The sun hung low in the sky, casting long golden streaks over the contest training grounds.

The once lively field, brimming with the energy of Coordinators perfecting their performances, was now quieter, save for the rhythmic swish of Dawn's Pokémon executing their moves. A light breeze rustled the banners fluttering along the fences, carrying the scent of freshly watered grass. But despite the peaceful setting, tension crackled in the air like an unspoken storm.

Dawn stood firm, her determined twilight eyes locked onto her Pokémon as they attempted to perfect a dazzling aerial combination of Ice Beam and Drill Peck. Sweat clung to her forehead, but she barely noticed. There was no room for mistakes. Not now. Not when the biggest contest of her life was only hours away.

Across from her, Ursula let out an exaggerated sigh, flipping a strand of her perfectly curled blonde hair over her shoulder.

"I'm done," she declared flatly, placing a hand on her hip. "We've been at this since morning, and frankly, you're just wasting your energy at this point."

Dawn whipped around, brows furrowing. "Come on, Ursula, just a little longer! My Pokémon need to get this combo down perfectly before the next round!" Her voice carried a desperate edge, masked by forced enthusiasm.

Ursula arched an eyebrow, her sharp violet gaze flickering between Dawn and her exhausted Pokémon. "Oh, how adorable," she cooed, her smirk curling at the edges.

"The little princess thinks pushing herself past the limit will magically turn her into a star." She let out a light chuckle, a melody of mockery woven into her tone. "News flash, Dawn—if it isn't working now, another hour isn't going to change a thing."

Dawn clenched her fists, her nails pressing against her palms. "That's not true! Effort does make a difference. Every single improvement, even the smallest one, could be what pushes me past my opponent tomorrow." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the weight she carried on her shoulders.

Ursula scoffed, taking a casual step forward, the confidence in her stride almost infuriating. "Oh please. You're acting likehard workis the only thing that matters here. This isn't just a Grand Festival, Dawn. This is the World Grand Contest. Everyone here is already at their peak. Talent is what separates winners from losers—not wishful thinking."

Dawn's breath hitched, but she fought to keep her composure. "So what, you're saying I don't have talent?"

Ursula tilted her head, a playful smirk still dancing on her lips. "I'm saying you couldn't have enough of it. You're very good, sure. But very good doesn't cut it at this level. The difference between you and Zoey? She doesn't second-guess herself. She doesn't push until she breaks—she knows when to stop."

Dawn flinched at the mention of Zoey. The thought of facing her mentor, her rival, sent a twisting knot of doubt deep into her chest. She wanted to argue, to throw Ursula's words back at her with unwavering confidence. But as she turned to her Pokémon, she finally saw it—how they hid their exhaustion behind forced smiles, their tiny legs trembling, their breaths just a little too quick.

Her heart sank. Had she really been so caught up in proving herself that she failed to notice how tired they were?

Ursula crossed her arms, watching Dawn's expression shift from anger to guilt with an almost bored amusement. "Finally catching on, are we?" she mused, flicking her hair back. "Look, if you want to keep pretending effort alone will get you to the top, be my guest. But don't expect me to stand here and entertain your delusions."

Dawn swallowed hard, forcing herself to look up. "You don't understand how important this contest is to me," she murmured, voice quieter now, more fragile.

Ursula's smirk widened. "Oh, I understand perfectly. That's why I know you won't win. You care too much. It clouds your judgment. You're reckless, emotional, and way too sentimental for a stage this big." She took a step back, tossing a glance toward her own Pokémon, who stood well-rested and poised behind her.

A sharp pang of hurt shot through Dawn's chest, but she masked it as best as she could. She wouldn't let Ursula see her falter. Not now.

She inhaled deeply, steeling herself, then squared her shoulders. "I do believe in my Pokémon," she said, her voice regaining some of its former strength. "And I believe in my ability to improve. Maybe I do still have a long way to go, but I won't let your words get to me. I know I can win this!"

For a moment, Ursula said nothing. Then, with a condescending chuckle, she turned on her heel. "Sure, sweetheart. Keep dreaming. Maybe you'll get lucky and avoid humiliating yourself too badly."

Dawn bit the inside of her cheek, watching as Ursula sauntered off without another word. The fading sound of her footsteps left a bitter silence in the air.

Finally, Dawn exhaled shakily and lowered her gaze to the ground, her hands trembling slightly as she clenched them at her sides. "I…" she started, but her voice cracked.

She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing back the sting behind them. A hesitant sigh escaped her lips. Then, barely above a whisper, she admitted the truth that had been gnawing at her for days.

"…I don't feel ready to face Zoey yet."

Her words dissolved into the wind, unheard by anyone but herself. The confession felt raw, as if voicing it aloud made the mountain before her even steeper.

Ursula, standing with arms crossed, tilted her head slightly, her lips twitching into a knowing smirk. "Well, well, well, I'm sorry for you." she drawled, her voice carrying that ever-present note of condescension. "Once you're eliminated, I guess we won't be spending much time together anymore. I will need to find an another sparing partner."

Dawn let out an awkward, breathy laugh, more out of nervousness than amusement. "Yeah… you will find one for sure."

The blonde's expression darkened, her amusement slipping into irritation. "What's so funny, Dawn?" she snapped, narrowing her brown eyes. "You think this is a joke?"

