The days after the gang left the Hearthome City, and started heading toward Veilstone City, have been boring for the gang.
When it comes to Chimchar, though, it's been… trialing.
So far, Chimchar has been with Paul, who was only interested in Chimchar's powers, and training him to learn to control them. All the time was spent training, and the only break he got was when he was eating. Even then, he had to eat in a hurry.
With Ash though, the situation was different. Ash trains his Pokémon even harder than Paul, but unlike Paul, Ash knows when to stop. Knows when his Pokémon need rest, so they can recover. Ash also lets his Pokémon chose how they progress, and when they want to evolve, if they want to evolve. That is something that not many trainers would say that they do. They usually prefer higher forms of their Pokémon, instead of lower levels.
It will take some time for Chimchar to get used to traveling with Ash, Lillie, and Dawn, as well as their Pokémon. All of them are very happy people, and Pokémon. All of them like to train with each other, and play with each other. They help each other with everything necessary, and that is all new to Chimchar, who couldn't even show happiness around Paul, as the guy would always put him down with an insult.
Another problem which Chimchar had was his great fear of Zangoose. That fear has been with him for a while, ever since he was attacked by them just before Paul found him.
Even though back then Chimchar defeated all those Zangoose, the fear was left behind, and has followed him wherever he went.
Few days after they left the Hearthome City, and while the gang has made a stop at the clearing outside of the forest, they were attacked by three wild Zangoose.
Ash knew of Chimchar's fear, so he saw this as a chance. He wasn't asking for it. He didn't wish for those Zangoose to show up, but he will admit that he was glad that they did, as this will give him a chance to work with Chimchar to defeat them, and for Chimchar to get over his fear.
Ash believes that one of the big reasons for Chimchar's inability to produce Blaze once again, is the fact that he is so scared of Zangoose. Not to mention that he was also scared of Paul, who never treated him right, and almost always with contempt.
It is widely known fact that Pokémon which love their trainers, respect them, and are equally loved and respected, will try much harder in training and battles, then if they are treated like dirt.
Paul treated Chimchar badly, though not so far as to abuse him, or treat him like dirt. It was still bad enough that Paul simply couldn't bring out Chimchar inner fire.
Ash is different though, and he is sure that one day, Chimchar will get used to his new life, and will become a very strong Pokémon. Ash promised that he will make Chimchar one of his strongest Pokémon, and he will make sure that that happens no matter what.
As for the Zangoose; with Ash's help, Chimchar was able to defeat all three of them. This has helped ease some of his fear, but it will still take much more work for all of Chimchar's fear, and insecurities to go away.
Still, Ash isn't in a hurry. He will train Chimchar just like he trains his other Pokémon. Treat him like he treats his other Pokémon, and in time, he is sure that Chimchar will become a great Pokémon, that even Paul will regret casting him aside.
XXX
Five days after Ash, and Chimchar started working on Chimchar's issues; the gang arrived in a small place called Emeragrove Town.
There, much to their surprise, they encountered Gardenia, and Cheryl.
It turns out that Gardenia is doing a short travel through Sinnoh to show off her Pokémon to young children, and do some battles. As for Cheryl, she has apparently started to live in Eterna City along with Gardenia, as the two of them are now in a relationship.
This came as a shock to Lillie, and Dawn, while Ash wasn't that surprised. He knew that Cheryl is bisexual, and that Gardenia is a lesbian, so them being in a relationship isn't that much of a shock. It was a shock for Ash when Gardenia had sex with him, though. He was very proud of himself back then, as he was able to fuck a lesbian. Not many can say that for themselves. The best part is that, Gardenia is still a lesbian, but more than willing to have sex with him. He is the only man she has had, and ever will have sex.
In order to show the gathered children their Pokémon, it was agreed that Lillie, and Dawn will have a double battle against Gardenia, and Cheryl.
The children loved it, and cheered as the four girls did their best in the battle, which ended with Lillie, and Dawn as the winners.
