Author's Note: Next chapter will officially be Denise vs Volkner. I wanted to write down this chapter to express more of Denise's thoughts and feelings as a Pokémon Trainer and a new Top Coordinator.

I don't own Pokémon or its characters, but I own Denise, her Pokémon group and my other OCs.

Enjoy!

Pokemon: Friends to the End

Chapter 164: Denise's Inner Feelings!

While on their way to Sunyshore City, Ash and his friends decided to stop in the middle of the forest to have lunch.

Denise sat down against a tree, writing on her secret diary.

The sun was shining in the sky, so she was taking shelter from its beaming light while the wind gave a soft breeze that was cool and soothing.

It has been a few days since the Grand Festival, so Denise thought it was a good time for her to write down on her private journal of the events that recently happened.

"Dear, diary. I am proud to tell you that I made it through all the stages of the Grand Festival and earned the title of Top Coordinator as well as the Ribbon Cup. It's a dream come true. Now all is left for me is to beat Volkner in the Sunyshore Gym and earn the Beacon Badge to officially enter the Sinnoh League."

Denise paused herself from writing to think for a moment before continuing.

"Now that I think about it. Being Top Coordinator means I have to still work on my battling and performances. If I don't end up winning the Sinnoh League, I pretty much want to explore a whole new region. There are so many to choose from. Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar and Paldea Region. Obviously, there are also so many places and Pokémon that are waiting for me to see with my own eyes. But it's hard to pick which one. Hopefully, I'll get to decide which region to explore after the events of the Sinnoh League end. Though I think I'll start with training my Pokémon more before challenging the Sinnoh Frontier Brains? Hopefully, I'll also be able to impress the Arcade Star Dahlia the next time I see her?"

Denise brought her attention to Dawn, who was placing dishes on the table with Prinplup helping her.

Brock was stirring some delicious soup in a pot while Ash was in the middle of doing some training with Gible.

Combusken was in the middle of using Peck in a nearby tree to get some apples for Denise to use to make apple pie.

The Top Coordinator smiled at the sight in front of her before she continued writing down in her diary.

"My sister desires to still become Pokémon Coordinator, but she doesn't seem to mind that I end up winning instead of her. Perhaps, maybe next year she will become one? Both Ash and Brock are from the Kanto Region, but they've have been travelling with me and my sister from when we first started our journey in the Sinnoh Region. Though it's likely that they will both return home soon."

Denise became silent for a brief moment before picking her pen again to write on her diary.

"I'll be honest with you. I…I have a crush on Ash. But now that I think about it, I don't think his the guy for me. I mean his cute, kind, he's always thoughtful to others, shows confidence when battling and shows a lot of sympathy towards Pokémon, usually helping and befriending them through his long journey. However, I also notice his sort of dense and doesn't seem to be interested in getting a girlfriend."

A small blush appeared on Denise's face as she continued writing on her diary.

"Lucas has told me that he likes me and asked if I would like to go out with him. I told him I would think about it, but I don't really know what to say. I'll likely see him again in the Sinnoh League and will expect to have made my decision. I like Lucas. But I only see him as a good friend and nothing else. Though I don't want to hurt his feelings."

Denise bit her lip as she fiddled with her pen a bit.

"Paul. His a hot headed guy, who normally only cares about himself and doesn't really care much about his Pokémon. But after watching him battle Brandon the Pyramid King, I've learned not to judge him from his actions. He has a heart. But just doesn't know how to use it. Maybe he'll learn if we keep giving him a positive example."

After finishing writing down on her diary, Denise closed her private book and let out a soft sigh.

She was now a Top Coordinator.

But she wasn't going to let her new fame spoil her.

She still wanted to continue her Pokémon Journey with her companions and head into the Sinnoh League as Ash, Lucas, Barry, Paul and all other Pokémon Trainers intended to do.

Though she found it strange that she was yearning to get attention from a boy.

Like Dawn, she and herself were both ten years old, so having crushes were natural in this age.

Right?

Denise looked up in the sky that was infinite blue with dashes of white clouds that were blending and parting.

The view above made her feel calm and peaceful despite the challenges that were waiting for her.

But it also gave her confident that everything will be fine.

She had her companions and Pokémon to help her overcome anything.

"Everything will be fine."Denise thought with a confident smile."No need to worry like my sister said."

"Denise! Come on!"Dawn called out."Lunch is ready!"

"Coming, sis!"Denise answered.

Denise placed her diary back in her backpack before going to join her companions and Pokémon to go eat lunch with them.

Denise's Team

Torterra (Male): Solar Beam, Giga Drain, Seed Bomb and Earthquake

Vaporeon (Female): Water Gun, Shadow Ball, Hydro Pump and Aurora Beam

Luxray (Male): Shock Wave, Night Slash, Wild Charge and Ice Fang

Flygon (Male): Sandstorm, Rock Slide, Dragon Pulse & Screech

Gardevoir (Female): Psychic, Ice Punch, Magical Leaf and Trick Room

Combusken (Male): Ember, Peck, Focus Blast and Fire Spin

With Professor Rowan

Noctowl (Male): Heat Wave, Reflect, Aerial Ace and Supersonic

Drifblim (Female): Ominous Wind, Thunderbolt, Will-O-Wisp and Astonish