Note :
Hello everyone! I would like to thank you for the warm welcome to the first chapter and all your comments!
Unfortunately, I cannot answer each of you personally, but I would still like to answer certain questions that you asked, which piqued my interest. Don't hesitate to send other comments if you feel like it; it's a real pleasure to see you react each time, even if it's short or long answers.
Before that, I would like to inform you that I plan to publish a chapter every 1 or 2 weeks depending on how complicated my situation is currently.
At the moment, I'm quite limited so count on a chapter every two weeks while waiting for things to get better.. which is already not bad I think?
Anyway, comment time!
RainbowSix - 381c :
very nice chapter, by the way how much would it be at the estimated age of the characters, I find this new event for Dawn curious, I almost imagine it how this artist drew it in a fanart of Ash and Dawnらく
Myself :
Thanks again~!
For the estimated age of all the characters in the chapter, I plan to publish it in a later chapter after having shown most of the characters. However, I can already confirm for the moment Ash's age of 16 and Dawn who just turned 15 in the current arc!
I also want to inform you unfortunately of some bad news... My computer had the brilliant idea and the perfect timing to die two days after publishing the first chapter So, while waiting for the situation to recover, I will have to postpone the illustrations for now.
I hope to be able to publish the first illustrations as soon as the 4th or 5th chapter is released..
Excuse me for this hype which turned against me.. Long live karma!
--
Guest :
I know this won't happen any time soon but at some point can you please have dawn be paired with ash and since this kind of paring has never been done before and it be new could you do Serena x Kenny since she's always paired with ash which has been done several times and dosent give many chances to see new parings involving Serena to be made seeing Kenny and Serena in the same story definitely be a good opportunity in my opinion and definitely be something new and a breath of fresh air then just seeing Serena with ash all the time and I know what u said in the authors notes I'm just saying that's all
Myself :
Greeting! Thank you for this interesting comment because I admit... I never thought I would one day see someone propose such an original ship in my first chapter!
However, I globlally have the ships of most of the characters in mind for this arc, sorry!
Still, you made me want to write Serena x Kenny one day for experimenting~ Thank you for the fun and interesting idea!
I don't know if it will be a what if, a one shot or something like that but I'm going to start thinking about it! It will take a little time to publish it but I plan to do it one day, that's for sure! As you say, it would be a breath of fresh air!
But even if the Serena x Kenny will not be the goal of this fanfiction, there will however be other quite original ships in the fanfiction which will perhaps also be a breath of fresh air!
There you go, I hope you will enjoy the second chapter as well!
On that last line, see you next time!
Once again, they could admire the intricate contest designs fluttering from every building, while festive music played from speakers lining the sidewalks. In every direction, Trainers and their Pokémon gathered, laughing and discussing the upcoming contest. The smell of food vendors selling sweet malasadas and fresh poffins filled the air, mingling with the sounds of the Pokémon's joyful cries. Bright lights hanging above the stands reflected in the amazed eyes of Pikachu and Piplup. In the distance, a Toxtricity was playing music on a small stage set up in the open air, attracting a crowd of spectators and cute Pokémon who danced happily around.
As Ash and Dawn made their way through the busy streets, around them, Pokémon of all kinds enjoyed the festivities. A Hawlucha was performing impressive somersaults near a street performer, while a group of Togepi and Clefairy danced to the sound of a nearby musician's flute. The town square was filled with stalls and trainers showing off their Pokémon in friendly battles or simply enjoying the energy of the day. Balloons shaped like cute Pokémon floated in the air, held by excited children who ran around laughing.
Food stalls lined the sidewalks, the sweet smell of honeyed pancakes and warm waffles wafting through the air. An Alcremie near one stall was slowly spinning around, making cream patterns as it decorated the desserts, attracting the attention of curious passersby. A little further away, Drifloons floated in the sky, almost seeming to match the cheerful music that was playing on the speakers throughout the city. The atmosphere was electric, full of anticipation.
A group of Kirlia spun playfully in the middle of a fountain, seemingly contesting who could spin the longest. One had already fallen into the water. Piplup took the time to jump into the fountain, saving the clumsy Pokémon before quickly rejoining its trainer. Meanwhile, a Machamp set up balloons at an incredible speed, its four arms working in harmony as a herd of Fletchlings sped above it, chirping happily. The entire city seemed to sparkle in the golden light of the sun, casting a glow that made every trainer's day a little more magical.
