Chapter 17

Up bright and early, Alain and Dawn were in the lab's battle dome, preparing for the Friendship Cup. The air buzzed with the energy of Pokémon sparring and training together.

To the side, Piplup had taken charge of showing Fennekin the ropes in contest battling. Dawn had set up a simple routine—Piplup would battle against Pachirisu while Fennekin observed, learning how to incorporate beauty and technique into combat.

Piplup and Pachirisu took turns showing off dazzling contest moves for Fennekin. Piplup executed a perfect Bubble Beam, filling the air with shimmering spheres, while Pachirisu twirled through the bubbles, its Spark creating dazzling bursts of light. Fennekin watched intently, its tail flicking with excitement as it tried to mimic their movements, its Ember flickering in the air. When Fennekin finally managed a small burst of flames that lit up the room, Dawn clapped with pride. "That's it, Fennekin! You're getting the hang of it!"

Fennekin chirped, determined, and refocused on the ongoing practice battle.

Dawn giggled, kneeling beside Fennekin. "You're getting there! Contest battles aren't just about power—they're about grace and control. Watch Pachirisu again and try to match its movements, okay?"

After ensuring the contest training was running smoothly Dawn moved her. Dawn adjusted her Mega Ring, glancing over at Lopunny, who was stretching in preparation for the session. "Alright, Lopunny, let's start with agility drills! We need to make sure you're as fast as possible."

Lopunny chirped eagerly, her large ears twitching in anticipation. Dawn pointed to a makeshift course Alain had set up earlier, filled with hurdles, narrow platforms, and swinging pendulums. "Let's go! Show me what you've got!"

As Lopunny sprang into motion, her speed was mesmerizing, weaving through obstacles with practiced grace. Alain watched from nearby, his arms crossed as Charizard stood tall beside him. "Not bad," Alain remarked. "But Lopunny needs to push herself even harder if she's going to handle the intensity of the Friendship Cup."

Dawn smirked. "Oh please, we're only getting warmed up. I think you have other things to worry about," she chuckled.

Typhlosion, now fully awake, stood upright and let out a roar, showing its readiness for battle.

"Now, now, Typhlosion, go easy on them. Compared to you, they're only rookies," Dawn teased with a playful grin.

Charizard let out his own roar, clearly displeased at the comment, his wings flaring as if demanding respect. Alain narrowed his eyes and clenched his fist. "Charizard and I can handle anything. Don't insult us by going easy."

Dawn rolled her eyes. "You boys and your pride," she sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine, but I still think you're mad taking Typhlosion on alone. Last chance to have Lopunny join in for a tag battle."

Alain tugged at his glove; his expression resolute. "No. I have all that I need. Now, Keystone—respond to my heart! Beyond evolution—Mega Evolve!"

With a burst of light, Mega Charizard emerged, radiating raw power. Typhlosion responded in kind, waving its paw back, signalling Charizard to attack.

The electric energy between the two filled the air, capturing the attention of everyone else in the room. Even Dawn's Pokémon, who had been training, gathered at a safe distance to watch.

The battle was fierce. Mega Charizard darted forward, wings igniting as it unleashed a powerful Flamethrower. Typhlosion countered with an Eruption, flames bursting from its mane in a powerful explosion that met Charizard's fire in the middle. The dome shook from the sheer force of their attacks.

Charizard shot forward, claws glowing with draconic energy as it swiped at Typhlosion. The Hisuian Pokémon barely dodged, flipping backward before responding with Thunder Punch. The attack connected, sending Charizard skidding across the floor.

The watching Pokémon let out various reactions—Lopunny clenched her fists with tension, Piplup chirped excitedly, and Pachirisu's tail bristled with nervous energy.

Alain gritted his teeth. "We're not done yet! Charizard, Air Slash!"

Charizard flapped its wings, sending sharp blades of air toward Typhlosion. The attack struck, but Typhlosion stood firm, its mane flaring wildly as it prepared its next move. Dawn narrowed her eyes, recognizing her Pokémon's strategy.

Typhlosion let out a deep growl, the flames on its back flaring as it summoned its full power. With a burst of speed, it charged forward, dodging another Dragon Claw before delivering a devastating Wild Charge. Electricity crackled around Typhlosion as it surged forward, crashing into Charizard with immense force. The moment of impact sent Charizard hurtling backward, crashing hard into the ground with a thud.

Alain staggered as the force of the battle's conclusion sent shockwaves through the air. The dust settled, and Charizard let out a low growl before its Mega Evolution dissipated. Alain's balance wavered, and as he tried to steady himself, his legs gave out and he collapsed to one knee.

