As the next coordinator prepared to take the stage, Dawn's curiosity got the best of her. She glanced sideways at Ash, a teasing edge creeping into her voice.
"I know you support all your friends, but be honest... who would you bet on for the final victory?"
Ash blinked at the sudden question, his mind going over his friends' strengths and experiences. He rubbed his chin, thinking deeply. "Well... they're all incredible. It's hard to choose just one," he began, pausing as if weighing his options. "But... maybe May?"
Dawn's eyebrow shot up in surprise, a curious smile playing on her lips. "May? Interesting choice. Why her in particular?" she asked, intrigued by his selection. She knew Ash had a long history with May—she was the first coordinator he traveled with, after all. Part of her wondered if there was more behind his decision than just pure skill.
"Well, she's got the most experience out of everyone of my friends here. She's been coordinating for years now, and her performances are always top-notch," Ash explained, his expression thoughtful. "I mean, experience isn't everything, but it does give her a unique edge, especially in a international contest like this."
He looked at Dawn and smirk. "But hey, that's just my pick. I know it's not the most original guess—Still.. If I really wanted to be very predictable, I'd say Wallace like everyone else. However, I'd rather bet on a surprise victory of a friend."
Dawn nodded, her own smile widening. "You're right, May's experience definitely puts her in the running for the finals." Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she added, "But that's still a pretty safe bet from you, Ash... not exactly going out on a limb there."
Ash caught the teasing in her tone, raising an eyebrow in mock offense. "Oh, I see how it is... Jealous that I didn't choose you as my favorite to win?" he shot back, leaning in a bit closer. "No need to worry, Dawn. I'm sure someone out there is gutsy enough to bet on you!"
Dawn crossed her arms and huffed dramatically, though her eyes twinkled with amusement. "As if I care about random betting.", she retorted, though a playful smirk betraying her onto her face. She leaned in to meet his gaze, her confidence unwavering."I don't need anyone to bet on me. I'll win this contest all on my own. And when I do... you'll have to eat your words."
Ash's competitive spirit flickered to life, his smirk widening. "Oh, big talk, huh? Well, I'll hold you to that. If you win, I'll gladly eat my words—and maybe even give you a prize for surprising me." He leaned back, with a cocky grin. "But if you don't win... I'll be right there to remind you.. I told you so!"
Dawn's eyes sparkled with playful determination, her determination only growing stronger. "Deal!" she said, folding her arms with a challenging smile. Ash found her fire intriguing, her competitive edge matching his own. It made him smile, though he wasn't about to admit how much he always admired her cocky spirit. Not yet, at least.
There was something in the way Ash's eyes lit up when she challenged him, a spark that matched her own. It made her heart race, though she'd never admit it.
The idea of him giving her a prize if she won only fueled her resolve further. She was determined to make him regret underestimating her.
"You're on, Ash! And when I win, I won't let you forget it either. Prepare yourself for a chorus of 'I told you so's—you'll be hearing them a lot from my cute voice." She taunted him with a flick of her hair, her grin widening. "And I'm expecting a huge prize, mister World Champion. Maybe I'll make you do something embarrassing! No, actually… I've got it. I'll make you eat a whole bowl of Magcargo Curry—Petaya, Tamato, and Kee Berries included."
Ash became suddenly serious at the mere mention of the curry, his eyes lighting up at her playful challenge. He could already imagine the fiery Magcargo Curry that Dawn was threatening him with—his least favorite, too. "Eating a whole bowl of Magcargo Curry?" he repeated, pretending to be horrified. "That's cruel and unusual punishment!"
He scratched his chin, as if pretending to seriously weigh her challenge. Then, with a sly grin, he added, "Pff… Are you thinking I'm afraid? I won't just eat the whole bowl of Magcargo Curry. I'll even do it… uh… naked!"