That night, the gang of three spent in the Emeragrove Town. Naturally, Ash spent it with Gardenia, and Cheryl, while Lillie and Dawn slept in their own room.
In the morning, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn continued their journey toward the Veilstone City, while Gardenia, and Cheryl continued their journey through Sinnoh for a few more days, before they are supposed to return to the Eterna City.
XXX
On the way toward the Veilstone City, where Ash, and Lillie were supposed to have their next gym battles; Dawn learned that the next Pokémon Contests is held in Solaceon Town. As the Solaceon is on the way to the Veilstone City, Ash, and Lillie agreed to make a stop for Dawn's contest.
Dawn learned about the Solaceon Contest while in the Pokémon Center a few days after the meeting with Gardenia, and Cheryl. At that Pokémon Center, Dawn also learned that her friend Kenny, has won another Pokémon Contest, and now has two Ribbons.
While the gang was in that Pokémon Center, Zoey showed up, and Dawn asked her friend, and rival for a training battle.
Zoey accepted.
Ash also decided to do some training at that time, so he had his Chimchar, and Aipom do some battling.
During the training battles, Zoey noticed that Dawn's Buizel is more interested in watching Ash's battle training, then in what Dawn was telling him.
On the other hand, Ash's Aipom is more interested in Dawn's and Zoey's contest battle, then the real head-on battle training which Ash does.
Seeing this, Zoey suggested to Ash, and Dawn that they should just trade their Buizel, and Aipom with each other.
Naturally, Dawn, and Ash knew that their Pokémon love different things compared to what they love. They knew about Aipom's love for the contests, and Buizel's love for the battles. They just never thought of trading them.
Now, when Zoey suggested the trade, Ash thought of simply giving Dawn his Aipom, as he already has a Floatzel, and doesn't need a Buizel.
But, taking into account that Dawn's Buizel is the son of Ash's Floatzel, Ash decided to do the trade. Of course, it wasn't an easy decision for him. He loves all of his Pokémon, and while he has done Pokémon Trading before, it was always with Pokémon he caught specifically to trade them, and not with the Pokémon he has spent a lot of time training them, and bonding with them.
In this case though, he decided to do what he thought was the best of his Aipom. What he thought that she wants, and not what he wants. All good trainers in the world make sure that their Pokémon get what they want and need, in order to get better, and to be happy. Thus, Ash decided to go with the trade, but only if Dawn is willing.
Now, when it comes to Dawn, she has had her Buizel for a considerably less time than Ash had his Aipom. Still, she had gotten attached to him, and loves him just as much as her other Pokémon.
Dawn knew that her Buizel loves battles, and not that much Pokémon Contests. Still, she hoped that they will be able to learn to work together for the contests, so that Buizel can perform.
During the training battle against Zoey, Dawn realized that that is going to be tough, and that she was practically forcing Buizel to do what he doesn't love. Maybe he likes contests. He loves Dawn, and will do what she wants, but he doesn't LOVE contests, and to be a Pokémon who does contest with their trainer, one has to have love for it, or they'll never be able to help their trainer reach the top.
Dawn realized this with Zoey's help, thus, as much as it pains her, she decided to also go with the trading.
So, with both trainers agreement, and with Buizel, and Aipom accepting it; Dawn, and Ash traded their Pokémon.
XXX
The next few weeks, while on the way to the Solaceon Town, the time was passed training, but also doing something that Ash, and his traveling companions – no matter who they are – are doing a lot.
That's helping others in need.
Technically, that's part of Ash's job as an Aura Guardian. It's to help people and Pokémon alike in their time of need, but also to protect them from those who wish them harm, or to use them in one way or another.
Few days after the trade between Ash, and Dawn; while the gang was training with their Pokémon, an old stone tower was destroyed by Buizel's Sonic Boom. This ended up being a place where a Spiritomb was sealed centuries ago, and was now released back into the world.
The Pokémon escaping from the gang before they could stop it, and ended up destroying the nearby tower.