As Ash and Dawn hurried through the lively streets, Ash shoveled cake into his mouth at an alarming rate.
"Do you really think it's the perfect moment for eating?!" Dawn asked, dodging a couple of kids racing past with their Growlithes. "At this rate, you're going to make yourself sick!" She couldn't help but laugh, but her expression quickly turned to mock concern.
"Sorry... but I can't resist!" The hungry boy mumbled between bites, with crumbs flying.
Dawn chuckled, shaking her head. "You shouldn't eat so fast! You'll get..."
Almost on cue, Ash suddenly choked, his face turning red as he struggled for breath.
Dawn said, "It was so predictable." She gave him a couple of firm pats on the back.
Ash, after a few tense moments, finally managed to swallow. "Everything... is fine, haha. Thanks!" He gave a sheepish grin, but Dawn just sighed, her expression a mix of amusement and concern.
Dawn sighed, relieved but exasperated. "The food's not going to run away, stupid. Just put it in your bag and let's keep moving."
As they hurried through the busy streets, Ash glanced down at his Rotom Phone, which seemed more agitated than usual. "Wait... something's wrong with Rotom."
Rotom flew around them, clearly upset. "I've deactivated silence mode; I can't support it anymore!"
"Oh okay, my bad, Rotom! Looks like I missed... 15 calls from Serena?!" His eyes widened in disbelief.
"Fifteen?!" she exclaimed. "I hope it wasn't urgent!" The Sinnoh coordinator's tone was sharp, though she couldn't hide the impatience creeping into her voice as they neared the towering Wyndon Stadium, its massive dome visible just ahead.
Ash scratched his head with a nervous chuckle, his eyes glued to the screen of his Rotom phone. "I was so caught up talking, I forgot to check my notifications."
Dawn raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to call her back, or...?" She paused as the unmistakable sound of the booming and iconic anthem of the world contest reached their ears. "Oh no! The opening's starting!"
The streets leading to the stadium were packed with fans, banners waving with images of popular coordinators and their Pokémon. Vendors handed out treats as a group of Ludicolos danced in sync with the lively music from nearby speakers.
In the center of the group was a Trainer with a stocky build, wearing a cap tilted slightly to the side. His fluid breakdance moves seamlessly intertwined with the Ludicolos' energetic steps, each spin and freeze displaying his knack for making any moment a performance. His coordination with the dancing Pokémon was flawless, the crowd around them cheering at every twist and turn.
In his image, Wyndon buzzed with excitement, its usual energy heightened by the World Grand Contest.
As they neared the stadium, the massive structure loomed above them, its towering arches and vibrant ribbons visible. The sound of trumpets and cheers from the crowd grew louder, the anticipation thick in the air. The giant screens outside the stadium flashed vivid highlights of top coordinators, their performances captivating everyone passing by.
"Come on, Ash! We're going to miss the start!" Dawn called, weaving through the throng of people, trying to keep track of him.
Ash, still fumbling with his Rotom phone, tried to return Serena's call but the noise was too overwhelming. "Serena, are you there?" he shouted into the phone, but her voice didn't come through.
Dawn turned around, noticing her friend struggling. "You can't call and walk at the same time! You'll get lost in this crowd!" She grabbed his wrist, pulling him forward. "You can call her later when we sit down—let's get to our seats before we miss everything!"
Ash jogged to keep up, still clutching his half-eaten cake. "It's just the opening, right?" he asked, slightly out of breath.
Dawn's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yeah, but it's going to be amazing and memorable! I don't want to miss any of it, from start to finish!"
As they pushed ahead, Pikachu clung to Ash's shoulder, while Piplup dodged between people's feet, keeping close to Dawn, who finally carried him on her arms. Around them, trainers cheered for their favorite coordinators, some calling out Serena's name as they neared the entrance.
The crowd thickened, the noise becoming nearly deafening as everyone vied for a spot to watch the spectacle. Ash struggled to hear over the roar of the fans. "Are you sure we're going the right way?" he shouted, trying to keep up with Dawn.
Dawn laughed, pushing forward without hesitation. "Relax, I've got this! No need to worry!"
Ash grinned, though he couldn't resist teasing. "It's when you assure it that I worry the most!"
Dawn rolled her eyes but kept going. Finally, they reached the stands just as the crowd erupted into applause. Ash squinted toward the stage, catching a glimpse of Serena performing, her Braixen twirling with flames. But with the crowd standing and cheering, it was hard to see everything.