Dawn froze for a second before her eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait—what?! Naked?!" She burst once again into laughter, her cheeks turning pink as the absurd image flashed in her mind. She covered her face, trying to stifle her laughter but failed miserably. "Are you insane?!" she managed to get out between fits of laughter, shaking her head at his antics. But Ash's willingness to take her challenge seriously only spurred her on.
Finally, Dawn crossed her arms and shot him a teasing glare. "Well, looks like someone's getting a bit cocky, huh? You think I will back down this challenge just because you added that? Please!" Her grin was mischievous as she added, "I guess we'll just have to make sure someone gets a good video of your little curry-eating session."
Ash raised an eyebrow, a competitive spark in his eyes. Dawn's teasing only seemed to egg him on more. "Careful there, Dawn," he warned playfully, stepping a bit closer to her. "You wanted to make it embarrassing, so I'm just taking it up a notch. If you win, you'll get that… prize. But don't forget—if you don't win, you're the one who'll have to eat a whole bowl of Magcargo Curry."
Dawn met his gaze head-on, her confidence unfazed, even as Ash laid out his terms. "You're underestimating me, Ash. You might be an experienced trainer, but I've got tricks up my sleeve too." Her tone was playful but firm, and she smirked as she leaned in slightly. "But fine, if I lose, I'll eat a whole bowl of Magcargo Curry. Naked…"
She trailed off for a moment, suddenly realizing the gravity of what she'd just said. Her bravado faltered, and the full impact of her words hit her like a wave. What had she just gotten herself into?! Trying to save face, she quickly added, "...but with nobody around! Haha.. Don't get any funny ideas! I'm just kidding!"
Ash's sadistic laughter filled the air, his amusement growing as Dawn backpedaled. "Oh no, no backing out now!" he teased, his grin wide as he watched her try to dig herself out of the hole she'd created. "You said 'naked', no exceptions. And a video too, remember?"
He smirks with a hint of mischief, knowing he had her cornered for once. He was just having so much fun at this point to observing her prideful ego squirming.
"Are you either in, or are you chickening out like a Golisopod?"
Dawn's face heated up, and she could feel the embarrassment creeping in. She hadn't expected Ash to take their words so seriously. Her usual sharp wit failed her for a moment as she scrambled to salvage her dignity. Her pride wouldn't let her back out entirely, so she tried to find a way out of the mess she had trapped herself in.. without success. She was trapped, and they both knew it. Her mind raced for a way out, but there was no turning back now. With a huff, she crossed her arms defiantly.
"..Fine, f-fine!" she huffed, folding her arms and shooting him a glare. "But I have conditions!"
In truth, Dawn would never normally agree to such a bet with anyone—least of all with a guy. But this was Ash, someone she trusted deeply. She knew he was just trying to have fun, to push her buttons a little. This was Ash, though—a boy she'd known for so long, someone she could trust not to take things too far or be inappropriate. She knew he wasn't challenging her for any odd reason— But still, the thought of a bet like this made her want to draw some clear lines.
Truth be told at that moment, she was much more concerned that he might accidentally leak a video of her in this punishment to someone than whether this dare challenge was going to have any effect on him.. personally. This is how she negotiated her condition without possible discussion, having already had enough public humiliation of her image with Ash.
"No video! Only… uh… a private call. Just between us!" she said firmly, her voice a bit higher than usual. She could feel her face burning as she added, "Not a single word to your friends, got it?"
Ash raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her attempt to regain control of the situation. But even through the teasing, he respected her boundaries even if he wasn't really serious about this weird bet.
"Alright, fair enough. No video recording," he agreed, nodding. "Private video call, just between us. And I promise, I won't share any of your embarrassing moments with anyone. You've got my word on that." His smirk grew as he added, "May the best one win, Dawn. But no backing out of this one."
Dawn let out a sigh of relief. She wasn't about to let herself again be publicly humiliated by a curry-eating video, especially not one as ridiculous as this bet. A private call was still embarrassing, but at least she had some control over the situation. Though she didn't say it aloud, Dawn wasn't actually planning on showing anything too revealing if she lost. Slightly her back only for proving she wear nothing, sure—but she figured she could mostly just show her face while eating the spicy bowl and he would not complain. Still, she kept those thoughts to herself. No need to give Ash any extra daring, the situation was already too much.
