Thanks for the suggestions VGS2, I'll definitely take a look. I haven't got a good feel for the ship yet, hopefully that helps. I also didn't realize there was a Dawn's Buneary tag, so I fixed that. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

Piplup POV:

It was a beautiful early afternoon on the beach at Cynthia's villa. The sun was out in the clear blue sky, its warm rays complimenting the cool ocean breeze nicely. The fine sand underneath my feet was silky smooth and comfortably warm. Wailord were jumping out of the ocean in the distance, and Wingull flocks were riding the thermal currents high up, just little white specks in the sky. I was resting under the shade of a tree, leaning back against it in pure bliss. This was the life! I was relaxed while watching the others, not me, training under the sun.

"Pignite, use Flame Charge. Pikachu, use Iron Tail" Ash ordered. I watched as Pignite ran at Pikachu with red hot flames surrounding his body, while Pikachu stayed where he was as Pignite approached, his tail turning silver like metal. I felt bad for Pignite having to surround himself with fire while under the heat of the sun. It may have been nice out, but that literally looked too hot to handle.

Pikachu grinned while standing his ground in a confident manner like the veteran battler he was. I grinned seeing this; I knew what was coming next, having watched Pikachu battle many times in the past. Sure enough, when Pignite was moments away from making contact, Pikachu abruptly jumped up high, avoiding Pignite's attack, just like I knew he would. Then he swung his hardened tail down at Pignite, who was too dazed to dodge it and took a direct hit. A loud cry came from him as Pikachu smashed his Iron Tail down on Pignite's shoulder, sending him crumbling into the sand. I could tell Pikachu's attack deliberately struck Pignite's shoulder, not wanting to do any real damage since it was only training. I smiled at this; that was Pikachu for you, always conscious of what the situation was.

I watched as Pignite got up while Pikachu landed behind him. They both looked exhausted, panting with sweat dripping down their faces. It made sense; they had been training together for over an hour in the bright sunlight. Ash tended to sometimes overdo it when it came to training; I hoped he recognized how tired they were after giving it their all and end the training session.

"They're really going at it, aren't they?" I heard as someone approached me from behind. I glanced over to see Buneary with a cup of what looked like apple juice in her paw. She was blushing and I wasn't sure why. I figured it must be a girl thing.

Ash then dismissed his two Pokémon after praising them for their hard work. Pikachu looked over and saw us and walked our way, albeit slowly. Pignite walked up the stairs and back towards the villa, likely to get something cold to drink and relax in the cool air conditioning. I hope he'd take a shower too.

"Isn't he hot when he's all sweaty?" Buneary gulped, her face turning redder. I looked at Pikachu and saw how the sweat that covered his body glimmered in the sunlight. His face was flushed from exertion, he was still panting, and his slow walk indicated his level exhaustion.

Wow, that was disgusting! How could anyone think that was attractive? I bet he reeked too!

"Bleh, that's so gross! Why did you say that!?" I said, totally grossed out. "I'm finding another tree to relax under. Have fun with your sweaty, stinky mouse."

I didn't even wait for her to reply before I got up and walked away. The sand under the sun was much hotter than the sand in the shade and was burning my feet as I looked for another tree. Unfortunately, I didn't see any other trees nearby. I was not going back to the tree with the two weirdos under it, so I found a nice shady cliff to sit under. I leaned back against the rocky cliff and relaxed, although I found it to be less comfortable then under the tree.

I looked over and saw Pikachu had joined Buneary under the tree and she was leaning up against him. I honestly had no idea how she thought he looked attractive when he was all sweaty and smelly. I figured this must be that lovestruck girl thing. I made a mental note to ask Pikachu about their relationship later.

Speaking of relationships, I saw Meloetta sitting on a rock out in the ocean, the very picture of divinity. Her hair was blowing gently in the ocean breeze, further adding to her stunning beauty. 'Wow, she's more gorgeous than ever' I thought. 'I need to work on a game plan; a foolproof one. I need to do something to flaunt my charm, something that will set me apart from all the other males. Especially that Oshawott!'

He may not have been actual competition, but he was a nuisance. Hopefully I would not only get the girl, but I would also put that jerk in his place!

"Hello Piplup." My face soured when I heard this and turned to see none other than Oshawott standing at my side. I growled at this. He was the last Pokemon I wanted to see right now.

"Get out of my shade, you're not welcome here" I replied, turning my head away from him in a show of disgust. I heard Oshawott sigh.

"Look, we didn't start out that well." I snorted at this. That was quite an understatement. "How about we start over? We're going to be around each other for a while, and I would like to get to know you. Maybe we could be friends?"

"I have no interest in being your friend" I stated. "Go away." Oshawott snorted at this, clearly irritated.

"I'm trying to be nice here. I do want to get to know you." Oshawott sighed. "Besides, I don't like fighting with my teammates if I can avoid it."

"I'm not your teammate" I told him, crossing my flippers. "Go away."

"I know why you don't like me" he said with restrained anger in his voice, obviously losing his patience. "Both of us were flirting with Meloetta. But look, let's be real. We both know she's way out of our league, and neither of us is going to get her. Let's call a truce and start over."

This infuriated me, how dare he say that! I knew he had only said that to convince me not to pursue her. She was MY girl, not his! I turned around and glared at him.

"That's a load of Trubbish and you know it! She's all mine, not yours! You're just jealous of my irresistible cuteness!" I saw him look embarrassed and blush a bit when I said this. "Besides, who could possibly like a clown-face such as yourself?" I watched as his embarrassed expression quickly darkened, a scowl forming on his face. I was a little taken aback at how angry he looked.

"You shouldn't be talking, beak-face!" he yelled at me. I became quite angry hearing this. While I was confused at what he meant by "beak-face", his tone indicated it was an insult, and I glowered at him. He closed his eyes and turned his chin up at me before continuing. "Honestly, that thing on your face is so unattractive. It's sharp and ugly, just like you! Not to mention dangerous, who would want to kiss that thing? They'd have to get stitches every time!"

I was livid with him now, how dare he say that! NOBODY insulted my beak! I was so angry red was starting to fill my vision. I growled at him in anger. I REALLY wanted to Drill Peck him into oblivion right now.

Then I realized I could, if we had an official battle. I mentally grinned at this. That would be a great way to vent my anger while also teaching him a lesson!

"You think you're better than me?" I screamed at him. "Then let's battle. One hour, behind the villa, just you and me. Then you'll see just how superior I am to you, clown-face!"

"Fine! I'll take you out and humiliate you in the process, you giant pile of Trubbish!"

With that said, he stormed off, leaving me shocked at how intense things had just got. I actually felt a bit intimidated at the utter hate he had just unleashed. I must have hit a nerve, although I wasn't sure what it was. I briefly considered calling off the battle, but I was too stubborn to do so.

What was I thinking? I was Piplup, the best water fighter out there. Oshawott would be blown away by my amazing power and grace! I would make him bow before me, the best water type there was!

/

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