Dawn rubbed the back of her neck, still trying to shake off the unease creeping into her chest. "No, it's just… everything's kind of overwhelming right now." The pressure, the expectations, the fear of failing—it all clashed together in a tangled mess inside her.

Ursula raised an eyebrow, skepticism flashing across her sharp features. "Overwhelming? You mean like all the distractions and drama that seem to follow you around?"

Dawn blinked, thrown off by the shift in conversation. "Wait, what?"

A knowing smirk curled at Ursula's lips as she reached for her phone, scrolling with deliberate slowness.

"Come on, Dawn. Don't play dumb. Everyone's buzzing about you and a certain 'celebrity.'" She lifted her gaze, watching Dawn's reaction like a Luxray sizing up prey. "I wouldn't be surprised if that's what's really messing with your head."

Dawn stiffened. "What?! That's not true!" Her voice rose in a mix of indignation and disbelief. "I've been training non stop! I don't have time for—"

Ursula exhaled dramatically, shaking her head. "Pfft. Don't let romance get in the way of your focus. Even I can feel a little bad for you, though." She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping into something resembling sympathy and empathy—if only laced with more venom. "To be dumped and cheated on right before one of the biggest contests of your career? That's really rough."

Dawn took a step back, eyes widening. "D-Dumped? I'm not even in a relationship, how could I be cheated on?!"

"Don't be in denial, I won't mock you." Ursula scrolled a little more before turning her screen toward Dawn. The glowing display revealed a social media post that had already amassed thousands of reactions—comments flooding in beneath a picture of Ash and Serena, standing close together inside what looked like a fancy event hall.

"But this is ridiculous! We've been through a lot together, but that doesn't mean anything like this!", Dawn's breath hitched, "Wait… Serena?"

Ursula hummed, tapping a manicured nail against her phone. "Looks like your guy prefers the most prestigious and pretty girl after all." She sighed, almost lazily. "Not that it surprises me. Guys who get famous always turn into jerks."

Dawn's initial shock melted into frustration. "Poor Serena… she's also getting dragged into all this nonsense just because she's walking with him." She clenched her fists, her mind racing.

Ursula's smirk remained intact, her amusement barely contained. "Mhm. Everyone is 'just friends' until they're not." She waved her phone before slipping it back into her pocket. "Honestly, I don't care about your personal life. Just don't let your little romantic escapades and drama turn into another one of your famous distractions." Her expression flickered for a moment, something almost genuine slipping through. "It's a piece of advice, from one Coordinator to another."

Dawn crossed her arms, steel returning to her gaze. "You're way off base, Ursula."

The blonde only chuckled, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "If you say so." With a casual wave, she turned on her heel, taking a few steps before pausing. Without looking back, she called over her shoulder, "I hope there's a world where we both make it to the finals, my old rival. But no matter what happens…" She glanced slightly to the side, her smirk more subdued this time. "I'll be the one making our region shine."

Dawn remained still, watching as Ursula disappeared into the evening shadows. The world felt oddly quiet in her absence, but the echo of her words still rang in the air.

Her fingers tightened at her sides, a whirlwind of emotions crashing inside her. A sharp pang of insecurity, frustration, and something she refused to name.

Piplup and Buneary, standing close by, exchanged worried glances before turning their eyes to their trainer. They could feel it—the tiny tremble in her clenched fists, the way her jaw was set just a little too tight.

Sensing their concern, Dawn inhaled deeply before forcing a small smile. "No need to worry," she murmured, her voice soft but determined. "I can handle this." She looked at them, her eyes regaining their usual spark. "I won't let her or anyone else mess with my head. Tomorrow, we'll show them what we're made of."

Her Pokémon nodded firmly, their expressions matching her resolve.

Dawn sighed, running a hand through her hair before straightening up. "But… she's right about one thing." Her tone shifted, losing its sharpness. "We need to take a break. Clear our minds."

Buneary and Piplup exchanged glances again, this time more relieved.

Dawn's lips curved into a genuine smile as she stretched her arms above her head. "Okay! Let's not dwell on all this. We've got arelaxingevening ahead with the other Coordinators, and that's exactly what we need." She clapped her hands together, the heaviness of the conversation slowly lifting. "It's been way too long since we just had fun."

Her Pokémon chirped in agreement, their excitement growing.

Dawn laughed, the sound lighter now, more likeher. "Let's head over there and enjoy ourselves! The stress can wait till tomorrow."

With renewed energy, she strode forward, her Pokémon following at her heels. The weight in her chest hadn't disappeared completely, but for now, she'd allow herself this moment of calm—before the storm of the contest truly began.

Laughter and lively chatter filled the warmly lit dormitory as Dawn strolled through the hallway, her Pokémon close at her heels.

The tension from her earlier encounter with Ursula still lingered in the back of her mind, but she was determined not to let it ruin her night. Piplup let out an encouraging chirp, while Buneary twitched her ears, bouncing lightly in anticipation. Taking a deep breath, Dawn squared her shoulders and knocked on the door to Serena's room—the largest among the coordinators, fitting for Kalos' elegant icon and the grand host of tonight's gathering.

The door creaked open, and Serena, radiant as ever, greeted her with a warm smile.

Dawn blinked.

There was something different about her—something almost weightless in the way she carried herself, as if she were floating rather than walking. Her eyes shimmered, her cheeks a little pinker than usual. Even her hair seemed to catch the light of the room differently, swaying with an effortless grace.

