Yes, the Snorlax Games. You get an internet cookie if you get the reference. Starmie Wars is pretty obvious, I think. This chapter focuses on Ash and co. Enjoy!
"I'm starving!" Ash exclaimed as they were walking inside.
"Hold your Rapidashes. The food's not going anywhere." Dawn said.
A waitress showed them to a table, and took their drink orders.
"So, do y'all wanna just call it a night after dinner, or what?" Asked Dawn.
"I was planning on getting a little training done before I call it a night. I want to make sure that everyone is good to go before tomorrow, since I probably won't have time in the morning." Ash replied.
"Ugh. I was hoping we could do something together." Dawn sighed.
"You could be my sparring partner." Ash suggested.
Dawn, realizing that there was no better option, conceded. "Sure! I'd love to!" Man, I wish he would do something that I want to do. Like go see that new chick flick, Celebi the Time Traveller! I know! Tomorrow I'll wear my new outfit! He seemed to like it yesterday! That'll get his attention, but before that, at least we'll be sleeping in the same bed!
"Uh, Dawn, your face is red again." Ash said, snapping Dawn back to her senses.
"Oh, no need to worry! I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what? Or more importantly, who?" Brock asked, smirking knowingly.
"Nobody! I wasn't thinking about Ash!" Immediately after saying this, Dawn covered her mouth, her face beet red.
"What? Why were you thinking about me?" Ash asked, cluelessly.
Jeez, he has it bad! Brock thought to himself. Alright, I'm gonna have to intervene. He may not realize it yet, but based on what dawn told me about earlier, he's developed feelings for Dawn. It'll just take some outside help before he realizes it. I hope Dawn doesn't mind though.
(Why is he so damn dense!? He's denser than lead. I made a slip up, and he's absolutely clueless! I didn't want to have to do this, but I'm probably gonna have to get Brock involved. I hope he doesn't mind she glanced over at Brock, who seemed to be deep in thought. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Brock, snapping back to his senses, nodded. "We'll be right back Ash, Dawn needs to talk to me about something."
"But—"
"Alone."
"Okay. Just hurry up please. I don't want to have to keep the waitress waiting."
"Will do." Brock turned to Dawn. "Let's go."
"I wonder what that was about," Ash said to Pikachu. "They just got up and left, all after I asked why Dawn was thinking about me. Did I do something wrong?"
"Pika," Pikachu replied, rolling his eyes.
"And why was Dawn's face so red? Is she sick or something and that's why Brock wanted to talk to her?"
"Pika. Pikachu pikapi. Chu pika."
"What do you mean Dawn likes me? I like her too! I mean, she is my best friend after all!"
Pikachu was on the verge of slapping Ash right then and there. He was tired of his trainer's denseness, and after watching two potential girlfriends slip away, he didn't want to see Ash miss out on a third.
"Pika!" He said mischievously, a plan forming in his head.
"What was that?"
"Pika," he replied innocently.
"I don't get it Brock, how can he be so dense? I practically blurted out that I liked him, and he thought nothing of it! He's so clueless!"
"Well, this is Ash we are talking about, so it's no surprise."
"What do you mean?"
"This isn't the first time this has happened. Misty was first. Although he was only ten at the time, she made it pretty clear that she liked him as more than a friend. Ash being Ash, he completely overlooked it."
"Wow. I'm guessing May was the other?"
"Yep. Ash was older than when he met May, and so I thought that maybe he would've caught a clue. I don't know, maybe he grew out of it a little bit, but not by much. In all honesty, I seriously thought that she would have gotten through that thick skull of his. But no such luck. I honestly think she made it even more obvious than Misty, but it didn't matter in the end. We went our separate ways, and the last we saw her was the Wallace Cup. Speaking of which, I'd assume Max, her little brother, is entering the tournament, so maybe we'll meet back up with them in Driftveil City. Back on topic though, it's obvious you like him, and I don't want to see him break a third girl's heart by simply being oblivious. So that's why I'm offering to help you get with Ash. It's obvious that with some outside help, he'll finally realize that he has feelings for you."
