenny and Zoey, a Pokémon battle show which Paul likes to compete in and I have to literally drag him away from the stage hmmmm I think you might like that. There's also a fake marriage, lots of food, a ferris wheel, a pony ride for the little kids...ah well you'll see the rest if you go it's a lot to explain right now."
Ash laughed "Sounds like fun. Okay you convinced me, let's go!"
"Not so fast mister. Just because you're new at this doesn't mean you're off the hook. You have to help us out at least one of the days."
"Okay fine I'll be the judge in one of the Pokémon battles."
"Great! I'll tell Gary." Dawn said as she took her phone out and began to look through her contacts to find Gary's number.
"Wait why Gary?"
"He's in charge of the battle things. If all he spots are filled for judging then you're going to have to find something else to do." she said as she placed the call in speakerphone
Dawn you better have a good reason to call me. I'm busy at the moment, one of our judges quit. Paul and I can't find anyone else to do it.
Great!
How is this great? If I don't find another talented trainer to help out with the judging then I might just have to call off the battle section this year.
I meant great as in I was calling you for that same reason...well not same reason but still something similar to that.
Explain yourself troublesome because if you're the one that wants to do it the answer is no Paul's voice was heard.
It's not me. I have enough to deal with judging the contests as it is but I know someone who can help you out.
Please tell me it's not Kenny? Anyone but Kenny I'm begging you Gary said.
Nope not Kenny, its Ash. He needs something to do in the festival and what better thing than this?
The answer is still no troublesome.
Oh come on Paul who better than Ash? He just came back from a distant region think of all the publicity we'll get.
She has a point...
Nope. I refuse to let him join us. This will just turn into a disaster I prefer Kenny or carrot top over him.
You're joking.
I'm not. I want this to go smoothly and with him who knows what disaster can befall upon us.
Now you're just exaggerating. But fine if that's what you want go ahead, I'm just sad to think about the little kids and the faces they will have when you tell them the battle demonstrations are cancelled this year.
"And to think I was looking forward to this. I had a few surprises too." Ash said
What are you talking about? Both Paul and Gary said confused.
"Dawn was right. There was going to be a lot of publicity with me in the judge's panel."
And now he's just cocky the damn bastard Paul stated.
"And to think of all your faces and all the little kids too when you all saw five Pokémon from the Unova region but oh well."
Unova Pokémon? You're bluffing Ketchum
"Am I?" and he closed the phone call.
"What did you do that for?" Dawn complained.
"To show them just how serious I am. Come on let's go over to the lab there's something Paul and Gary have to see." he said as he ran up the steps to go up to his room.
"Right now? Can't this wait until after lunch?"
"Nope," Ash yelled "go get ready."
"Fine" Dawn sighed as she too went up the steps and went into her room to get her purse.
{-}
"What are you guys doing here?" Paul asked as he opened the door to the lab
Ash shrugged "Can't a trainer just come by to see how his Pokémon are doing once in a while?"
"We just talked over the phone less than half an hour ago you could have just asked about them then."
"That would not be so nice of me. While I'm in town I might as well use all the time I have wisely and that includes spending quality time with my Pokémon."
Dawn sighed and shook her head "You two will never quit this rivalry of yours will you?"
"I believe we're having a civil conversation, aren't we Paul?"
"You being civil is the day I stop being an utter asshole."
"Guys you're in a laboratory where important research is being done respect it" Gary said as he walked in "Okay Ash seriously what are you doing here? I mean I understand Dawn is here every day but you? That is a different case."
"I just came by to say hi and there's something I have to show you."
"And that would be?" Gary and Paul said together.
"That's what I want to know myself." Dawn said with hands in her hips. "Can we hurry this up? I'm hungry and there are a lot of things I have to do today."
"Yes this won't take long I promise," Ash said. "perhaps it is best to move to another room where we won't be disturbed."
Gary sighed "Very well follow me."