"Wow! Is that really Serena?" He tried to get a better look but gave up, frustrated by the wall of people in front of him. He sighed, resigned, and stuffed the rest of his cake into his mouth.
Dawn pouted, shaking her head. "Looks like we missed part of her performance. We'll have to catch the replay later." She glanced at Ash, who was momentarily distracted by the wild cheers around them for Serena.
As they finally settled into some open seats, the stadium erupted with a thunderous roar. The applause echoed as Serena was about to take her bow, the crowd's energy soaring, making the whole event feel larger than life.
The roar of the crowd reverberated through Wyndon Stadium as Dawn sighed, her eyes drifting toward the sea of clapping hands. "Roh... Looks like we're really too late for the opening. But hey, it's not the end! I'm sure it's only going to get more exciting from here with the first coordinators performing!" She scanned the bustling stands and brightened, spotting an opportunity amidst the chaos.
"Ah! I think I spotted a free seat!"
As they hurried toward the empty spot, the roar of the crowd grew even louder. Serena had just finished her performance, and the audience was on their feet, applauding with dynamic energy. The sheer chaos in the stands made it nearly impossible to move, with people cheering, shouting, and standing in tightly packed groups.
"O-oh!" Ash exclaimed as he tried to follow Dawn. He wobbled and teetered, losing his footing and balance as he crashed into another person's legs. The pressure on his feet was enough to send him stumbling into the legs of another person nearby.
Dawn gasped, wincing as Ash tripped, flailing in a futile attempt to catch himself and the last part of his cake, which fell dramatically out of his grasp.
Pikachu held on tight to Ash's shoulder as he stumbled. However, Pikachu's instincts kicked in immediately.
He noticed the last piece of Ash's cake slipping from his trainer's grasp, and with a quick jump off Ash's shoulder, he darted into the air, skillfully catching the rest of the cake with his tiny paws before it could hit the ground.
Landing gracefully, Pikachu wasted no time savoring the sweet treat, nibbling on it with a satisfied smile before looking back at his trainer's well-being. He immediately ran towards his trainer, making sure he was alright.
"Pip-lup!" Piplup squawked in surprise, flapping his wings dramatically when he was forced to jump free of her arms just before Dawn tried to reach Ash. Landing with a dramatic roll and cute "pip", he looked up at Dawn, a bit dazed from the fall as he tried to play it off as intentional. The penguin Pokémon shook himself off, puffing out his chest as if nothing had happened, though a small blush of embarrassment betrayed his dignity.
"Oops!" She succeeded in reaching out, grabbing the back of his shirt just in time to keep him from falling headfirst into the row of seats.
"Hey, be careful! I told you not to take that cake, you-Aah!" Dawn's reprimand turned into a startled yelp as Ash, unbalanced by the sudden save, toppled backward.
But it was too late—Ash's weight pulled them both down. In her effort to keep him on her grab, she lost her own footing, and the two of them tumbled to the ground together.
Ash stumbled forward, landing awkwardly on top of Dawn, who crashed backward onto the messy floor of the stands.
"Ow... That's going to leave a mark…"
Ash quickly lifted his head, his voice filled with concern. "D-Dawn?! Are you okay?"
Dawn nodded, trying to collect herself. "I-I'm fine… N-no need to wor—" Her words faltered when she realized just how close they were. Ash's face hovered inches above hers, and their bodies were practically pressed together.
"…I think?" she stammered.
From her awkward position on the ground with Ash on top of her, she caught a glimpse of something spectacular behind Ash..!
As the fire burst outwards, creating the image of a phoenix soaring above the stadium, her navy eyes glanced up just as a burst of fiery light illuminated the sky, casting an orange glow over everything.
The fire's warm glow against Ash's face and reflection in his eyes only added to the magical and memorable moment. Her sparkling eyes stared in wonder for a few seconds before focusing back on him, still in awe of the shock.
For a brief moment, despite the noise of the crowd cheering around them, there was an awkward silence. Ash, oblivious to the sudden tension between them, leaned in closer, his forehead now touching hers to check on her.
"Are you okay or not?! I can't hear with all the noise!" he asked, his voice louder to cut through the din of the stadium.