Feeling guilty for what happened, and as it's his job, Ash went and hunted the Spiritomb.
As a Ghost and Dark Type Pokémon, Spiritomb doesn't have that many weaknesses, with Fairy Type Pokémon being the only one. Currently, Ash only had his two Kirlia as the Fairy Type Pokémon with him, and he decided to use one of them.
He could have done the job himself, as his own powers would be more than enough, but he wanted to train his Pokémon, as well as do his job. Thus, he went and battled against Spiritomb with his female Kirlia.
During a tough battle, where it was proved that Spiritomb is as powerful, as it's old, Kirlia was mostly on the defense.
This went on for a while, until Kirlia pushed through, and evolved in the middle of the battle.
As Gardevoir, she was considerably more powerful than as a Kirlia, thus, she was able to make short work of a very powerful Spiritomb.
Once the Ghost/Dark Type has been defeated, Ash sealed it back in the old stone tower. As he was standing in front of the rebuilt tower, Ash thought that it's a good thing that Spiritomb has been sealed away for that long. Because of that, it was weaker than it should have been, thus Ash was able to defeat it. If it was at full power, Ash doubts that any of the Pokémon he currently has with him, would be able to defeat it. He himself would have to do the job if that was the case.
With the job done, and Spiritomb sealed away, the nearby village, and every other place in Sinnoh, were safe again. The villagers thanked Ash for the help, and an old woman from the village said that she will made sure that what Ash did will be spoken for generations in their village.
Lillie, and Dawn smiled at the thought of Ash becoming someone about whom the stories will be spoken of centuries from now.
Ash didn't care one way or another, but he didn't say anything.
XXX
The next on the list of people Ash, Lillie and Dawn helped, was a young woman named Isis.
Isis is a Pokémon Breeder, who was temporarily appointed as the foreman of a stone bridge construction project. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the construction as the Bibarel, a Pokémon who was cutting the stone for the bridge, refused to work.
Naturally, the gang decided to help, and after some plots were exposed, and the head engineer was stopped from building a bridge which would have collapsed very quickly; the large stone bridge was finished just before the deadline; with the help of Bibarel, a master stonecutter - who was also Bibarel's master - as well as the gang and their Pokémon.
XXX
Mount Coronet is the highest mountain in the Sinnoh Region, as well as one of the largest in the Pokémon World.
There are many Pokémon living on the mountain, and around it. Also, According to legend, Mount Coronet is where the Sinnoh region began. Arceus created Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina at the Spear Pillar, as well as the Adamant, Lustrous, and Griseous Orbs, then fell into an unending sleep on the highest point of the mountain.
Besides a large number of Pokémon which live on the mountain; there are also places like Spear Pillar, the Hall of Origin, as well as a kilometers of man-made caves inside of the mountain, which were filled with Pokémon, and many treasures like the evolutionary stone, items, and other valuable stuff.
Another thing that makes the Mount Coronet special, is that it's one of only few places in the Pokémon World which has a special magnetic field that causes Magneton and Nosepass to evolve into Magnezone and Probopass, respectively, when leveled up there.
So, while walking over the Mount Coronet, at the exact place where the magnetic field is located; the gang run into a guy called Alan. Alan has a Nosepass, and he was there for days now, waiting and battling against any trainer which passes through.
His Nosepass needs to battle in the special magnetic field in order to evolve, so Alan asked Ash to help him, by having a battle against him.
Of course, Ash had no problem helping a fellow trainer, so they went and had several battles until Alan got what he wanted. That's to see his Nosepass evolve into a Probopass.
XXX
The last person that the gang helped before they finally arrived in the Solaceon Town, was a girl with the name, Marble.
She was an Officer Jenny is training, and has a Luxray as her partner. A Luxray who has just recently evolved from Luxio, and for some reason has been unable to use Electric Type Attacks.
This has caused a rift to form between the Pokémon and the trainer, which has caused a lot of problems for Marble.