"Wow. You know, I was gonna ask you for some help, Brock, but it seems like you read my mind. I just hope you know what you're doing."
"Trust me. They don't call me the love doctor for nothing."
Dawn rolled her eyes at the comment. "Which is why you've been rejected by every girl you've fallen for."
"Hey! Come on!"
She smiled, knowing that she had found his weak point. "Alright, what do you have in store?"
"Well first, since you mentioned that he was practically speechless when you showed him your new outfit, we can start there. Just start wearing it from now on. That should get him thinking, and make things easier for us."
"I was thinking the same thing! What else do you have planned?"
The two conversed for another ten minutes, and when Brock told Dawn what he had planned, she agreed without any hesitation.
"You know, this may actually work!" She exclaimed.
"I hope so, otherwise he's a lost cause." Brock said.
"I don't even want to think about that."
The two walked back inside, to see Ash looking bored as ever.
"What took you two so long, I mean I know that Dawn might've been sick, but couldn't you have at least let me help?"
Oh jeez. He thought I was sick? Arceus, please help him. At least by the time this tournament is over, Brock will have helped me pair up with him. Until then, it's gonna be a long road. Dawn thought to herself.
She looked up, and noticed that the waitress had returned switch their drinks.
"Sorry about the delay, there was a hold up in the kitchen. Are you ready to order?"
"No need to worry!" Dawn said. "And I think we're ready."
The trio ordered their food, and the waitress left.
"So, Ash, who are you gonna train with tonight? I was thinking of using either Mamoswine or Whimsicott."
"Definitely Scrafty. He always performs well after a good warm up. Garchomp already battled today, so I think he's ready. I don't want to hurt either of your Pokémon, so Typhlosion is out of the picture. So that leaves Pikachu, Crawdaunt, and Gigalith."
"How about Scrafty versus Whimsicott, and Crawdaunt versus Mamoswine?" Dawn suggested.
"Sounds good."
"After that though do you wanna see a movie or something? You know, to wind down after training. I heard that Celebi the Time Traveller is out. It looks really good based on what I've seen of the previews."
"Aww, a chick flick? I wanna see the new Starmie Wars. You know, something with action and not that lovey dovey stuff."
Wow. I'm surprised he even knows what a chick flick is. Brock was right. He really is starting to grow out of his denseness. It'll just take a little push. Dawn thought to herself.
"How about you two compromise?" Brock suggested.
"What do you mean you two? Aren't you coming Brock?" Ash asked.
"No, sorry, I have things to do. Maybe next time. But I heard that the new Snorlax Games is out. It's got both action and romance in it."
Ash turned towards Dawn. "I don't see why not. You up for that?"
"Yes!" She squealed. Thank you Brock! she said mentally.
"Hey, our food's here!" Ash exclaimed.
Sure enough, there food had arrived amidst the excitement.
"Let's eat!"
"You ready Dawn?" Ash asked. "Even though this is just a practice match, I'm not gonna go easy on you!"
"I wouldn't want you to. Where's the challenge in that?" Dawn replied.
"Alright, Crawdaunt, I choose you!"
Ash yelled, throwing out a poke ball. A lobster looking Pokémon appeared. He was mainly red, with a cream underbelly. He stood on two feet, and had tiny arms coming out of his stomach. He held his two large pincers up menacingly, and atop his head was a yellow star.
"Mamoswine, spotlight!" Dawn called, throwing her poke ball. A massive brown Pokémon appeared. He had four thick legs, and two large tusks coming out from each side of his face, which was a combination of blue and white.
"Ladies first," Ash said tauntingly.
"Alright, let's start out with Ice Armor!"
"Dragon Dance, now!"
Mamoswine began by forming an ice shard in his mouth. But instead of shooting it at Crawdaunt, he swallowed it, and icicle formed on his back, giving off the appearance of spikes.
Meanwhile, Crawdaunt started dancing around frantically, with a red and black energy surrounding him.