With confidence, he extended his hand to seal the deal. Dawn hesitated for just a moment, her eyes narrowing at the cocky smirk on his face, but she took his hand anyway. They finally sealed the ridiculous yet somehow oddly endearing bet between them. Even though the idea of this bet was way outside her comfort zone, she had to admit it was fun sparring with him like the old times.
The Sinnoh coordinator smirked, her determination shining through as she had a another (stupid) reason to win this contest. "But don't think you've won just yet, Ash! If I win, you'd better prepare for our most embarrassing forfeit ! May the best.."
Before she could finish, Dawn's eyes suddenly widened as something on the stadium's giant screen caught her attention. "Speaking of May!" she exclaimed, her tone shifting instantly from competitive to excited. Grabbing Ash's arm, she tugged him towards the screen with the energy of a hyperactive Pachirisu.
Ash chuckled at her enthusiasm, his eyes following her gaze to the stadium's TV screen where May was being introduced. He smiled, amused by Dawn's energy. "Looks like it's her turn," he said, watching as May stepped onto the stage.
Pikachu and Piplup immediately jumped up from their seats, joining in on the excitement. Their little cheers echoed as Dawn clapped her hands together, fully invested in May's upcoming performance. "Come on, May! You've got this! Don't get eliminated now, or I won't accept this outcome!" Dawn called out, her fingers secretly crossed for luck as she leaned forward, eyes glued to the screen.
Ash couldn't help but smile at Dawn's fangirling at her close friend and rival. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and soon he found himself just as invested. "It's been way too long since we last saw her perform," he said, nostalgia creeping into his voice as he watched May take the stage, looking confident in her contest outfit.
As Ash and Dawn sat captivated, May stepped onto the grand Contest stage with her Blaziken by her side. She wore a Blaziken-inspired dress, the fiery red and yellow hues making her blend seamlessly with her partner. The crowd's cheers filled the stadium, but May remained focused, her eyes gleaming with determination.
The music began, and May launched herself into action with a graceful leap, her movements syncing perfectly with Blaziken's. Her fire pokemon took center stage, its flaming wrists blazing as it launched into a series of quick punches, the fire tracing every move, leaving afterimages in the air. The choreography was tight, showcasing the intense bond between May and her Pokémon, their movements fluid and full of power.
Dawn's eyes widened as she leaned closer, her hands trembling with excitement. "Look at them go! The coordination... it's like they're one entity!"
Blaziken transitioned into a set of powerful kicks, each one sharper than the last. May mirrored each move with stunning precision, her agility on full display. It was as though she was dancing with the flames, keeping pace with Blaziken's martial prowess. With every kick Blaziken performed, May mimicked it in unison, spinning gracefully on her heels. At one point, May leaped onto Blaziken's shoulders, standing tall as her pokemon spun rapidly on one leg, the flames forming a spiral around them.
Dawn gasped and whispered, "Kung Fu, Taekwondo... even Judo?!" Her voice was filled with awe as she watched the martial arts-inspired performance unfold. "I can't believe how she's matching Blaziken's intensity like that! She's seriously grown stronger!"
Ash was equally impressed, his eyes locked on the stage as Blaziken moved through a series of rapid martial arts stances, seamlessly combining punches, kicks, and even flips while its flames blazed brighter with each powerful strike. May matched every movement, her body spinning and flipping in tandem with Blaziken's fierce attacks.
"She's not just performing... she's fighting with Blaziken!" Ash murmured, unable to look away. He could sense the bond between them, their mutual trust driving the precision of their every action.