Marble explained that she—being the best Officer Jenny student—was called over to the mansion by Matthew – the mansion owner - and assigned to protect the Old Charm from being stolen. It was while waiting for the thieves to show up that the gang arrived, so they all decided to help Marble deal with the thieves, but also to help Luxray to get over whatever problem it has in using its Electric Type Attacks.
The thieves turned out to be just some nobodies, and they were dealt quickly. It took longer to find a problem with Luxray.
In the end though, after some talk between Ash, and Marble, Ash convinced her that there is no need to be afraid of her Pokémon. That she needs to believe in it, and that only then, would Luxray regain its trust in her.
The gang left Marble, and Luxray behind, happy that they've done a good job, and that the Pokémon, and trainer have regained trust in each other, and that all will be well with them from now on.
XXX
It came as a surprise for everyone when the same day that the gang arrived in the Solaceon Town, and during one of the sparring match; Aipom was revealed to have learned Double Hit.
This signified that she is very close to evolving, and just a few hours later, Aipom has evolved into an Ambipom.
Ash as her former trainer, and Dawn as her current trainer; were very happy for Ambipom. By evolving, she has become much stronger then she was, and can do more stuff in the contests then as an Aipom. As such, Dawn was very happy.
While in the Solaceon Town, soon after they arrived there, Dawn, Ash, and Lillie met Kenny, who was also there for the contest.
Ash, and Kenny had a small sparing match, while Dawn trained alone with her Pokémon. Especially with her new Ambipom.
The days leading to the contest, were spent in training for Dawn, and Kenny; and in relaxing for Ash, and Lillie.
"Ok, Buizel, use Water Gun." Ash told his Buizel.
The two were currently at the battlefield behind the Pokémon Center in the Solaceon Town, where they are training.
It was the day of the Solaceon Contest, but as its still morning, the contest hasn't started yet, so Ash decided to do some training with his Pokémon, to relieve the boredom.
"Turtwig, counter it with Energy Ball." Ash said to his other Pokémon.
Buizel quickly fired his attack, but Turtwig only managed to form the ball in front of his mouth. Before he could fire it though, the ball exploded in his face. To make matters worse, he was then hit by the Water Gun straight in the face.
Now, while the water type moves are ineffective against the Grass Type, that doesn't mean that they are useless. A powerful Water Type attack like Buizel's Water Gun, can send Turtwig flying backwards from the force of the hit, and deal it damage that way.
Ash sighed seeing his Turtwig fail to use Energy Ball once again.
They've been training that move for several days now, but Turtwig always fails when he's about to send it flying. He can form it perfectly, but he can't keep it concentrated, and it blows up in his face.
"Ok, let's see," Ash spoke to his Grass Type, who was now standing in front of Ash, after he managed to get himself up after being hit by Buizel's attack. "You can concentrate just fine in order to produce the ball. Your problem is that you can't keep the ball in form for long enough to fire it. From now on, we will focus more on that. Do you understand?"
Turtwig nodded happily.
"Good," Ash said. "Now, let's do it again. Form the orb, but don't try to fire it. Hold it compressed as long as you can. When you can't hold it any longer, disperse it before it explodes on its own."
Turtwig nodded again, and went to work, while Ash looked toward his Buizel. "As for you, Buizel," he spoke to his Water Type, while taking another Poke Ball from his belt. He then released his Melmetal. "Melmetal, I want you to use Harden, and then stand still, while Buizel practices Iron Tail on you.
"Is that OK with you?"
Melmetal nodded in agreement.
Normally, Ash would have had his Pokémon train Iron Tail on some rock, or boulder, but there aren't any where he is, and he doesn't want to go and search for some right now. As such, he will make use of what he can. Besides, this will also help Melmetal with his stamina building and pain tolerance, so it's a double win.
When the two Pokémon went to work, Ash focused on some of his other Pokémon. Mainly on his Shinx, and Chimchar. As for the others, they are all in their Poke Balls. Ash decided that this morning, he will focus only on Buizel, Turtwig, Chimchar, and Shinx. The others will have their turn later.