The touch of his forehead sent a jolt through Dawn, her heart beating even faster. The cheers of the crowd disappeared behind the sound of her own pulse as she looked up at him, lost in confusion about what to feel. His concern was genuine, but the proximity was overwhelming.
"Y-yeah… I'm fine, really!" she stammered, her voice cracking as she forced a laugh. "Just… j-just a little bump, no big deal!"
"Are you sure?" Ash's clueless expression didn't help. He squinted at her, as if he were trying to read her face amidst the chaos. Feeling even more flustered, Dawn tried to reassure him, but her words came out a stuttering mess. "Y-yeah, no problem... j-just a little s-stunned... Stop worrying already!"
Pikachu, now sitting next to them, finished off the last bit of cake, oblivious to the tension building between his trainer and Dawn. He gave a satisfied sigh, licking his paws and glancing between the two of them, as if wondering why they were still immobile on the ground.
"Stop..? Repeat?" The trainer responded, perplexed about what she had said.
Without thinking, he leaned in closer, pressing his ear to her face to hear better. His cheek brushed against hers, and Dawn's breath caught. The warmth of his breath on her skin didn't help, sending a shiver down her spine uncontrollably.
"A-are you doing this on purpose?!" she blurted, half embarrassed and half exasperated.
Ash, genuinely confused, pulled back slightly. "What purpose are you talking about?"
The fact that she was flustered-with Ash of all people-made her even more frustrated with herself. Yet here she was, reacting like a schoolgirl over their closeness.
She had been traveling for a while, so why is she suddenly affected by some proximity with a close friend..? Maybe she's been wandering alone too much lately?
Still, Dawn mentally cursed herself for getting so worked up over something so ridiculous. After all, he was just Ash— kind-hearted, a bit clueless, and always focused on constantly getting himself into mess and pokemon battles.
She swallowed hard, her voice still shaky as she replied, "I said… I'm fine! J-just a little stunned!" She managed to push a confident smile, hoping her face wasn't as red as it felt. "See for yourself!"
Ash finally pulled back slightly, his expression easing into one of relief. "Really? I was worried I might've broken something by accident! I'd feel really bad if you got hurt before the contest!" He gave her a soft and innocent smile, genuinely concerned.
Dawn let out a weak, nervous laugh, her cheeks still flushed. It was endearing, really, how he seemed more worried about her participation in the contest she holds dear than noticing how close they were right now. Despite the fact that he had grown taller and looked more like a young adult now, it was still the same Ash—focused on his friends' well-being and their dreams.
"N-no broken bones, I swear! J-just a bit shaken up, that's all!"
Pikachu and Piplup exchanged an amused glance, each reacting to the goofy situation with a subtle smirk.
Dawn swallowed nervously, sighing in an attempt to break the tension. But it didn't stop her heart from racing like a Rapidash at full gallop. The warmth of their subtle contacts, the close proximity of their lips—it was overwhelming. She felt as though they were inside their own little world, and it took everything in her to resist doing something impulsive, something she would regret for sure.
She shook off the strange thoughts, ignoring the way her pulse quickened with every moment they stayed so close.
She cleared her throat, trying to focus. "I get it… Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't break anything," she attempted to joke, though her chuckles came out more awkward than she intended as she tried to laugh it off.
By now, the noise around them had quieted slightly, and a few people nearby had noticed their odd position. But neither Ash nor Dawn paid them any attention, too focused on each other. For a moment, it felt like time had slowed, the stadium's cheers fading as they locked eyes. The awkward tension between them was palpable, yet somehow, neither of them moved.
Ash finally broke the silence, eyebrows raised in playful defense. "What?! I'm not that heavy! If you couldn't handle it, maybe you need to train more like your Pokémons!"
Dawn rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh, please. My body's just... a little more delicate, that's all. Something you'll never understand, you big lug!"
She shot him a playful glare, and for a brief moment, the awkwardness between them faded, replaced by their familiar banter. Her mind was still blurry, but at least she felt more like herself again.
Still, the closeness lingered…
Dawn, still lying beneath him, tried to regain control. Around them, the crowd, which had been focused on the contest, began to murmur as some recognized who they were.
"'I've got muscles, y'know?' Ash said with a grin. 'But sure, right, your body's just 'smaller and more delicate.' Gotcha, Miss Fragile.'"