May and Blaziken then switched to a more dramatic moment in the performance. Blaziken powered up with a Blaze Kick, launching itself into the air as flames erupted from its legs. As it came crashing down toward the stage, May rolled out of the way just in time, landing smoothly into a perfect martial arts stance as Blaziken's fiery kick hit the ground. The impact sent a controlled shockwave of fire through the arena, but May remained unfazed, her expression fierce and focused.
Dawn imitated May's movements from her seat, throwing playful punches into the air. "She's amazing! I don't know how she's managing to keep up with Blaziken's moves. This is next-level coordination."
As the music built to its climax, May gave a nod to Blaziken, and the two launched into the final sequence. Blaziken fired off a rapid succession of fiery punches while May twirled and flipped, dodging and weaving around her Pokémon's attacks like a seasoned martial artist. They were both in perfect sync, their movements as smooth as a well-rehearsed dance but with the fierce energy of battle.
And then, the grand finale: May jumped high into the air as Blaziken performed a series of spinning kicks, sending fiery arcs through the air. As May descended, Blaziken caught her effortlessly, holding her in a strong, one-legged pose, with May extending her leg in a fierce kick above her head. Together, they held the position, flames still dancing around them as the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
Ash clapped loudly, his grin wide with admiration. "Wow... she really gave it everything! That was incredible!"
Dawn nodded furiously, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she clapped so hard her hands turned red. "She absolutely nailed it! May's come so far—her coordination with Blaziken was insane. She was basically performing martial arts with her Pokémon! I don't think I've ever seen her do something that intense before in a performance between a trainer and a Pokemon!"
The judges looked equally impressed, their expressions serious as they furiously scribbled down notes. The crowd was still buzzing with energy from the explosive performance.
"I don't think I'll ever challenge her to a martial fight, though!" Ash joked, the admiration clear in his voice, remembering all the times May had trained her Blaziken. "She'd definitely win."
Dawn giggled, still in awe. "No kidding! That triple salto with Blaziken catching her in a kick pose... I mean, who does that?!"
By the time May finished her performance with a last acrobatic pose, Dawn was breathless, her eyes sparkling and her cheeks flushed with excitement. She turned to Ash with a bright smile like a innocent child in front of a carrousel.
"Did you see that, Ash?! No need for flashy effects—her ability to sync with her Pokémon and perform in perfect harmony is enough to shut everyone up! The way she influenced the flames with her kicks? That makes her more badass than any edgy guy out there!"
Ash nodded in agreement, fully on board with Dawn's enthusiasm. He appreciated skill and passion over showy performances, and May's display was exactly that—a showcase of all these years of dedication with her Pokémon.
"You're right, hard to beat a performance like that." he said, his voice genuine. "Those flame kicks were seriously impressive!"
As May and Blaziken bowed to the audience, the camera zoomed in on their smiling faces, the bond between trainer and Pokémon clear in their eyes. It was a perfect performance for Ash—one that showed not just May's growth as a Coordinator but also as a trainer.
He chuckled as May's laughter came through the speakers while she responded to the jury, a sound he hadn't realized he'd missed.
As the judges prepared to announce their scores, Dawn held her breath, clearly hoping for something high. When each score were revealed one by one, her eyes widened. On her overwhelming tension, she grabbed Ash's arm, still focused on the stage.
"Nine? Ten?! Are you kidding me? She deserves an eleven!" she exclaimed, her exaggeration evident as applause filled the arena.
Ash chuckled at Dawn's childish reaction. It was the kind of response only a true fan of Pokémon contests would have. Still, he couldn't help but cheer when the score was ready to be announced.
"For now, that's a solid score !" he said, jumping slightly in excitement.
Then came the final tally—46 out of 50.
Dawn's jaw dropped. She stood up, clapping wildly and shouting, "She did it! She really did it!" The arena was filled with applause, the shared excitement palpable. She pulled Ash into a hug, her energy infectious who even surprised her friend as she raised her fist in celebration.
"May, you did it! She's almost certainly qualified for the Top 16!"