"Bonsoir, Dawn!" Serena beamed, stepping aside to let her in.

Dawn tilted her head, intrigued by the undeniable glow in Serena's expression. "Wow, someone's in.. a good mood?" she mused as she stepped inside.

Serena let out a soft laugh, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess I am." she admitted, though her tone carried a teasing evasiveness.

The air inside was filled with the delicious aroma of food, mingling with the lively voices of the other coordinators gathered around a round table. Plates of assorted dishes were spread before them, half-eaten desserts hinting at an enjoyable meal that had just concluded. Dawn slid into an empty seat, taking in the relaxed atmosphere. Piplup and Buneary headed towards the other room where the small Pokémons seemed to be playing together inside.

Some time later.. As conversations ebbed and flowed, Serena suddenly straightened, an unmistakable mischievous glint flashing in her eyes. She clapped her hands together, drawing everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone! Now that we've eaten, it's time for the main event!"

Curious glances darted around the table, a few of the coordinators exchanging intrigued expressions.

Dawn leaned forward, feigning suspicion. "Don't tell me you're planning a spontaneous contest performance or—Arceus forbid—a battle right here?"

Serena laughed, shaking her head. "Not quite!" With a dramatic flourish, she reached under the table and pulled out a deck of Uno cards, her grin widening.

Zoey raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. "Uno?"

"Uno," Serena confirmed, her smirk widening. But before anyone could question her further, she leaned in with a conspiratorial tone. "But not just any Uno. We're raising the stakes—whoever wins each round gets to pick whether the loser answers a truth… or faces a dare!"

A ripple of amusement spread across the group.

"Truth or dare… with Uno?"

Chloe tilted her head as Lillie clasped her hands together. "That sounds… interesting. And kind of nerve-wracking."

Miette chuckled, resting her chin in her hand. "Oh, now this is my kind of game. A little fun, a little danger."

May's lips curled into a playful smirk. "And knowing Serena, I bet she's got some pretty creative dares lined up."

Serena gave an innocent shrug. "Oh, maybe~." She shuffled the deck with practiced ease, the cards flicking smoothly between her fingers. "But don't worry, we'll keep it lighthearted. The winner of each round gets to decide the fate of the loser. Now, who's ready?"

With a chorus of enthusiastic agreements, the game began.

The cards slapped onto the table one by one, the air thick with anticipation and playful rivalry. Dawn found herself grinning as she expertly maneuvered her way through the round, throwing down a well-timed Draw Four to secure her victory.

"Yes! First round winner right here!" she cheered, pumping her fist.

Zoey gave an approving nod. "Not bad, Dawn."

Dawn's eyes scanned the group before landing on May, who was eyeing her warily. A devious smile formed on Dawn's lips. "Alright, May, truth or dare?"

May hesitated before sighing. "I'll take truth."

Dawn leaned forward, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Alright, tell us—after all your success in contests, why are you still broke?"

A collective "Ooooh" echoed around the table as May's face turned bright red.

She groaned, covering her face. "Oh, come on, you really went there?"

Dawn chuckled. "If it's too embarrassing, I can pick something else."

May sighed in defeat, shaking her head. "No, no… I'll tell it. But you guys better not laugh too hard." She took a deep breath, visibly bracing herself.

"So… a while back, I won a contest thanks to my Munchlax. I was so proud of him, I decided to spend my entire prize money rewarding him with something special. And by 'something special,' I mean I bought him an absolute mountain of food."

A few giggles broke out, but May pressed on, running a hand through her hair.

"I even did the math—I thought it would last him for at least a week. But here's where it all went wrong." She exhaled dramatically. "My sweet, gluttonous little Munchlax, overjoyed by the feast, got sooo blissed that—right then and there—he evolved into a Snorlax."

The room fell silent for a split second before erupting in laughter, even May joining in despite her exasperation.

"No way!" Lillie gasped, covering her mouth.

May groaned, slumping in her seat. "Yep. And the worst part? He finished every single treat I bought within hours. HOURS."

Serena was practically wheezing at this point. "So you went from spoiling your Munchlax to being permanently bankrupt… because he evolved?"

May nodded gravely. "And now I have a Snorlax with an infinite stomach. I can't keep up..! I'm constantly buying food just to prevent him from eating everything in sight. It's like having a walking, breathing black hole as a Pokémon partner."

"That is hands down the most ridiculous financial crisis I've ever heard."

Zoey grinned, shaking her head as Serena wiped a tear from her eye. "And also the most on-brand thing for you, May."

Lillie leaned toward her, still giggling. "I can't believe Munchlax evolved purely out of happiness from eating. That's… kind of adorable?"

May sighed. "Adorable until you realize I'm now forever his personal food supplier."

Miette, ever the teasing yet refined presence, smirked as she leaned back in her chair, arms folded in a gesture of amusement. "And here I thought my expenses were high with all the rare ingredients I use for my desserts," she mused, shaking her head with an exaggerated sigh.

May, her face still slightly pink from laughter, wiped at her eyes. "Yeah, I know. It's ridiculous, right?" She exhaled, a lopsided smile creeping onto her lips. "But hey, I wouldn't trade Snorlax for anything in the world."