They all walked into the lab where many rooms were located. As they walked further inside the laboratory Dawn could see why team Rocket would have wanted to get their hands into the lab's information. It looked like a lot of various different research was done at the very moment.
Gary took them to the room he had been assigned to and when they stepped inside he closed the door so they would not be bothered. "Alright Ash let's see what you came here for today"
Ash shrugged as he took out five pokeballs "Tranquill, Oshawott, Tepig, Snivy, Leavanny come on out there's some people I want you to meet." he said and to Dawn, Paul and Dawn he added "Guys meet some of my Unova Pokémon."
Paul and Gary glanced between each other shocked.
Ash had actually been telling the truth and really did bring five pokemon from the Unova region? Was what was going on in everyone's mind.
"You really are an idiot after all." Paul said, as he was the first to snap out his daze.
Snivy and Leavanny glanced at the three trainers confused and then went charging towards Paul hitting him on the head with a vine whip and bug bite attack. "Sni-ni-vy!" "Lea-va-nny!"
Dawn could not help but laugh and Ash seemed a bit sorry. "I guess I forgot to say they hate when people say mean things to me. They have had quite the experience with Trip and I suppose you seem the most like him."
"Awww that's cute. They adore you."
"I suppose you can say that."
"They seem well raised," Gary piped in "you must have taken good care of them."
"I do!" Ash said proudly as Tepig ran towards him and jumped up and down excitedly "Guys these are Gary and Paul my rivals whom turned into friends and that is Dawn my girlfriend."
Dawn smiled as Leavanny made her way towards her confused "Le-a-vanny?"
"Yes I'm Dawn nice to meet you Leavanny. In fact it's nice to meet you all thanks for watching out for Ash in Unova."
{-}
As they watched Dawn make them food, the Unova Pokémon glanced at each other and grinned. The way Ash had talked about her made them wonder what she was like and now that they got to meet her, they could see why Ash had talked so much about her.
She seemed the most trustworthy of the group and they liked her "Not just because she makes good food" they all said to each other nodding their heads.
As Ash ate his food in silence watching Dawn interact with his Pokémon, Gary walked in with Paul into the kitchen. "Okay Ash so after carefully studying the situation, Paul and I have agreed that you are in for the battle judging and Pokémon showcase."
Ash glared at Paul "It's all because of them isn't it?" he said pointing to his Pokémon that were eating and hugging Dawn.
"No what gave you that idea?" Paul said trying to be innocent.
Ash shook his head and sighed. At least he had something to do and his mother would not kill him "Fine I accept."
{-}
After much preparations and getting everything ready, the day of the festival had finally arrived.
Ash was walking around glancing ever so often to the map he held, trying ever so hard to find where he was supposed to go.
He was amazed at the view before him and the town looked so much different now that there were stands and other things like red lanterns and white streamers set up all around.
Pikachu and Snivy were both walking alongside him and looked quite happy and content, taking all the sights in.
"Wow what Pokémon is that? I've never seen anything like it before." were the whispers going on around and Snivy walked more proudly when others added "I think that is a grass type from Unova, I believe its name is Snivy. I heard it in the tv."
Ash tried his best to keep a straight face but couldn't help but laugh. Snivy looked so silly.
Pikachu now walked with a saddened look, it seemed like no one was interested in him anymore. Ash petted him "It's okay buddy they're just amazed to see a Unova Pokémon here it doesn't mean you're not wanted," Ash smirked "I bet if you show them your electro ball they'll see how strong you really are." that seemed to do the trick and Pikachu was jumping up and down excitedly once again.
Snivy however waved her hands around and did not seem impressed "Sni-ni-vy."
"Oh come on Snivy, Pikachu both of you behave or neither of you will be showcased today. If you forgot we are in Pallet which means I can easily go back to the lab and get another Pokémon instead."
Pikachu and Snivy held their paws to the other in a momentary truce. They did not want to be left behind.
"Ash what are you doing here? This is the contest area." Dawn said as she looked up from her task of putting up streamers and balloons.
"Just wanted to know if you needed help."