Ash, just as excited, couldn't help but laugh at Dawn's sudden hug. She shared naturally her wild enthusiasm and even made everything all the more enjoyable for him. He threw his fist in the air alongside her. "Yeah! She's definitely going to the Top 16!... Wait, are you sure? You weren't so certain about Serena with 44 points, but now with 46, you're confident?"
Dawn, still buzzing from the eagerness, blinked at Ash's question before realizing what he'd said. She scratched her beanie sheepishly.
"Well... I mean, it's hard to say for sure, but 46 points is a strong score! Based on past edition of the contests, 45 is usually the cutoff, so May's in a really good spot!" she explained, crossing her fingers for luck.
Ash nodded thoughtfully, impressed by Dawn's knowledge of the contest scoring. "I get it. So, 46 isn't a guarantee, but she's got a solid shot. Still, you seem more excited than May herself," Ash teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he watched May wave to the crowd.
Dawn blushed slightly, realizing how overreacting she'd been on her reaction. She quickly stepped back, crossing her arms in mock indignation.
"No, no! I'm just happy for her! This is one of the biggest moment of her career, so of course I'm excited!" she defended, her tone flustered. "She's probably in the Top 16 of the world's coordinators! Do you know how incredible that is? This competition is intense, and she's been preparing forever. I'm not that over-enthusiastic... am I?"
Dawn's voice softened with a hint of self-awareness when she waves her hand, her awe and pride for May shining through. "And don't act like you weren't cheering like a fanboy too!" she added with a teasing grin. Her gaze flickered over to him, noting the way his shoulders stiffened at her jab. "You were just as loud as me, so don't get all smug!"
The Kanto trainer, never one to back down from a little friendly banter, leaned in slightly, his lips curling into a sly smile. He crossed his arms over his chest, his signature hat tilting forward just enough to cast a shadow over his confident eyes. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing—express yourself! Just, you know, try not to drag me into your cheerleader trance. I'd rather not have us both eating dirt again in front of a live audience."
Dawn's cheeks flushed even deeper as she pouted, jutting her lower lip out as if she were about to argue back. "Oh please," she shot back, folding her arms defiantly, "you don't need my help to trip over your own feet. You're clumsy enough on your own when it comes to stupid things, like chasing after your stomach!" She stuck her tongue out in a show of mock defiance, her navy eyes judging him with annoyance.
Ash rolled his eyes dramatically, letting out an exaggerated huff as he matched her posture, arms crossed. The usually confident Trainer looked almost like a stubborn kid refusing to admit his mistakes.
"Hey, hey, earlier 'you' were the one who almost yanked my arm out of its socket! Where were your balance ? For someone who's supposed to have the poise of a coordinator, you nearly went tumbling backward like a Spinda after a sneeze."
Dawn couldn't help the groan that escaped her lips as she recalled their earlier mishap, both of them crashing awkwardly to the ground in front of a camera crew. She cringed at the memory, the mortification still fresh. "Oh, we're really going there, huh?" she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Right, right—sure, blame me for saving you from a face-plant! Maybe next time, you should take a few agility lessons from May to avoid looking like a cartoon character trying to rescue a cake from a disastrous end! Myself, I'll need therapy lesson after all this mess, thanks to you!" She laughed, though the sound was more out of self-deprecation than actual humor.
Ash's face turned a faint shade of red, clearly unamused by her relentless teasing.
"I'm much more agile than many coordinators you know! Beside, I'm a pokemon trainer, not a coordinator or a ballerina. And who needs therapy when you can have a Pokémon battle to blow off steam? That's real therapy!"
He puffed out his chest, clearly proud of his ability to turn any awkward situation into a challenge. Dawn raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching with the effort to suppress a smile.
"Are you suggesting we settle this with a battle instead of, you know, a mature conversation ? How very Ash of you. But I don't need a battle right now—I need therapy.. to deal with you!"