A reassuring pat landed on her back, and she turned to find Dawn grinning at her, her dusk eyes sparkling with admiration. "I totally get it. It's like raising my Mamoswine—you just roll with the poffins chaos and hope for the best." Her tone was teasing, but there was genuine respect in her voice. "You're really the perfect example of a dedicated trainer."

May laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. "You could say that… though, in our case, I think our love for food speaks louder than words. Well, at least Snorlax is happy… even if my wallet isn't."

Serena clapped her hands. "Alright, alright, let's get back to the game before we spend all night roasting May!" She shuffled the deck with a smirk.

"Next round, let's see who's up for a truth… or an even spicier dare."

The lighthearted mood remained intact as the next round began, the shuffling of cards bringing fresh anticipation to the game.

As the match unfolded, unexpected luck landed in Chloe's hands. She blinked, holding up her last card in disbelief. "Wait… I won?" Her voice held a mix of amusement and sheepish surprise.

May groaned, flopping back in her chair. "Ugh, I can't catch a break here!" She crossed her arms, then straightened with renewed determination. "Alright, hit me with an action this time."

Chloe's lips curled into a sly grin, the wheels in her head already turning. "Okay, May. Your challenge is to host a quick drawing session. You've got two minutes to sketch one of your Pokémon."

May perked up, confidence returning instantly. "Piece of cake!" She snatched up a sketchbook and a pencil, flipping to a fresh page. "Let's get this done."

Dawn, ever curious, leaned over and peered at the blank sheet. "Hmm… is it Snorlax?" she whispered, half-joking.

May grinned, already making sweeping strokes with practiced ease. "He's got a simple shape, so it should be a breeze!" Her hand moved swiftly, outlining the unmistakable rotund form of her partner, a few quick flicks of her wrist shaping his stubby limbs. "Okay, here goes nothing—see? His round body, little feet..."

Across the table, Chloe elbowed Serena lightly, whispering, "This seems too easy for her."

But then, something shifted.

As the seconds ticked by, May's expression subtly changed. What started as confident and carefree gradually morphed into something more… intense. Her strokes slowed, then quickened—each new line carrying a weight that hadn't been there before. She paused, hesitated, and then, almost unconsciously, started adding extra details.

Lillie tilted her head, sensing the shift. "May? You okay?"

May didn't seem to hear her. "And his cute little hands, and..." Her voice trailed off as she sketched tiny claws, but her movements grew restless. Then, without thinking, she began drawing food next to Snorlax—first a simple berry, then a cake, then another dish, and another. "Oh no, he loves to eat this too, and that, and…"

The once-clean page was rapidly filling up.

Zoey, sharp-eyed and analytical, leaned toward Lillie, lowering her voice. "Is she… crying?"

Lillie glanced back, concern flickering in her green eyes. "Interesting.. I think she might be pouring out her feelings through her drawing."

May's pencil moved with growing urgency. "Wait, what am I doing?" Her sketch, once structured and neat, had spiraled into a chaotic mess—Snorlax now sat in the middle of a never-ending feast, surrounded by mountains of food, his wide mouth mid-chomp. "No, no, no! Stop, Snorlax!" she muttered under her breath, her movements growing more frantic. "Please, please! Don't eat everything in sight!"

Her breathing quickened.

Her pencil scribbled desperately, shading in extra piles of food, adding frantic strokes to her partner's gleeful expression. Then, without warning, she blurted out.

"I'M HUNGRY TOO, SNORLAX! PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME SPEND MY LAST POKE DOLLARS ON A WHOLE CAKE—I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE ENOUGH FOR A SANDWICH!"

Silence.

Then, Dawn gently reached over and plucked the sketchbook from May's trembling hands, turning it toward the others.

A beat passed.

And then—

Serena, attempting composure, failed miserably as a snort escaped her lips. She pressed a hand to her mouth, shoulders shaking violently. "Oh my Arceus… May…" Her voice trembled with laughter. "Is that…?"

May, still teary-eyed, sniffled. "It's my Snorlax, okay?! And all the food he eats…" She wiped at her face, cheeks burning. "I just couldn't stop myself…"

Serena burst out laughing. "May, you didn't have to include the entire buffet!"

Miette, eyes gleaming with amusement, clasped her hands together. "Honestly? I think Snorlax would be very proud and hungry of this masterpiece."

May let out a strangled noise, half-laugh, half-groan. "I can't believe I just did that…" She buried her face in her arms on the table, shaking her head. "It's like his appetite possessed my hand!"

Lillie giggled, her usual gentle demeanor now laced with genuine delight. "That might be the most heartwarming Pokémon sketch I've ever seen."

Chloe, smirking, tapped the corner of the drawing. "And the most painfully accurate representation of Snorlax's personality."

May groaned louder, her forehead pressing into the table. "It's not funny, guys! I'm trying so hard here!"

Dawn, laughing despite herself, reached over and patted her back again. "It's okay, May. You survived the round."

A warm glow from the overhead lights cast soft shadows across the group. The air was thick with the scent of tea and a few half-eaten snacks scattered across the table, remnants of their ongoing game.

As the deck shuffled once again, anticipation flickered in their eyes—who would fall victim to the next round? The game continued, shifting toward the third match. But for once—perhaps a small mercy from the universe—it wasn't May who lost this time.

Miette leaned back into her chair, a self-satisfied smirk gracing her lips as she held up her empty hand. "Well, well, looks like I'm the winner this time! Sorry, Dawn."