"Crab hammer!" Ash shouted.
"Counter with hidden power!"
Crawdaunt, using his newfound speed, rushed up to Mamoswine, preparing to strike him. However, Mamoswine was prepared, and an electric energy surrounded him. When Crawdaunt struck, his claw smashed through the energy surrounding the Twin Tusk Pokémon, and broke through the ice armor. Crawdaunt wasn't unscathed though, as his body started to spark from contact with the electric type hidden power.
"We can come back from this! Use Ancient Power!" Dawn shouted.
"Break through it with Rock Smash! Then grab hold of his tusks with Vice Grip!" Ash countered.
Mamoswine created a glowing ball of energy, and he released it aiming straight for the Rogue Pokémon. Just as it was about to hit, Crawdaunt smashed it into pieces with a glowing claw. He then charged ahead, using the speed he gained from the Dragon Dance to run faster. He then grabbed ahold of Mamoswine's tusks.
"Get free Mamoswine!" Dawn shouted, worried for her Pokémon's well-being.
"Now throw it!" Ash shouted, sensing a victory.
Mamoswine shook his head violently, trying to shake Crawdaunt free. Crawdaunt held, and he then threw Mamoswine, causing him to land on his back. Crawdaunt looked at his trainer eagerly, waiting for the finishing command.
"Alright I think that's good enough." Ash said.
"What?"
"Look, it's obvious that Mamoswine can't take much more, and I don't want to hurt him. Besides. It's just a training match, and I'm not trying to hurt your Pokémon. Come on. Let's start the Scrafty versus Whimsicott match, and then catch that movie."
"You're right, sorry." Dawn recalled Mamoswine, and threw out another. "Whimsicott, spotlight!"
A brown Pokémon appeared. Her most noticeable feature was the cotton that came out of her head, giving off the appearance of hair that covered his entire back. She had green ears that curled. And pupil-less orange eyes.
"Crawdaunt, good job, come back. Go Scrafty!"
An orange Pokémon with a dark red Mohawk appeared. His mouth appeared to be in a never ending frown, and he had loose skin that resembled a hoodie on his neck. His tail and legs were covered by the same baggy skin.
"Since you won the first round, you can go first!" Dawn said.
"Okay then, let's start out with a headbutt!" Ash commanded.
"Slow him down with a Cotton Spore!" Dawn countered. "Follow with razor leaf!"
Scrafty charged towards Whimsicott, head lowered. Whimsicott shot dozens of balls of sticky cotton on the ground on Scrafty's path, causing him to slow into a snail's pace. She then shot dozens of razor sharp leaves at Scrafty, causing small cuts to form on his skin.
"Alright, try to use your shed skin ability to get out of there, then use crunch!" Ash shouted.
"Don't let him! Use charm, followed by Giga Drain!"
Scrafty's outer skin started to fall off, and was immediately replaced, allowing him to get free from the Cotton Spore. He then charged towards Whimsicott, preparing to crunch down on her. She retaliated by moving around cutely, causing him to drop his guard. Immediately. Afterward, Whimsicott's eyes glowed, and green tendrils grabbed Scrafty, draining his energy.
"Checkmate!" Dawn exclaimed.
""Alright, you win. Scrafty return!" Ash conceded.
"Good job, Whimsicott! Take a rest!" Dawn said, recalling her Pokémon. She looked up at Ash. "We better get going. The movie starts in less than an hour."
"Right."
"Two tickets for Snorlax Games please." Ash said.
"Certainly, it's the fourth theater on your left."
"Thanks."
The duo walked to get popcorn, but noticed the line was long.
"Hey Dawn, I'll wait in line, while you go find us some seats, okay?"
"Sounds good!" She replied.
Dawn walked off, heading into the theater. I can't wait! Brock's plan is going well so far! Time to go into phase two! she mentally cheered. She found two seats, and ten minutes later, Ash and Pikachu walked in, holing two drinks and a large popcorn. As he sat down next to Dawn, he spoke up.