'You don't know where to go do you?" she replied laughing
"Not really..."
Dawn placed the balloons and streamers down giving it to someone who was helping her out "Can you keep working on it for me please? I'll be back soon I just have to show this idiot where to go." she said as she took Ash's hand in hers and began to walk away.
"I would have found my way around...eventually."
"Eventually would be too late and both Gary and Paul would kill you."
"I guess you're right," he said taking a pokeball and throwing it at Snivy. "I know you want to see more of the festival but for now you need to rest. Return."
"Are you ready to go now? The battle showcase is that way." she said pointing to the north.
"Got it! Thanks Dawn," he said as he kissed her lightly then went off in the direction she was pointing at "I'll come back to see you if i get a break. Let's go Pikachu."
Dawn shook her head "That guy I swear..." she murmured to herself as she walked back towards her job.
{-}
"Ash Ketchum reporting for duty sirs." Ash said as he walked backstage. He had to admit the place was small but it looked comfortable. The walls were painted a light beige color and Pokémon pictures hung all around the walls.
Paul and Gary both looked up from their station and glanced at the big watch hanging in the middle. "You're late." they said.
"Took me a while to find my way." he admitted sheepishly as he put on one of the headsets Gary handed to him..
"Well at least you're here now. You do remember what you have to do right?" Gary asked.
"Yes. When people ask me questions, I answer them to the best of my ability."
"And if you can't answer or you do not want to you say...?"
"Due to personal reasons I cannot answer that question please ask another one."
"There's hope for him after all!" Paul said with a smirk "He might just not make a fool of himself."
Ash ignored the comment and decided to ask something else instead "I'm curious. Who else is going to be here for the battle showcase besides us?"
"The only competent ones we could find which are Carrot top, the breeder and the know-it-all kid."
"He means Misty, Brock and Max." Gary replied.
"Ah I see" Ash said "And who's helping out Dawn?"
"That would be Zoey, May, Drew, and Kenny. May will join them when she gets a break here" Gary said as he looked at his watch again then walked towards the controls. "It's almost time to start. Any last questions or concerns?"
"Just one, when do I get a break? I want to go see Dawn's contest."
"If you do not mess this up you can go after you're done."
"Alright that's all I wanted to know."
"Good because you're up first." Paul said as he pushed him out the stage.
"Hey guys do we have a treat for you all today..." Gary spoke into the loudspeakers "Eight years ago at the age of ten he and I began our journey together here in Pallet. At thirteen years old he had already been through all of Kanto, Hoenn and Sinnoh but that wasn't enough and he still wanted more so he packed up and left from Sinnoh to discover what was out in the far regions of Unova. After five years of absence and a month of being back he's here to share all he's learned with you! So let's give a big hand of applause for our very own; Ash Ketchum!"
Ash wanted to scream at Gary and Paul but he couldn't do so because by the time he realized what they had done, he was already out and people were chanting his name over and over excitedly.
"Um good day everyone." Ash said into the microphone "Wow so many of you came out here today I'm amazed. How are you all passing it so far?"
A chorus of "Good." "Awesome." "Fantastic." and "Superb." were heard throughout the rows and Ash grinned.
"I'll take that as a good sign then," he said as he grinned and then sighed. "Okay so I'll admit I have no clue what I'm doing here today..." he added and many laughed "but as my girlfriend says no need to worry so I guess I'll give it my best try. If any of you have questions please raise your hands and if I pick you then you have to speak loud and clear so I can hear your question okay?" to which the audience nodded.
A little boy around the age of eight whom was sitting in the front row jumped up and down excitedly "Pick me, pick me Mr. Ketchum!"
Ash laughed and he pointed to the little kid "Okay you in the front row seat. What is your name and what is your question?"
"I'm Darren and my question is what do I have to do to be a great trainer like you? That is my dream someday."