Ash leaned in closer, their faces just inches apart now, his eyes gleaming with that familiar competitive spark. "What's wrong with a battle solving everything? It's proven to work—99% of the time, World champion-approved! Heck, even scientists are jealous of the results."
He gave her a cheeky wink, clearly enjoying the way her eyes rolled in response.
"If dealing with me requires therapy, then you probably need a lot of battle sessions!"
Dawn finally let out a real laugh, one that bubbled up despite her best efforts to stay serious. Her laughter was light and genuine, her earlier tension dissipating. "You just want any excuse for a battle, don't you? But sorry to burst your bubble—you're not getting one today. You don't deserve it, not after all that!" She wagged her finger at him like a scolding teacher.
"You just want an excuse for a battle. And guess what? You're not getting one today—you don't deserve it."
Ash gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest in mock horror as if she'd just dealt him a critical hit. "What?! I don't deserve it? I'm always deserving of a good battle. Come on, Dawn, are you afraid you'll lose to me? I wouldn't be surprised—after all, I'm a bit too much for a simple coordinator like you," he teased, leaning back with a smug grin.
Dawn's eyes narrowed this time into dangerous slits, her arms tightening over her chest as she tried to contain her irritation.
"..How can you even talk about beating my.. back in a battle after that public disaster we just pulled? Am I the only one still embarrassed by our public humiliation?! Aren't you worried about what people in general.. or even our friends will think of us after they saw that ?"
Ash, ever the optimist, simply shrugged. He knew the gossip mill would be churning, but it was hardly his first brush with public scrutiny.
"I admit, that wasn't our best moment.. but there's nothing we can do now. It's in the past! Let the rumors fly—As long as you keep winning battles, that's all that matters, right? You're too much anxious, it'll be fine! The media always blows things out of proportion anyway." He shot her a reassuring smile, trying to ease her concerns.
Dawn, however, wasn't so easily placated and she couldn't help but clench her fists at her sides. Dawn sighed, clearly not sharing Ash's casual attitude. Her career was just taking off, and the last thing she needed was rumors ruining her reputation.
"That's easy for you to say, Ash. People might just tease you about having a 'cute girlfriend,' but for me? Hardcore fans can be ruthless. They'll say awful things if they think we're a couple. I don't want everyone thinking we're a couple—especially when we're not! I can't afford to let some dumb gossip throw me off my game..."
Ash raised an eyebrow, catching on to a particular part of her complaint. "You? A beautiful girlfriend? Yeah, I'd be so lucky." he said with a sarcastic grin, unable to resist the urge to lighten the mood.
Dawn shot back, her eyes narrowing into a piercing glare. "Not funny, Ash." she snapped, her tone sharper than a Razor Leaf attack. "You know what I meant! Don't try to minimize the problem with jokes." She crossed her arms over her chest, her shoulders tensing up defensively. "...And for the record, you would be lucky to have someone like me."
Ash couldn't help but chuckle, but there was a hint of irony that danced in his eyes. "Yeah, no idea how lucky I'd be," he said with a mockingly thoughtful expression, scratching his chin as if considering her words.
Dawn's frown deepened, her patience wearing thin. "Why do you always turn everything into a joke, huh?" Her voice had risen just enough to draw curious glances from a few kids sitting a few rows behind them, causing her to quickly lower her voice, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder, paranoia creeping in as she imagined the whispers spreading.
Her voice had risen slightly, and she noticed a few kids behind them chuckling. Dawn glanced back, feeling a bit paranoid, then lowered her voice.
"That's the thing—you can shrug off rumors, but I can't. My image matters for my career. It's a part of my future and my passion. I need to be taken seriously as a coordinator!" Her eyes flashed with determination, but there was a hint of desperation behind her words, a crack in her usual confidence that she rarely let anyone see.
Ash blinked, her words hitting him harder than expected. He hadn't considered how much more this might affect Dawn than himself. His playful demeanor softened, replaced with genuine concern. "..Okay, okay, I get it," he said, raising his hands in surrender. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess. Weird stuff happens to me all the time—people gossip. I've learned to ignore it unless it hurts the people I care about." He looked at her earnestly, his dark eyes sincere. "But if it helps, I can go on camera and make it clear we're just friends. I'll do whatever you need to clear the air, Dawn."