Dawn bristled at the nickname, her pout deepening as she crossed her arms defensively. "I am *not* fragile, okay!? I can take a hit just as well as you, even if you're taller! I get plenty of hits by Piplup all the time, and sometimes Mamoswine, and I don't complain! And even if I *were* fragile, I could still kick your butt in a Pokémon battle any day!"
Ash smirked. "Pfft! You? Kicking my ass? I'm the best trainer in the entire world! I'll take you on, anywhere, anytime!"
Her lips curled into a smirk of her own. She had to admit, his boastful confidence was amusing, even though she knew he had a point. His words only sparked her competitive side, and she wasn't about to back down.
"Oh yeah, Mister 'I'm the best trainer in the entire world'? I've kicked your butt once or twice before. Careful, or you might end up eating those words!"
Piplup, meanwhile, waddled over, huffing indignantly at the spectacle. He gave Dawn a gentle, playful tap with his beak, as if to remind her that they were in public. "Pip-lup!"
"H-ey..!" Thanks to her Pokémon, the playful banter was now interrupted when Dawn noticed a shift in the crowd. The noise around them changed, and she realized with growing horror that people were not only recognizing them but also pulling out their phones to record the scene.
They were sprawled on the ground of the stands, still in a compromising position from the fall, and now people were filming them. Her breath caught in her throat. She glanced around, her heart sinking, as she noticed how the bystanders' murmurs had shifted into amused, curious whispers. And Ash-Ash had no idea. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, but before she could say anything, Ash continued, completely unaware. He flashed her a smug grin, misinterpreting her stunned silence.
"Did you finally realize who's in charge here? Afraid I'll ruin your spirit in front of everyone? Maybe I should wait until after the contest to show you my superiority on this ground! You'll be begging me to stop halfway through, I'm sure of it! Hahaha!" He laughed, loud enough for the nearby spectators to hear.
Dawn's heart sank. His words sounded far more suggestive than intended. Panic washed over her as she noticed more phones being pointed in their direction, and people clearly misunderstanding the situation. With his words, it sounded like they were talking about something like.. oh no. Something that could be far more inappropriate than a Pokémon battle.
"Damn it, damn it.. Ash! S-shut up!" she muttered under her breath, realizing how wildly out of hand things had gotten. Desperately, she tried to think of something-anything- she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.
Ash turned to her, oblivious. "What? Something wrong with me beating hard your butt publicly?"
Dawn felt her mind spiraling. The situation was getting worse by the second. Her heart pounded even harder as she tried to think of a way out of this humiliating mess. She could feel dozens of eyes on them, and her desperation was palpable.
In one swift motion, she grabbed the front of his jacket and yanked him closer, their faces nearly touching. But this time, there was no warmth in her gaze. Her eyes were sharp, icy, and dangerous-nothing like the playful look she'd had earlier. It was deadly serious. The cold intensity in her eyes sent a shiver down Ash's spine, which could have frozen a Garchomp in its tracks.
"I will destroy more than your ass if you don't shut up already," she hissed, her voice cold like the icy winds of her native Sinnoh.
Ash gulped, his bravado vanishing in an instant, and he immediately fell silent. For a moment, he was frozen, completely unsure how to respond.
The crowd murmured louder, their phones still filming, taking pleasure in immortalizing every word and gesture. Dawn's heart raced even faster, panic rising in her chest as she glanced around at the prying eyes. How could Ash be so oblivious?! Why couldn't he read the room?! Dawn glanced around frantically, her eyes darting from one person to the next as they held up their phones, snapping pictures and blinding them slightly in the process.
"For the love of Arceus, just stop talking!" Dawn's voice was a harsh whisper, but her words were laced with panic. "They're going to take everything the wrong way!"
The threat seemed to finally register with Ash. Ash blinked, finally beginning to understand that something was very wrong. Ash furrowed his brow, confused by her sudden change in demeanor. "They? Who, they?" he asked, still perched above her but not yet putting the pieces together.
Dawn gestured wildly around them. "The people around us, you moron!" Dawn finally snapped, her voice laced with frustration as she pointed out the crowd. "Look! They're all recording us! They think... they think we're-"
Her voice faltered, unable to finish the thought. The embarrassment was overwhelming, and she couldn't bring herself to articulate the full extent of the misunderstanding in front of everyone. Ash turned his head slowly, freezing when he finally noticed the crowd pointing directly at them. His eyes widened in realization.
"Oh… those," he said dumbly, clearly still processing the situation.