"I got you a Pecha berry soda, I hope you don't mind!"
"No! Not at all. Now shut up, the previews are about to start."
About halfway during the movie, during a scary part, Dawn, to Ash's surprise, clenched onto his arm. Even when that particular scene had ended, she still clung on to him.
There's that feeling again. I wish I knew what it is. First when Dawn showed me her new outfit, and now when she's clinging on to my arm. I don't mind it, actually I kind of like it. I just wish I knew what it is. Ash thought to himself. He looked over at Dawn, whose eyes were glued to the screen. I wonder if she has that weird feeling too. I don't know, maybe Brock will know.
The two stayed like that for the rest of the movie, Dawn holding on to Ash's arm, and Ash, surprisingly, moved instinctively closer.
"Wow! That movie was great!" Dawn exclaimed. They were exiting the theater, and she had settled to holding Ash's hand.
"Yeah. It wasn't bad." Ash replied. I wonder why Dawn is still holding my hand. Oh well. I don't mind. So I won't say anything.
"Oh come on, admit it, you had fun."
"Okay, you got me, it was pretty fun. Come on, let's get back to the hotel."
The two walked back, and after about fifteen minutes of walking, they finally got to their room. As they opened the door, they heard snoring.
"It sounds like Brock is asleep, so let's keep it down." Ash whispered.
"Okay," she replied.
The two walked in, with Dawn heading over to the bathroom to get ready to change first. Ash, on the other hand, went over to the bed and plopped down.
"Man. What a day!" He said, looking over at his faithful companion.
"Pika. Pikachu pikapi."
"Yeah. Listen. Tomorrow, I wanna talk to you alone. I don't know how long Dawn will be in there, and I don't want her to hear what I want to say to you, so you think you can wake me up early?"
Pikachu nodded in reply.
"That aside, are you ready for tomorrow? We got a big day ahead of us. We win three matches in the qualifiers, we go to the prelims!"
"Pipikachu! Pikachu replied, just as excited as Ash.
Dawn walked out of the bathroom. "Hey Ash, I'm done in there. You can use it now."
Ash looked up. He saw dawn wearing an oversized t-shirt, and short shorts, before she climbed under the covers.
"Alright. Be right back. Don't hog the covers please. There's plenty of room."
Dawn giggled. "No need to worry!"
Ash walked into the bathroom, and five minutes later he had changed into his black t-shirt and boxers.
Man, I can't help but feel a little awkward about sleeping with Dawn. Thank god the lights are out. I don't think I could deal with her seeing me in my boxers. Ash thought to himself. He then climbed into bed.
"Hey Dawn?"
"Yeah Ash?" She replied, wondering what he was going to say.
"I just wanted to thank you."
"What do you mean?"
"I had a really great time, and I enjoyed going to the movies with you."
"No problem Ash." She replied. "Good night."
"Night Dawn."
Ash was lying on his back, while Dawn was on her stomach, facing towards Ash. He's so cute when he sleeps. It was fun going to the movies. Even though he didn't know what was going on when I was clinging to him, the fact that afterwards he didn't seem to mind me holding his hand means that I might actually have a shot with him.
At that, she drifted off to sleep, hearing the sounds of light snoring right next to her.
Unbeknownst to them, however, a yellow rodent was ready to put his plan into action. He waited to make sure that the two teens were asleep, and then pulled each of their hands out, intertwining their fingers. He chuckled to himself, waiting to see the looks on their faces when they woke up. He then quickly succumbed to his tiredness, drifting off to dreamland.
It's a bit shorter than the last two chapters, but I think it works. I didn't really want to drag it on for too long, because then it gets boring. That aside, I've decided to go with the dense version of Ash (the one where he's almost completely clueless about love). Why? Because this version of Ash is more fun to write about than an Ash that isn't clueless. He and Dawn definitely aren't going to be moving as fast as Jake and May. Next chapter will start the tournament for the trio. After that, it's all up in the air. Please R&R!