"I want the two of you to have a one-on-one battle, but I won't be the one who will be telling you which attacks to use," Ash said. "I want you to battle on your own, and make your own decisions, while I will only watch from the side.
"Is that understood?"
Both Pokémon nodded, before they also went to work.
Ash spent a while watching his Pokémon train and battle, while also occasionally glancing toward Dawn, who was also training with her Ambipom. She was getting ready for the Solaceon Contest, and was working hard so she won't lose at the start of it, like in the Hearthome City.
While he was watching her training, Ash noticed something off about Ambipom, and that move that she and Dawn are working on. A Rainbow Swift, if he wasn't wrong.
He didn't know what he was noticing though, so he let it be. If there is some problem, he is sure that Dawn will notice it. She is a coordinator, so it's her job to notice problems with her Pokémon, and their moves.
Besides Ash, and Dawn; Lillie, and Kenny were also there, but unlike Ash and Dawn, the other two are just seating on the side, and watching their friends training with their Pokémon.
XXX
Later that morning, a large crowd gathered in front of the Solaceon Dome, where the Solaceon Contest is going to be held.
As the crowd was entering the stadium, and going to their seats, the contestants have all gathered in the back room where they are all waiting for the start of the contest, and from where they will be able to watch other contestants on the big screen TV which was with them in the back room. They also have comfortable arm chairs, and seats, so they will be able to sit and relax, instead of just standing around, while they wait.
Ash, and Lillie were already at their seats, from where they are going to watch the contests. Dawn's Piplup was also with them, and was dressed in the cheerleader uniform, along with Pompoms. Besides him, Buneary, and Pachirisu were also there, also dressed up, and ready to cheer for their trainer, and their Pokémon friend, Ambipom.
As for Dawn, she was in the back room, waiting for the start of the contest.
Kenny was also there, and both of them were dressed up, and ready for their presentation.
"This win is mine, Dee Dee." Kenny said to Dawn, as they were next to each other in the back room. Dawn was seating, while Kenny was standing next to her.
"That won't happen, Kenny," Dawn said. "This win is mine."
Jessie walked behind them, looking as beautiful and sexy as in all the previous contests she participated. She was able to overhear Dawn and Kenny, and smiled to herself. "This win is mine, little brats," she said to herself. "You just don't know it yet."
Soon enough, the contest has started, with Kenny being the first for the appeal round.
XXX
After Kenny; many other coordinators tried their luck and showed their skills with their Pokémon in the appeal round. Even Jessy has had her turn, where she did an amazing job with her Dustox.
Finally, it was Dawn's turn.
She came out of the back room and at the center stage, running, and with a Poke Ball in her hand. The ball itself was inside of the capsule, just like all the coordinators do in the Sinnoh Region.
Up at the seats, Ash, and Lillie were watching as Dawn came out running. Lillie was cheering loudly for her friend, and the same goes for Dawn's Piplup, Buneary, and Pachirisu. On the other hand, Ash was calmer, and quiet, but he also had a smile on his face. He really hoped that Dawn will do a good job at the appeal round, so she can get to the battle round, where he is sure she will have a much easier time.
"Ambipom, spooot light!" Dawn shouted as she threw her Poke Ball in the air, and out of it came her Ambipom.
Dawn started with the Double Hit, in which Ambipom hit her two tails on each other, and caused shockwaves which spread across the whole stadium, and scared everyone to hell.
Then, it was time for Swift as Ambipom jumped and turned in the air, before she came down, and stood on one hand. Then she started to spin on that hand as her two tails glowed, and started to release yellow stars which spread around her and went to the air above Ambipom. There, the stars started to hit each causing small explosions which caused sparkles of light which looked like a rainbow.
"Ambipom, faster." Dawn said to her Pokémon, who immediately started to spin faster, though instead of doing in on her hand, she started to spin on her back. The amount of stars increased exponentially, and soon, Ambipom was completely covered by them to the point that no one could see her.