Dawn let out a sharp exhale, her frustration boiling over as she glared at Ash with clenched teeth. "Yes, them, genius! Mister 'I'm the best Trainer in the world'—let me correct that, you're the densest person in the entire world! A-aaah!!"
She buried her face in her hands, groaning in despair. "Now everyone's recording this disaster, and it's all because you couldn't shut up for two seconds! How am I supposed to fix this?!"
Ash gave her a sheepish grin, finally realizing how bad the situation had become. "Hehe, oops. So, what should we do, Dawn?"
Her patience snapped. She grabbed the front of his shirt, shaking him in exasperation with her eyes burning with a mix of fury and disbelief. "Don't 'oops' me! And what do we do? I don't know! Maybe start by getting OFF ME, genius! GET OFF! NOW!"
She shoved him with all her strength, adding an extra kick for emphasis. But her foot landed squarely between his legs. The impact hit hard, and Ash immediately doubled over in pain, his hand flying to his groin as a strangled moan of agony escaped his lips.
"Ooooh... craaap?!" Ash gasped, his body seizing up as a wave of intense pain shot through him. He collapsed onto his knees, clutching himself in agony, barely able to get words out.
"B-Basket-Aagh!"
Dawn's eyes went wide as she realized what she had done. She leaned forward a little, horrified, her face paling with frustration immediately melting into guilt. "Oh no… oh no, no, no, Ash! Did I just..?!" "I didn't mean to-oh by Arceus, I'm so sorry! Your... your little Torchics...!! I wasn't thinking, I swear!!!"
Ash, still lying half on top of her, couldn't move, clutching his stomach in an attempt to recover from the sudden pain. The once awkward situation had turned into an all-out disaster.
He groaned weakly, "Aghhh... ow... down... not fair." He collapsed forward, lying awkwardly across her lap, his hand still firmly placed over his injury.
Rather than trying to scramble away, Dawn panicked and instinctively grabbed him by the shoulders, steadying him. Instead of pushing him away, she found herself holding onto him, her hands gently resting on his shoulders as he lay there, still recovering from the pain.
"Ash, please! Are you okay down there? I didn't mean to kick you that hard! I just... I just wanted you to move off me! Please tell me you're fine!"
He didn't respond right away, still struggling to breathe through the pain. His head rested on her shoulder, and though she desperately wanted to escape the humiliating situation, she knew he needed a moment to recover.
In front of them, Pikachu stood frozen, torn between concern for his trainer and bewilderment at the chaos around them. Piplup, however, had worked himself into a frenzy, attempting to charge at the mocking onlookers, ready to defend Dawn's dignity. Pikachu didn't have other choices than holding the tiny water-type back from launching a full assault on anyone with a phone.
Dawn let out a long, defeated sigh. This wasn't how she had envisioned today going. She just wanted to shine, not to be part of this type of show.
Before she could speak again, a bright flash of light signaled the arrival of Buneary, who had popped out of her Pokéball without warning. Her eyes immediately locked onto Pikachu, and she bounded over, wrapping immediately the unsuspecting electric mouse in a tight hug.
"Bun! Bunbun! Bun-buneary!" Pikachu, already flustered, tried to wriggle free, but Buneary's affectionate grip was relentless. Soon, Pikachu was immobilized, caught in her embrace.
"Pi...chu?" Pikachu managed to squeak out, eyes wide as Buneary nuzzled closer, in her usual overenthusiastic manner, totally oblivious to the chaos around them.
Dawn couldn't believe it—now her own Pokémon had unintentionally added to the spectacle.
"Oh no, not now!" Dawn groaned, glancing at the crowd, many of whom had started fumbling with their cameras at the scene unfolding. Some were now filming the unexpected and love-filled "hug battle" between Buneary and Pikachu.
"Pika..." Pikachu muttered, still immobilized in Buneary's hug, his own embarrassment now mirroring Dawn's.
"Great... just great," Dawn muttered under her breath. Now, not only was Ash in agony and she herself mortified, but into this complete chaos... it felt like the world was spinning out of control. Everything she desired right now was for the ground to swallow her whole. "This is a nightmare…"
This was supposed to be about her debut in a World Contest, and instead, it felt like she was living through the most embarrassing moment of her life.
"Maybe I should just go home instead…" she muttered, feeling utterly defeated.
With the way things were going, she wasn't sure if even Arceus himself could save them now. Dawn could only hope that things couldn't get any worse...