Dawn let out a dramatic sigh, though a playful smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Guess I'm the unlucky one now." She shook her head before flashing Miette a confident look. "Alright, hit me with your best shot."

Miette tapped a finger against her chin, feigning deep thought, though the glint in her orange eyes betrayed her mischief. "Hmm... let's see..."

Across the table, Serena suddenly tensed, a chill creeping down her spine.

Oh no… it's going exactly where I think it is!

Then, Miette's lips curled into a knowing grin. "Dawn, have you ever used your coordinating or cooking skills to impress someone you like?"

Serena visibly stiffened.

It is exactly what I thought! She's setting a trap!

Dawn blinked, tilting her head slightly before breaking into a thoughtful smile. "Well, yeah, of course!" She folded her arms with a confident nod. "I mean, I'm a coordinator, so I use my skills all the time—to make my Pokémon shine, to push myself further, and to make my mom proud!"

Serena exhaled in sheer relief, her hand discreetly pressing against her chest.

Phew! That was close… at least she didn't fall for it.

Miette, however, raised an eyebrow, her expression flattening with disappointment. "Oh… that's… sweet." She rested her chin on her palm, clearly unimpressed. "I was expecting something juicier."

Dawn blinked in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Serena, quietly observing from the side, resisted the urge to groan.

A romantic angle, of course! Miette is relentless!

May leaned toward Dawn with a knowing smirk, whispering, "Looks like Miette wanted some tea, but got a cup of water instead."

Zoey chuckled, arms crossed in amusement. "Well played, Dawn. You dodged that one like a pro."

Dawn grinned, feigning innocence. "Hmm? Did I?"

Serena, still on edge, fidgeted slightly, whispering to herself, I really need to avoid losing to Miette…

If she gets her turn on me, she'll make me admit what happened today in front of everyone… I would prefer to keep it to myself at least for today.

The next round commenced, tension rising once again as the cards dictated fate. As luck would have it, the newest challenger to take the fall was Lillie. She glanced at her dwindling hand, then at the smugly triumphant Dawn across from her.

Dawn leaned forward with a mischievous sparkle in her dark eyes. "Alright, Lillie! Your challenge: pick a Pokémon in this room and, for the rest of the game, you can only communicate using its move names."

Lillie's green eyes widened in mild alarm. "Oh… um…" She hesitated, fingers fidgeting against her lap.

Chloe, seated beside her, raised an eyebrow. "That's… a weird challenge."

Dawn shrugged, laughing. "Why not? It could be fun! So, Lillie, which Pokémon are you going to choose?"

Lillie glanced around the room, her mind scrambling for a safe option.

Okay, pick one that isn't too hard… something manageable...

She inhaled deeply before making her choice. "I choose... Eevee."

"Alright, little Eevee, let's see if you can handle this."

Lillie nodded, swallowing her nerves as she turned to Dawn, who wasted no time in testing the waters. "So, Lillie, how was your day?"

Lillie hesitated before stiffly raising her hands in an exaggerated motion, mimicking the quick dashes of an Eevee mid-battle. "Uh… Quick Attack?"

May, catching onto the challenge, smirked. "And what do you think about me?"

Lillie bit her lip before making small chomping gestures with her hands. "Bite... Last Resort!"

Serena snorted, struggling to suppress her laughter. "I… I didn't comprehend anything, but you're doing great, Lillie!"

Lillie, determined, pressed on. She lifted her arms in an attempt to create a star shape. "Swift... Helping Hand...!"

Chloe, watching from beside her, shook her head with a teasing grin. "Wow, you're really sticking to the rules."

Serena leaned toward Chloe, a curious glint in her eyes. "Wait… do you actually understand what she's trying to say?"

Chloe let out a chuckle, shaking her head. "Not at all."

Lillie groaned, hands flying to her face before slowly parting them in defeat. "Tackle…"

Dawn, clearly enjoying the game, shot her an encouraging wink. "Looks like you're off to a great start, little Eevee!"

Lillie's face flushed pink.

Oh gosh, they're all mocking me…

In an attempt to reclaim some dignity, she shot up her hands dramatically, as if performing a battle cry. "Growl… Double-Edge!?"

Miette applauded playfully. "You got this, Lillie!"

Determined to see the challenge through, Lillie took a deep breath, then shouted with newfound confidence. "Hyper Voice… Baton Pass?!"

Zoey raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair. "I think she's telling us to move on to the next round."

Lillie, blushing furiously, ducked her head and made a calming motion with her hands. "Calm Mind…"

Dawn grinned, her voice full of amusement. "I think that's a perfect answer, Zoey."

Though Lillie's challenge had thrown her into the depths of confusion, she couldn't help but smile—because even amidst the chaos, there was something undeniably fun about being part of it all.

The game had taken an unpredictable turn, and the coordinators were growing more and more invested, echoing through the room as each challenge added to the evening's chaos.

Serena leaned forward with a playful glint in her eyes, locking onto her next target. "Alright, Zoey, right? Time to show off your imitating skills!"

The auburn-haired coordinator tapped her chin, deep in thought, eyes flicking across the room in search of inspiration. Then, with a knowing smirk, she straightened her back, adjusting her posture to exude exaggerated confidence, and declared, "I'm not feeling very original, but I think I got one. Sorry in advance."