Everyone seems to love the show Dawn, and her Ambipom were putting. Even the other competitors were clearly loving it. Jessie even commented that it's a nice show.
On the seats though, Lillie and Ash were frowning. "Don't you think this is a bit… much?" Lillie asked.
Ash sighed. "She has just made a huge mistake." He said, making Lillie, and Dawn's Pokémon look at him.
"I hope that I'm wrong," he said. "But if I'm not… we will know soon either way."
He didn't say anything else, and Lillie didn't want to push it. She decided to wait and see. She did think that Dawn went a bit overboard, but she doesn't know if Dawn has really made a mistake, as Ash was saying.
Soon, Ambipom finished her presentation, and Dawn run to her. Dawn hugged her Pokémon, with a large smile on her face. "You were so great, Ambipom." Dawn said, though the cheering of the crowd.
Ambipom smiled just like Dawn, as they both waved at the crowd.
XXX
Dawn came to the back room with her Ambipom, where she was met by Kenny, who was already there.
All the other contestants were there as well, as they are all waiting to see the results of their hard work, and if they have passed the appeal round, and into the battle round.
"That Swift was really something," Kenny said to Dawn, as soon as she was pass the door.
Dawn smiled, and said. "Surprised, aren't you."
Just then, the door behind Dawn opened up, and Ash and Lillie came through, along with Dawn's Pokémon.
Piplup jumped into Dawn's hands, and congratulated her, which Dawn thanked him for. "Wasn't Ambipom, amazing?" Dawn asked her Piplup, who immediately agreed.
Ash stood with Lillie, and watched Dawn's interaction with her Pokémon. He thought of saying something to her about what she did, but decided not to. He will wait first to see if Dawn has been able to pass into the next round. If not… he will see what to do then.
"Sorry for the delay," the voice of Mariam, the lead announcer of the contest was heard from the large TV in the back room. It drew everyone's attention, as they all looked toward it. "We have the decision. The coordinators who have made it past the first stage!"
Dawn looked at her Ambipom, who was also looking at her. Ambipom seemed worried, but Dawn reassured her. "No need to worry, Ambipom," Dawn said. "It's time for us to get ready for the second round."
"And now, here are the official results," Mariam spoke. "The eight coordinators moving on to the second stage."
The big screen started to show the pictures of the coordinators who have passed into the next round. The first was revealed, then the second, then the third and fourth, who happened to be Jessie, and Kenny, much to their delight.
Three more were shown, and only one spot was left, yet… Dawn still wasn't revealed to have passed into the next round.
She was really worried about this, just as much as all of her Pokémon were.
Lillie, Kenny, and Ash were also watching, and were worried as well, though Ash looked more resigned.
Then, a black haired girl was revealed to have been the eight coordinator who has passed into the next stage, meaning that Dawn, has failed.
When she saw this, she couldn't believe it. "What happened?" She asked herself, and everyone who heard her. No one answered though.
Ambipom frowned in sadness, as she has failed to get into the next round. She was feeling even worse than Dawn, as she was the one who have been performing the moves.
Dawn was sad, but tried to act tough, and cheery. She didn't want others to know that she felt really bad that she failed her second contest without even passing the first round. She chased Kenny out of the back room, and told him to go and get ready for the next round.
The boy was confused, but left with a smile on his face, as he asked Dawn too root for him.
"You've made a mistake, little girl." Jessie said as she got behind Dawn. Her voice drew Dawn's attention, as well as Ash, Lillie's and Dawn's Pokémon.
Everyone except Ash looked at her curiously, while Ash had his eyes narrowed at the former Team Rocket member, who is now a Pokémon Coordinator, of all things.
"What do you mean," Dawn asked? "What did I do wrong? The move and the presentation were perfect."
