Shattered [ Pearlshipping Love Story ]

Chapter 22: What I'm thankful for

Sorry for not updating because well.. It's been a stressful week. This was supposed to be posted on Thanksgiving but due to certain circumstances I was not able to post it. So sorry!

Ash's POV

Today was the day of the Lumiose Conference. I can say there were a lot of strong trainers around and they were gonna be hard to beat. "Wow! Look at all the cute Pokemon!" Bonnie said excitedly. She sat on top of Meyer's shoulders and walked around with him and Clemont. There was a huge crowd around us and we could both get lost in it. I looked over at Dawn and grabbed onto her hand, she looked at me surprised.

"You might get lost and I wouldn't want that." I smiled. She chuckled at me as she started walking with me but was suddenly pulled back into the huge crowd.

"Dawn!" I shouted as I tried to grab for her hand. It was no use, I lost her into the crowd. I pushed through the crowd of people looking for her but couldn't find her anywhere. I kept calling out her name hoping for an answer.

"Ash! Ash!!" That was Dawn. I started running towards the sound of her voice and saw her being dragged away by Sawyer. I ran up to them and pushed him away from her. She ran behind me and gripped onto my shirt tightly, shaking a bit.

"What was that for, Ketchum?" He said.

"Leave my girlfriend alone, Sawyer." I said angrily.

"Hmph. I was simply gonna show her what a real winner was like." He smirked. Gosh, I hated that smirk.

He held out his hand towards Dawn and smiled at her. "Won't you come with me, darling? I promise to treat you better." I smacked his hand away and kept Dawn close to me. "Leave her alone!" I shouted.

"Temper temper, Ketchum. It wouldn't be good for your girlfriend." He smirked. "Darling, are you sure you wanna stay with someone who has a bad temper? He could hurt you, you know."

Dawn clutched onto my shirt tight. I started clenching my fists as I glared at Sawyer. I wanted to fight this guy and beat him so that he'll never ever touch her again. "Ash, please don't fight." Dawn said in a hushed voice. I looked at her and noticed her crying a bit, she was also shaking. I nodded my head at her and pulled her close to me. I then looked over at Sawyer and glared at him.

Dawn and I walked away from him and went out of the stadium. "Ash.." I wiped her tears away and pulled her into a hug. "I know. But I promise, I won't let anyone touch you." I said as I hugged her tight. "Thank you, Ash." She said as she hugged me back.

The Lumiose Conference was about to start soon. Before I went in, I decided I'd guide Dawn to her seat safely. Sawyer was sneaky and he'd do anything to try and get to Dawn. We finally found the others and Dawn had sat down with them. I gave her a quick kiss and started making my way towards the stadium center.

As I was running I heard someone laughing and looked to see Sawyer. I clenched my fists and started to get angry. "What's wrong, Ketchum? Can't stand the fact that I might steal your girl away?" He smirked. "Shut up!" I shouted. Before he could say another word, someone else came in between us and glared at Sawyer.

"Why don't you leave him alone, Sawyer? If you and I meet on the battle field, it won't be so pretty." It was Alain. "Hmph. Why don't you put your money where your mouth is and mind your own business?" Sawyer retorted. Alain smirked at him and brought out Charizard. "Wanna say that again?" Sawyer trembled in fear but regained his composure as he began to walk away.

I looked at Alain and smiled at him. "Thanks, Alain. I was getting tired of that guy." He smiled at me, "don't let that kid get to you. He's all bark but no bite. He only wants your emotions to get the best of you." He told me.

"I know but.. The thought of my girlfriend.." I clenched my fists again. Alain placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled at me. "That's what he wants Ash. He wants your emotions to get in the way of your battle. Don't let him." I calmed down and let out a sigh. Alain patted my shoulder and began walking away. "I expect to see you in the finals." He said.

I smiled at him as I made my way towards the stadium center.

Sorry I didn't post this up sooner. I was really busy with stuff. Hope you enjoyed tho. :)