Dawn tilted her head, suspicious. "Huh? What are you—?"

Zoey dramatically flicked her hair back, lifted her chin with feigned self-assurance, and in a perfectly mimicked voice, exclaimed,

"No need to worry!"

The reaction was instant. The room erupted into laughter, the walls almost trembling from the sheer force of their amusement.

Dawn blinked, taken aback, her expression frozen in shock before her face turned crimson. "Wait, what? Seriously?"

Zoey, emboldened by the uproarious laughter, took it further. With exaggerated hand gestures, she continued in the same spot-on impression, "No need to worry! Just not imagine the worse!"

Chloe practically wheezed, struggling to catch her breath. "Oh my Arceus, Zoey, that's spot on!"

Dawn groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I don't say it like that all the time!"

May, still chuckling, gave her a teasing nudge. "Oh, come on, Dawn. You have to admit, it's kind of your signature line."

Zoey grinned mischievously. "Oh, but I'm not done yet." She placed a hand dramatically on her forehead, feigning distress. "O-oh no, my hair! Mirror, mirror! How do I look?!"

Chloe doubled over, clutching her sides. "She even got the panicked tone right!"

Dawn gasped in horror. "I do NOT—!"

Serena clutched her stomach, May nearly toppled off her seat, and Chloe covered her mouth as uncontrollable giggles slipped through her fingers. Even Lillie, typically composed, had to wipe away a tear of amusement.

"Oops!" Zoey continued, staggering dramatically as if she had lost her balance. "I fall against this handsome guy here…!"

Dawn, now thoroughly red, flailed her hands. "Okay, okay! You've made your point!"

Lillie, caught between laughter and her dedication to the Eevee challenge, perked up, mimicking the Pokémon's stance as she called out gleefully, "Copycat!"

The game carried on, and soon, Serena was back in control, her smirk widening as she turned her attention to Miette. She laced her fingers together, her gaze filled with barely contained mischief.

"Hehe, Miette… Time for a juicy question like you love so much."

May arched a brow, crossing her arms. "Is it just me, or does your voice sound like you've got some kind of personal vendetta?"

Lillie, still dedicated to her Eevee mimicry, perked up once more. "Vengeance!"

Miette leaned back lazily, smirking. "Oh, I'm ready. Go ahead."

Serena leaned forward, her voice laced with theatrical intrigue. "Have you ever used your culinary skills for a special guy you like?"

Miette didn't flinch. With a graceful flick of her hair, she responded smoothly, "Well, actually, I have." She held up a finger before Serena could react, eyes twinkling. "But, sorry, darling, a lady never kisses and tells all her secrets. A true gourmet leaves some things to the imagination." She gave a knowing wink. "However, since you did ask… my dad was the first person I ever cooked for. He's my inspiration. I've made some of my best dishes for him."

Serena's expression dropped into exaggerated disappointment. "Oh, come on, Miette! You know that's not what I meant!"

Miette's grin widened impishly. "Sorry, Serena, but you should've been more specific! You didn't say it had to be romantic. And besides, my dad is an important guy in my life!"

Serena groaned, tossing her hands up. "Ugh, fine! Next time, I'll make sure my question is foolproof."

May chuckled, shaking her head. "A true culinary mastermind."

Zoey nudged Dawn with a smirk. "She takes inspiration from the best, you know?"

Dawn narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. "Is this another private joke I'm not getting?"

Serena sighed. "Alright, alright, I'll get you next time, Miette."

The next round began, and May took the lead with an impish grin. "Alright, Dawn, it's your turn! Time for a challenge."

Dawn gave a nervous chuckle. "Oh boy. What do you have in mind if I pick action?"

May tapped her chin before grinning. "I want you to prove your artistic skills! Close your eyes and try to draw a Pokémon solely from memory."

"Uh, sure. I'll give it a shot."

Dawn hesitated as May's eyes gleamed mischievously.

"How about… a Skitty?"

Dawn's smile faltered, just for a second. "Skitty, huh…?"

May tilted her head. "Something wrong, Dawn?"

The blue-haired girl quickly masked her reaction with a reassuring smile. "Nah, nothing at all. Let's do this."

She took a deep breath and, with focus, started sketching with her eyes closed. Her fingers moved with careful precision, her mind reconstructing the Pokémon's details. The room fell into a hush, everyone watching intently.

May drummed her fingers on the table. "You're really taking your time, Dawn. Don't stress, it's just for fun."

Dawn, still sketching, murmured softly, "I know… I just want it to be… as accurate as possible."

May chuckled. "No need to go full crazy like me."

Minutes later, Dawn set her pencil down and blinked her eyes open. The room collectively leaned in to examine her work.

May's jaw dropped. "Whoa, Dawn! Okay, I admit it. My Snorlax drawing looks like absolute garbage compared to this."

Lillie, still miming her Eevee theme, clapped. "Attract!"

Serena beamed. "You actually managed to capture its elegance perfectly!"

Chloe smiled warmly. "That's a masterpiece, Dawn. Have you ever considered being an artist?"

Dawn scratched the back of her head, looking uneasy. "Thanks, girls. I'm glad you like it, but… having good drawing skills doesn't mean I need to make a career out of it. I mean, I did consider designing fashion at one point, but after meeting Mei… I realized I prefer creating just for fun."