Dawn stared at him, taken aback by the earnestness of his innocent offer. For a moment, she just blinked at him, then a burst of laughter escaped her lips, the sound ringing out like a sweet melody. "That's such an 'Ash' solution! But announcing we're just friends on live TV? Yeah, that would totally clear things up… not!"
The tension that had been knotting her shoulders finally easing. "Still... thank you. I appreciate the thought, really."
Dawn nudged him lightly with her elbow, the small gesture more affectionate than she intended, and for a moment, they just shared a quiet, comfortable silence. Despite her earlier frustration, she couldn't stay mad at him. After all, this was Ash—the boy who had been her close friend and her partner in countless adventures.
"Besides," she added, a hint of a grin tugging at her lips, "after that fall, no one's going to believe we're 'just friends' anymore. Maybe you're right—I might be overreacting. But still, it's a lot to deal with… especially now."
Ash's expression softened even more at her admission, the teasing glint in his eyes replaced with a gentler warmth. "You're welcome," he said softly, letting out a small sigh. His smirk returned, though it was tinged with a kindness that Dawn hadn't quite expected. "Listen, you're here because of your hard work and talent, not because of any drama. Don't let the media or anyone else mess with your head. You'll blow everyone away, just not in the way they're expecting. If you keep shining in the contests, that's all people will talk about—your skills, not the rumors. People forget fast, you know? A few days from now, they'll only see the incredible coordinator you are."
The young coordinator's smile widened at Ash's words. He had a way of saying the right thing without really trying, and his confidence in her was always reassuring. It was exactly what she needed to hear. He was right—she was here for a reason, and she couldn't being weak to let the media fuss get in the way of her dreams.
"You're right, Ash." Dawn paused, a determined look crossing her face. "I sure hope you're right. Maybe in a few days, the hype will die down, and I can still manage to focus on my performances without having this bad reputation hanging over me. I won't let anything ruin my success! I'll prove everyone who I am really and show them what I'm capable of! Thank you, Ash... I really needed that."
His encouraging words were like a breath of fresh air, reminding her of what was truly important. *People forget quickly* she repeated in her mind like a mantra, a promise that this moment wouldn't define her. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his, and gently squeezed his hand.
"Even with everything that's happened today… I'm still glad you're here," she admitted with a soft smile, her navy eyes softened as she looked up at him, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten. His presence gave her the reassurance she needed right now.
She leaned back, tilting her head with a sweet grin when she's looking back at him..
"And… maybe you're not the worst guy to be associated with."
Her expression softened as she reached out and gently squeezed Ash's arm. "Even with everything that happened earlier... I'm still glad you're here," she whispered with a grateful smile. His presence gave her the reassurance she needed. She leaned back, tilting her head with a sweet grin when she's looking back at him. "And... maybe you're not the worst guy to be associated with."
Ash's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected touch, but his surprise quickly gave way to a wide grin that seemed to light up his entire face. "I'm glad to be here too… Wait, only 'maybe'?" He shot her a mock-offended look, rolling his eyes dramatically.
He rolled his eyes at her playful jab. "I guess you're not the worst girl to be associated with either. There's always... Jessie?" He chuckled, nudging her playfully, his smirk returning as he watched the ongoing performance.
Dawn rolled her eyes in response. "Well, I'm glad I don't rank as low as Team Rocket.. I guess? You really know how to boost my ego, don't you? But it's no secret I'm the best girl around!" She shot him a playful wink, her usual spark reignited.
Ash sighed at her self-assuredness, even he was clearly entertained by her arrogance. "Oh, please! I was trying not to inflate your ego too much. It's practically a hot-air balloon at this point!"