Alain stumbled back, catching himself on one knee. "Tch… You really don't hold back, huh?"

Dawn gasped when she saw a gash on Alain's arm. She rushed forward, kneeling beside him. "Alain! You're hurt!"

"It's nothing," he muttered, trying to brush it off. "I've had worse."

Dawn wasn't having it. "Oh, shut up. You're bleeding." She quickly reached into her bag, pulling out a cloth and some antiseptic. "Stay still."

Before Alain could protest, Dawn led him out of the battle dome and into an adjacent room stocked with first-aid supplies. She forced him onto a chair, grabbing antiseptic and bandages. "Sit still," she ordered.

Alain sighed but didn't resist as Dawn carefully cleaned his wound. He winced at the sting, and Dawn softened slightly. "See? Not 'nothing.' And you call me reckless"

He chuckled weakly. "You're right"

Dawn arched a brow. "You must have a concussion."

Alain smirked. "You're impossible."

Dawn shook her head with a small laugh, finishing up the bandage. As she leaned back, their eyes met, and for a moment, the air between them grew heavy. The banter faded, leaving only the quiet hum of unspoken words.

Alain reached up, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Dawn's ear, his fingers lingering for just a second longer than necessary. Dawn swallowed, her heartbeat quickening as she realized how close they were.

Neither of them spoke. The moment stretched, anticipation crackling like static. Then, as if drawn by an unseen force, Dawn leaned in just as Alain did, their lips meeting in a slow, tender kiss.

It was brief, but charged, a silent confession between them.

When they finally pulled away, Dawn let out a shaky breath, her fingers still curled around Alain's wrist. He smirked slightly, his eyes softer than usual. "Guess I really must be out of it," he murmured.

Dawn let out a breathless laugh. "Definitely a concussion."

Alain chuckled before leaning his forehead against hers for a brief moment. Neither of them rushed to move, content in the rare moment of closeness.

Eventually, Dawn pulled back with a smile. "Alright, you need rest. No more overdoing it."

Alain smirked, "I'll let you have that one—for now."

As he began to lay back, he moved his hand from her face and put his arm around her shoulder, moving her down with him. They lay in blissful silence enjoying the proximity.

Dawn rested her head on his chest, the sound of his heartbeat was soothing. Enjoying the closeness she, wrapped her arm round his chest and her eyes closed almost drifting off. Alain couldn't help but stare at her, looking so peaceful.

As much as he enjoyed this, he wasn't sure what this was. It was all new for him, he knew he had to say something but wasn't even sure where to begin.

"I've been wondering," Alain started, his voice softer than usual, "we've been…. I" stuttering trying to find the words.

Dawn lifted her head and moved her hand to his chest supporting herself, blinking at him. "Wow, you must have hit your head harder than I thought," she worried. "I was only joking but you may actually have a concussion."

He smirked, shaking his head. " I haven't done anything like this before I just mean… are we… are you my…—what are we?"

Dawn hesitated, her cheeks warming. "I… don't know. I mean, this is my first time dealing with anything like this."

Alain blinked, caught off guard. "Your first?" He frowned slightly, as if trying to process the revelation.

Dawn huffed. "Why are you so shocked"

Alain hesitated, then exhaled. "So, you really never dated Kenny or that Ash guy"

"You already know that"

"Well, we only just met when we ran into Kenny I didn't expect the truth."

Slowly moving her hand up his chest to his cheek she looked deep into his eyes "It's only been you" She whispered

The pair shared another intimate kiss, Dawn briefly paused it whispering, "do you believe me now". Alain nodded slowly and they continued their kiss

Feeling more confident than before Alain tried his wording again "So, does that mean you're my… person"

Dawn couldn't help but laugh "Yes, I'm afraid so"

Their fingers became intertwined and their foreheads touching, Alain smiled "I can live with that."

A warm smile spread across Dawn's face as lay her head down back on his chest. For once, Alain felt at ease, content in the understanding they had just reached.

Unbeknownst to the pair, a figure lingered just outside the door, partially concealed in the shadows. The Team Flare grunt disguised as a lab assistant was listening the scene unfold, before pressing a communicator to his ear. "Lysandre, I've confirmed it. The girl is here to stay, she will be a useful bargaining chip if necessary."

The communicator crackled before Lysandre's voice responded, smooth and commanding. "Good. Keep watching. And make sure they don't see you."

"Understood Sir, I'll report to you again tomorrow" The team flare grunt returned to the lab to keep up his disguise.