May sighed dramatically. "Just in case, she doesn't talk about me. And.. Thanks, Rosa, for crushing your dream with capitalism and business logic."

Dawn laughed. "Haha! That's not why! But it helped!"

May carefully picked up the drawing. "Can I take this with me? I want to show it to my Delcatty."

Dawn smiled, relieved. "Of course, May."

And with that, the game continued.

The Uno game spiraled deeper into unpredictable madness. Cards were slapped onto the table with dramatic flair, alliances were made and broken in the span of seconds, and the competitive fire in each coordinator burned with renewed intensity as if the Pokemon Contest began.

Dawn slumped back in her seat, her arms crossed tightly as she exhaled in exasperation. "Seriously... It's not my day…" she muttered before throwing her head back with a dramatic sigh. But then, in a swift motion, she straightened, brushing off her temporary defeat with feigned confidence. "Alright, truth."

Zoey's lips curled into a knowing smirk, her fingers drumming against her deck of cards in anticipation. "Perfect! Here's your question…" She paused for a moment, as if weighing her options, before her eyes gleamed with mischief. "What's the most valuable advice your mom gave you before becoming a coordinator?"

Dawn blinked at the question before breaking into a chuckle. "Oh, that one's easy! My mom once told me with the most serious expression: 'Dawn, never forget that even though you may seem like a shining star on stage, you are always the one who gets her heel stuck in her dress going up the stairs.'"

A cacophony of laughter erupted around the table.

"That is so Johanna!" Zoey exclaimed, shaking her head. "I can hear her saying that in my head!"

Chloe, seated beside Lillie, leaned in with an amused smile. "So, be honest—every time you step on stage, do you think about the stairs?"

Dawn groaned, placing a hand on her forehead in mock agony. "Absolutely. My brain goes: 'Don't trip, don't trip!' But honestly? It's a good reminder. My mom has a way of teaching important life lessons… usually at my expense."

"Well, it's working! And for what it's worth, we're also getting some great entertainment out of it!"

May erupted into laughter as Dawn puffed out her cheeks before shaking it off, determination rekindling in her eyes. "Alright! Enough losing. Next round, I win!"

The universe, however, had other plans.

Minutes later, Dawn let out a frustrated groan, her head dropping onto the table with an exaggerated thud. "By Arceus, come on! Alright, alright—hit me with your damn question."

Serena leaned forward, her lips curling into a teasing smirk. "Hmm… your challenge is just to reveal your most memorable Pokémon Contest and explain why it was special."

Dawn absentmindedly twirled a loose strand of hair, her brows furrowing in thought. "Well… I know it's not very original, but my most memorable contest has to be my first win. It marked the beginning of my journey as a coordinator, and I'll never forget that rush of excitement."

Chloe nodded in agreement. "That's not unoriginal at all! Your first victory is always something to cherish."

Zoey, however, gave her a knowing look. "But… it sounds like there's another contest on your mind, isn't there?"

Dawn hesitated, her fingers tightening around her cards. Her expression softened as a bittersweet memory surfaced. "Yeah… There's another one that holds a special place in my heart. It was the Grand Festival in Sinnoh. My first one. And it was also… the last contest with… them." Her voice trailed off, the weight of her words settling in the air.

May's teasing demeanor melted into something softer. "I think we all understand who you mean."

Zoey placed a reassuring hand on Dawn's shoulder, her voice warm and understanding. "Those are really meaningful memories, Dawn."

Dawn nodded, offering a small, appreciative smile before shaking off the momentary nostalgia. "Anyway! Let's move on to the next round. This time, I'm winning for sure!"

"Sounds like someone's had enough of losing, huh?"

Chloe smirked as Dawn tossed her hair back dramatically. "You have no idea."

Yet, as if the universe itself had a personal vendetta, her losing streak only worsened.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! AGAIN?!"

Dawn's voice rang out in sheer, unfiltered frustration as she threw her cards onto the table. "It's a conspiracy!"

The entire room burst again into hysterical laughter. Serena nearly toppled over in her chair, while May wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye.

"New record for a losing streak! Congratulations, Dawn! Here—have my throne!" She made a grand gesture of sliding her seat towards Dawn, who dramatically buried her face in her hands.

With a defeated sigh, Dawn threw her hands up. "If I lose again, I'm officially rage quitting!"

Chloe chuckled, exchanging an amused glance with Eevee beside her. "No need to worry, Dawn~"

Dawn shot her a playful glare. "I know, but it'd be nice to win for once!"

May smirked. "Maybe try not losing first."

"Heh."

Just as Dawn pouted, the atmosphere shifted dramatically on the next round.

Serena groaned the moment she saw the look of triumph on Miette's face. "Oh no… not again."

Miette leaned back with unmistakable satisfaction, flicking her bangs away from her eyes. "It's my win~"

Serena turned to Dawn, eyes pleading. "Please, Dawn, for the love of Arceus, don't pick truth! Go for a dare! Anything but a question!"

"Why?"

Serena pointed a shaking finger at Miette.

"Because look at her face! That's not the face of an innocent question-asker. That is the face of someone who enjoys watching people squirm!"

Miette placed a hand over her chest in mock offense. "Oh, Serena, I'm flattered! But let's not be dramatic. I only ask the most delightful, thought-provoking questions."