"Darren that is a very good question! My answer would have to be this. A good trainer is someone whom treats their Pokémon and other trainers with respect. They care about others and never say no to anything. Also, you should never do something just because you want to be like someone else, always be yourself. I promise that if you do you can achieve everything you put your mind to." Ash replied
"That is actually good advice." Gary stated as Misty, Brock and Max walked backstage.
"Sorry we're late. The ferry ran late and then it took forever to get here because Brock made us stop to eat. " Max said.
"There's nothing wrong about eating a nutritional lunch."
"There's going to be food here Brock."
"Not as good as mines."
"Okay can you two just fight about this later I'm trying to watch this" Misty said as she glanced at the monitor.
"Wow he's not doing that bad a job." Max said as he too looked at the monitor.
"I guess he might not ruin this after all." Paul said with his arms crossed.
Bright fireworks started going off in the air in the direction that Dawn was at and to Ash that could only mean one thing "Sorry to make this short guys but I have to go now. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I missed my girlfriend's show? Don't worry I'll be back for the showcase but for now I'm leaving you in good hands. Paul the stage is all yours, let's go Pikachu!"
Paul sighed as he grabbed a microphone. "Never mind I said it too early. This is going to be a disaster."
"Okay guys this is Paul my rival and friend. My advice to all you trainers out there is to never classify another trainer by titles such as rival or friend. In the end we're all just trying to reach the same goal even if it's by using different methods. We can learn from each other isn't that right Paul?"
Paul shrugged "Says the guy who never improves."
Ash smirked "Is that so? We'll talk about that later then...I have to go now." and with that Ash placed down the microphone and walked off the stage. "Bye guys."
{-}
By the time Ash had gotten to where Dawn was at the fireworks had already ended and the show was about to begin. He made his way backstage and saw that everyone was frantically moving around. The backstage in the contest area was light cream colored with pictures of both Pokémon and trainers alike. He actually recognized a few of them because they were of Zoey, Johanna, Dawn and May.
He saw that May was wearing an Arabian outfit similar to the one she wore in the Wallace cup, Zoey also wore something similar to her Wallace cup outfit as well, Kenny was in his usual getup, Drew looked like he really did not care what he wore and Dawn's outfit was similar to May's except it looked a bit more Egyptian style because it had more gold and sparkles than anything else.
He walked up to Dawn and wrapped his arms around her. "Told you I'd be back." he whispered which made Dawn jump up.
She turned around and hit him lightly in the arm "Don't scare me like that you idiot.
"Sorry."
Zoey looked at them and smirked "So Dawn when were you going to tell us Ash was back in town?"
"It slipped my mind..."
"How long have you been back Ash?" May asked confused.
Ash let go of Dawn but held her hand instead. "About a month or so."
"And when did this happen?" Zoey said as she pointed at the two of them holding hands making both Ash and Dawn blush.
"About a week ago." Dawn replied.
"Oh stop it Zoey! I think they look adorable." May stated.
"She should have told us."
"I'm sorry guys but I was a bit busy with the festival and all my party details." Dawn said.
"Which reminds me I am going to sing at the party right?" Zoey asked.
"Yeah. I guess both you and Ash can perform."
"You're going to sing too?" Zoey said looking at Ash questioningly.
"Yup! Dawn promised."
"Okay can we all talk about this later? There's a contest we have to begin, one which I know I'll win." Drew said flipping his hair.
"In your dreams Drew. You know you can't participate we're only judging but if you want to show off and make a fool of yourself that is what the showcase is for." May said.
Zoey, Dawn, Kenny and Ash laughed and Drew only huffed and crossed his arms in annoyance.
"We're not going to make a fool of ourselves right Roserade?"
"Whatever you say." May only responded back resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
Kenny sighed "Why am I friends with these people...they don't take anything seriously."
"It wouldn't be fun to be so serious all the time. You need to lighten up once in a while." Dawn replied.
"Only you would say something like that Dee-Dee."
"Okay, okay calm down all of you." Brock said as he walked inside "Shouldn't you be getting ready for the judging instead of fighting?"
"He's right." Max stated as he ran up to May. "I came by to support you sis."