Dawn clenched her fist, her eyes glimmering with that competitive fire he loved to see.. "At least I don't steal Pokémon like Jessie! Maybe... I just steal hearts." She expressed a playful wink for fun, throwing in a flirty grin that sent Ash's expression suddenly a subtle embarrassment she didn't notice.
The Kanto trainer naturally glanced somewhere else. Catching Pikachu lounging comfortably under his seat, Ash seized the opportunity to divert attention. He reached down, scooping up his loyal companion in one smooth motion and giving him a familiar head pat. Pikachu let out a contented "Pika~" as Ash chuckled.
"You and Jessie have something in common then. Stealing... nothing."
Dawn countered, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "I'm talking about stealing hearts during contest performances, you moron!"
Time passed as they watched more coordinators perform, casually commenting on each one. The atmosphere was light and relaxed, with Dawn seemingly free of her earlier frustration. As they continued watching, Dawn's attention began to drift gradually from the stage to Ash, and eventually, a more serious expression settled on her face.
"Um…" Dawn began, her voice quieter now, tinged with a sincerity that immediately caught Ash's attention.
Her old friend turned to her, one eyebrow raised, his fun demeanor fading into curiosity. He could tell something was weighing on her mind, and he waited patiently, giving her the space to gather her thoughts.
Dawn took a breath, her shoulders relaxing as she gathered her thoughts. She glanced at Ash, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. "You know, Ash... there's something I need to tell you..." she said, her tone cautious. Her gaze met his for a moment before falling to her fidgeting hands.
Mid-sentence, Dawn paused. Something felt off, though she couldn't immediately tell what it was. A shift in the atmosphere, subtle yet noticeable, caused her words to trail off.. Her heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening as she caught sight of a shadow looming just over Ash's shoulder. It was subtle at first, but as the figure stepped closer, her presence became impossible to ignore.
It wasn't alarming, but it certainly drew her attention.
The unfamiliar figure leaned slightly forward, not quite invading their space but close enough to catch her eye. For a split second, Dawn thought it might be again a annoying fan—someone curious or overly eager who.. Who...?
Then it hit her. Serena. The girl who had just moments ago been absent from her mind was now the focal point of her focus. Dawn's lips parted, her unfinished thought evaporating as recognition set in. Seeing her stood calmly here, there was a faint sense of disruption. Not discomfort exactly, but something had shifted, a subtle intuition that made her more self-conscious. Why was she suddenly so hesitant? She had no reason to feel uneasy around her, and yet, that knot in her stomach told her otherwise. Dawn glanced at Ash, who seemed unaware of the growing tension, his attention still half on her and half on the stadium's crowd.
The way Serena stood—firm, almost too calm—made Dawn feel like she had intruded on or said something she wasn't supposed to. She hadn't seen Serena much before today, but from what little she knew, this wasn't exactly how she imagined their meeting. There was a strange weight behind Serena's smile—polite but purposeful—that left Dawn feeling unsure of how to interpret it.
Serena's eyes met hers, sharp and focused. Her shoulders stiffened under the intensity of that gaze as Dawn's throat felt tight. The awkwardness of the moment stretched uncomfortably, the silence between them almost louder than anything else in the bustling stadium, though she wasn't entirely sure why.
"Heh?" The sound slipped from Dawn's lips, not exactly nervous, but surprised. The sudden presence of Serena had interrupted her train of thought, making it harder to find the words she'd meant to say..
Then Serena spoke, her voice light but not quite friendly. The smile on her lips didn't quite match the atmosphere that now clouded the conversation. Dawn felt it in the way Serena's eyes lingered on her just a bit too long.
"Oh... Here you were~" Serena's voice seemed pretty pleasant enough on the surface. There was no hostility in Serena's tone, but Dawn sensed an undercurrent—something between curiosity and calm observation. Ash, oblivious, turned his head to greet Serena with a casual smile, leaving Dawn to wonder if she was the only one who imagined everything.
"Hello Ash..and Dawn."