Serena scowled. "Dawn, I'm warning you—"

But Dawn, grinning mischievously, turned to Miette with a glint of curiosity. "You know what? Now I'm too intrigued to back down. Go ahead, Miette—ask your sadistic question."

Serena let out a long, defeated sigh, burying her face in her hands. "Oh no…"

Miette leaned forward, her turquoise gaze sparkling with playful mischief, a cat-like grin creeping onto her lips. She placed her elbows on the table, lacing her fingers together in a manner far too theatrical to be innocent. The air around her seemed to thrum with anticipation, the other coordinators sensing that the night was about to take a rather spicy turn.

"If it's your desire," she purred, the cadence of her voice dripping with feigned innocence, "I won't hold back now. Enough with the sweet little questions—I want something more... tantalizing. So, Dawn, what's the real deal between you and Ash? We want the truth, right here, right now."

A record scratch could not have halted the mood more effectively. Dawn, caught mid-sip of her drink, nearly choked, eyes widening as if Miette had just flung a Poké Ball at her face. She barely had time to process the question before the room erupted into snickers and hushed murmurs.

"W-what?! Oh no, not this again!" Dawn sputtered, setting down her glass with a clink. She ran a hand through her cobalt locks, exhaling sharply as she tried to regain composure. "Miette, right? There's nothing romantic between Ash and me! We're just really close friends."

Miette tapped her chin thoughtfully, her grin unwavering. "Come on, Dawn. You can tell us the truth. We won't judge."

Zoey, always one to enjoy a bit of friendly interrogation, smirked as she leaned back, arms crossed. "Yeah, we've all seen those moments caught on camera. Like when Ash conveniently fell on you in the stands during that match. And then there's the photo from yesterday—the one where people filmed you making a heart sign in his direction after your contest performance."

Lillie, ever the innocent one, turned pink as she mimicked an Eevee's Helping Hand with an awkward yet endearing wave. "Attract Helping Hand!" she called out, flailing her fingers in an exaggerated motion.

Chloe, sitting beside her, snorted in amusement. She rested her chin on her palm, eyeing Lillie's hand movements with barely-contained laughter. "Lillie, aren't you tired of it?"

Dawn, meanwhile, slammed her hands on the table, her voice raising an octave. "W-wha—No, no, no! That is NOT what it looks like!" she protested, her twilight eyes darting from one knowing face to the next. "The media always twists things around! That moment in the stands was just an accident! We were in a hurry, and he tripped! It wasn't romantic at all!"

She gestured animatedly, as if the sheer force of her explanation could dispel any lingering doubts. "And the other moment? I was just thanking him for cheering so loudly with that damn drum! That's it! We're really just friends who've been through a lot together! Why can't anyone believe in a close friendship ?! You all have strong friendships with him, why should I be any different ?!"

May chuckled, resting her cheek in her palm. "I don't know what's true or false, but either way, it's fun to imagine."

Dawn groaned, her hands flying to her head. "May, not you too! I can't believe you guys are actually buying into this!"

Before the teasing could escalate further, Serena stood abruptly, moving behind Dawn with quiet authority. The honey-blonde rested her hands firmly on the blunette's shoulders, giving a reassuring squeeze. "Alright, everyone, enough already," she said, her voice carrying an unmistakable note of finality. "Lay off with the teasing. Dawn's the one getting the short end of the stick here, being hounded about it by even her own friends. It's not fair."

May's playful expression softened. "Fair, fair. Sorry, Dawn. We didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Dawn let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "It's okay, May. I know you were just having fun."

Serena crossed her arms, offering a small, knowing smile. "But seriously, folks, Dawn's telling the truth. We should believe her."

Dawn nodded firmly. "Yeah, thanks, Serena. That's really all there is to it. No romantic thing going on between Ash and me. No need to worry!"

Zoey, grinning like a Purrloin caught in the act, arched a brow. "That's exactly when you should worry."

"Please don't quote my mom right now." She sighed, glancing away. "I don't know how our closeness looks from the outside, but it's really not like that."

Dawn groaned dramatically as Chloe shrugged. "Makes sense to me. It's like me and Goh when we're just hanging out. It'd be ridiculous if people thought we were romantically involved..."

Miette, however, had her gaze locked onto Serena. A slow, almost smug smirk curled at the corners of her lips. "Oh? Someone seems quite relieved by this version of events."

Serena stiffened almost imperceptibly. "N-now that we've cleared that up, let's get back to the game." Her fingers, still resting on Dawn's shoulders, twitched slightly before she pulled away. "Nothing more to add, right, Dawn ?"

Dawn blinked, momentarily taken aback by Serena's tone.

There was something in the way she said that—something almost too eager to move on. She turned slightly, peering at Serena with newfound curiosity. "N-no?"

And just like that, the conversation shifted, everyone refocusing on their cards.

The game resumed, the playful atmosphere slowly returning, but beneath the surface, something lingered—a trace of something unspoken.

As the laughter and banter picked up again, May, ever perceptive, stole a glance at Dawn. Unlike her other friends, she had caught it—the flicker of something unreadable in Dawn's expression. And she wondered, for just a moment, if maybe, just maybe, there was more to the story after all.

Hey~

A quick note to let you know that due to family reasons, I'll be unavailable for about a week.

So the next chapter will be in two weeks.. Thank you for your understanding and thanks again for your comments ! I'm happy to see so many people still following my story!

Take care of yourself !