May ruffled Max's hair "Awww thanks bro you're the best."
Misty also walked inside the room "Let's get this party started!"
Gary and Paul walked by after Misty. "Well since all of you are here we had no choice but to stop the showcase until later when all of you aren't obsessed about contests and stuff." Paul replied annoyed.
"So you didn't come by to support us then?" Zoey said with a smirk.
"Nope I did not."
"Sure, we'll believe that right girls?" May said with a grin.
"Right!" Dawn. Misty and Zoey replied "not a chance." they added laughing.
"I was
correct. This is going to be a disaster."
'If you keep saying that it will be your fault when disaster does strike." Ash said.
"Nothing's going to happen."
"Sure it will with us around!" a voice said from a distance.
"Wait...what?" Ash said.
"What is the question, so twerpish indeed!" Jessie said.
"The answer to come as we feel the need." James replied.
"Bringing the blinding white light of evil into the future!"
"Thrusting the hammer of justice down onto the black darkness of the universe!"
"And carving our names in rock of eternity!" James said "You know it doesn't feel as nice without Meowth."
"Never mind about that now you idiot. I'm The fiery destroyer, Jessie!"
"Fine. And with thunderous emotion, I am James!"
"Wisest of the wise, now gather, under the name of Team Rocket!" Jessie and James said together.
"Oh great not these guys again." Brock, Zoey, May, Misty, Max, Kenny and Drew said
"What are you doing here team rocket?" Ash said as he pulled Dawn behind him. There was no way she was getting hurt and if they tried to do something well they'll just see how much stronger he's gotten.
"Oh look Jessie the twerp and twerpette are together now you owe me fifty dollars!"
"We made that bet over five years ago it's null by now."
"The price of life has gone up as well as inflation hmmmm I guess you owe me a hundred then."
"The bet is void you imbecile!"
"Did I hear them correctly?" Dawn whispered to Ash "Did they really bet on us?"
"With those two its hard to know but it seems serious so I guess they really did."
"How long have the twerps been together anyways?" James wondered out loud.
"None of your business." Dawn replied.
"But if you're really dying to know it's been a week." Kenny said shrugging.
"Kenny!" the gang said glaring at him.
"What? I'm sorry ok."
"The question here is when are you two going to get together?" Ash said with a smirk.
"And don't go saying your relationship is sstrictly business we've known you for over eight years now." Misty added as well.
"You and me together?" Jessie and James replied as they wondered out loud.
"That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard." Jessie said.
"Absolutely ridiculous!" James agreed "but if I had to choose between you and Jessibelle...I'd chose you anytime."
The gang sighed and walked out the room one by one.
"This is getting too romantic for us and we have a show to do bye Team Rocket" Ash stated
"Pika-Pi." Pikachu agreed
"Figure this out amongst yourselves." Drew said as he flicked his hair backwards "We've got judging to do."
"Judging? for what?"
"Uh hello it's the Pallet town festival there's a contest going on today." May said.
"Contest?"
"Yeah what are you doing here if you had no clue about the festival?"Ash said.
'We knew about the festival I just didn't know there was a contest too."
"And this is why you two aren't good as criminals. You're never informed about anything." Dawn replied.
"The twerps have their point. What are we doing here Jessie?"
"I honestly have no clue either. I just thought the festival might be fun to come to."
"Yet you gave your identities away" Max replied "You act like such novices."
"You can stay around for the festival but one incident regarding stealing of Pokémon or something remotely close to that you're dead got it?"
"Yes mister champ sir." James replied looking at Ash "Please don't do anything to us" he added looking a bit frightened.
"What does James mean by mister champ?" everyone asked Ash.
"You didn't tell the other twerps you're the Unova champion?" Jessie asked curiously.
"WHAT!"
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Season Of Magic: So I usually do not write notes after a chapter ends but I feel that this one was neccessary. Apparently Ash is the Unova champion and I bet you're all wondering how the hell did that happen? Don't worry my fellow readers it will all be explained next chapter I promise.