Jessie smiled. "You said it yourself," she said, confusing Dawn. "I can tell you what you did wrong, but I want to see if you can figure it out yourself. Think on what's the coordinator's job. Then, you might figure out what you've done wrong."
With that, Jessie turned around, and walked away. She left behind a very confused Dawn, and her Pokémon. Lillie was also confused, while Ash was mad.
"What did she mean," Dawn asked while looking at Ash, and Lillie. "What have I done wrong?"
"I don't know, Dawn," Lillie said. "I mean, I do think that you went a little… over the top with that Swift. Beyond that, I don't know if you did something wrong."
When Dawn turned her head to look at Ash, she saw that he was gone. She didn't even notice him leave. The same goes for the others. They were all confused by Ash's disappearance, and wondered where he went to.
XXX
Ash went after Jessie.
Currently, they were in the small passageway outside of the back room. No one was there except them, so no one was able to see Ash was holding Jessie by her neck, and with her back pressed on the wall.
"What were you trying to pull back there?" Ash growled at Jessie, who looked scared as she was looking at Ash's angry face and glowing eyes.
"I, I just told her that she's made a m-mistake," Jessie groaned out. She couldn't really speak that well with Ash's hand choking her.
"THAT, wasn't your job," Ash growled, as his face got closer to Jessie. He could literally smell fear rolling off of her at that moment. "Besides. You didn't do that out of the kindness of your heart. You did that to make fun of her. To make her feel bad."
"And what if I d-did?" Jessie asked back. "She isn't my friend. She's my enemy just because she's YOUR friend."
"Is that so," Ash questioned. "So you made fun of her because I threw your ass in jail. You want a revenge, but you know you can't go against me, so you decided to go after my friends."
Jessie didn't say anything.
"Listen to me careful, Jessie," Ash growled, making Jessie start to sweat in fear. "You are going to stay away from my friends. Is that understood?" Jessie said nothing. "If you don't, then I'm going to strip you naked, and tie you to a tree, with your ass sticking out. There will be a sign above which says 'Please help yourselves'. Taking into account that you are quite a beautiful, and hot woman, I'm sure that by the time someone decides to untie you, instead of making use of your holes for free… you will be servicing at least 50 guys… maybe a few girls as well."
Jessie shivered at the pictures she was getting in her head. What Ash was saying her would do to her is… there aren't even words to describe such evil.
"My family, and friends are the most important thing to me," Ash said to Jessie. "You mess with them; you mess with me. If you mess we me… you suffer worse than you would in hell.
"Don't make me make you suffer Jessie. If I do make you suffer, then your stay in prison will be like a vacation on a tropical island. IS. THAT. UNDERSTOOD?"
The glow in Ash's eyes increased, as his face was now less than an inch away from Jessie. They were so close that his body was pressing into hers, and his lips were a centimeter away from hers.
Jessie nodded with her head as best as she could. She was scared out of her mind, and her whole body was sweaty, and shivering. This was worse for her then anything she has ever experienced in her life. Even worse than five years in prison, where she was a bitch for the other female prisoners.
The glow in Ash's eyes disappeared, and he smiled when he saw Jessie nod.
Then, much to her shock, he gave her a small peck on the lips, before he moved away from her, and let go of her neck.
As she was no longer being held by Ash's hand, and pressed on the wall, Jessie fell on the ground, and was breathing hard.
"I'm glad that we've had this conversation," Ash said cheerily. "It means that there won't be any problems in the future between us."
With those words, Ash left the hallway, and returned to the back room. As for Jessie, she was left in the hallway, all sweaty, and shivering in fear because of what just happened.
"That boy is the devil himself." Jessie commented as she saw Ash disappear pass the door.
XXX
Sometime later, Kenny, and Jessie were battling in the final match of the Solaceon Contest.
Each trainer gave it their all in the match, but when the time run out, Jessie had just a bit more points than Kenny, meaning that she has won the Solaceon Contest, and earned her first ribbon.
With Jessie being presented her first ribbon, the crowd cheered, as this year's Solaceon Contest was over.
XXX
The next morning, Ash, and Lillie were in the Pokémon Center hall, along with Dawn's Piplup.
There were many trainers all around them, and the Nurse Joy was kept busy by them all.
The one who wasn't there, was Dawn.
"Dawn's still isn't up," Ash said with a sigh, as he cast a look at Lillie.
"She hasn't said a word the whole night," Lillie said. "Not since Kenny left last evening."
Suddenly, a new voice was heard from next to the Ash, and Lillie, drawing their attention. "I saw the whole thing on TV."
The voice belongs to Zoey, and she has arrived in the Solaceon Town.
XXX
Minutes later, while Dawn was still in her room in the Pokémon Center, the sheets covering her body were pulled off of her, waking her up instantly.
"Get up," Zoey said to her friend. Dawn looked up, and saw her orange-haired friend standing above her, with a smile on her face. "Let's battle. You can partner with Ambipom, and I want to battle you based on what you did yesterday."
As she said that, Zoey threw away the sheets, and left the room, while Dawn, as well as her Piplup who arrived there with Zoey; were watching the older girl leave the room.
XXX
Half an hour later, Dawn, and Zoey were on the battlefield behind the Pokémon Center. Their Ambipom, and Glameow were there on the battlefield, as Ambipom was performing the same move she did yesterday at the Solaceon Contest.
Next to the battlefield, Ash and Lillie were standing with Dawn's Piplup, and were watching the performance.
"Think of what you're doing," Zoey said to Dawn, confusing the younger girl, who didn't know what Zoey was talking about. "It's a pretty move, all right, but the problem is. Where is Ambipom?"
Hearing Zoey's question, Ash smiled, as he now knew that he was right about Dawn's problem. The best thing is, he didn't have to tell her himself, as Zoey has done that for him.
The reason Ash didn't want to tell Dawn the problem, is because she might feel even worse when someone who isn't even a coordinator, saw something she herself as a Pokémon Coordinator, didn't see.
With Zoey though, that problem doesn't exist. She is a coordinator, so it isn't problematic if she sees a problem, and can tell about it to the blue-haired girl, without making Dawn look, or feel bad.
"In the middle of all that flash, Ambipom disappeared," Zoey continued to speak to Dawn. "You got to remember your Pokémon are the main attraction. You've spent so much time polishing your moves, you forgot what you really need to do to show them off."
Zoey then told her Glameow to used Iron Tail, which the cat Pokémon did. The move ended up dispersing Ambipom's Swift, and stooped the two-tailed monkey Pokémon in her tracks.
Then, Glameow went with the Shockwave, which hit Ambipom, and caused her to scream in pain, before she fell to Dawn's hands, before she could fall to the ground.
"Are you OK?" Dawn asked her Ambipom, who smiled at her, and nodded.
Zoey approached to Dawn, drawing hers and Ambipom's attention. "Dawn," Zoey spoke. "Do you know why I passed on the Solaceon Town after the Hearthome Contest?"
Dawn shock her head, indicating that she didn't know.
"Everybody gets upset when they lose," Zoey said, as Ash and Lillie approached to her, Dawn, and Ambipom. "When you are not thinking clearly, it's easy to forget what's important. That's why after I lose, I take time to recharge, and get ready for the next challenge. I don't worry about ribbons."
Dawn thought of what Zoey said, and realized that she hasn't thought of that.
"I'm sure that we will meet in the finals someday," Zoey said to Dawn.
"Thanks, Zoey." Dawn said with a smile.
"Thanks for helping her, Zoey," Ash said to Zoey. "I'm glad that you told her of her mistake. Now she will know what to do, and not to do the next time."
"I sure will." Dawn said.
"So, where are you guys heading next?" Zoey asked.
"That will be the Veilstone City," Lillie said. "Our next gym battle will be there."
"Then good luck," Zoey said. "Make sure that you win."
Ash and Lillie smiled. "We will." They said at the same time.