Two Hundred and Ten

First Time --

Third Person's POV

"It says that you can use a different Pokémon for the appeal and battle rounds," Dawn says to Ash while they eat breakfast in the Pokémon Center.

"So who are you gonna use?" Ash asks.

"Well after a night of thinking over every possible outcome," Dawn says and Ash laughs at her response. "I definitely want Shinx for the battle round since he has the most experience, and after seeing Barry's Piplup I think he can do the appeal round."

"What do you mean?" Ash questions while continuing to eat. Possibly more focused on the food than the girl in front of him.

"It's a starters contest so simple but beautiful moves like bubble could be the difference," Dawn explains. "Except Piplup doesn't know the attack yet."

"Hmm," Ash mumbles while finishing his mouthful of food. "If we train really hard this morning, I'm sure we can do it."

"Yea!" Dawn cheers. "Except I have to go down to the contest hall early to get ready."

"Get ready?" Ash chuckles. "Didn't you do that with your two hour bathroom session?"

"No," Dawn looks at him like he doesn't know how important it is to look your best... Which he knows all about I'm sure. "Coordinators need to look their best and the dress my mom got me will be sure to do that."

"How long does it take to put on a dress?" Ash jokes, leaning backwards and out of Dawn's range.

"Since I'm so excited for today I'll let that slide," Dawn gives a warning. "I also have to do my hair and find a shop for pokeball seals."

"You need to explain the stuff you say because I'm tired of asking questions," Ash states.

"Pokeball seals can be attached to the blue capsules Nurse Joy gave me yesterday," Dawn explains. "The capsule is like a blue shield that covers the pokeball while the seal gives the Pokémon a special entrance effect."

"Sounds complicated," Ash tries to wrap his head around the idea. "Are you sure you have time to pick out one? Not saying you take a long time to shop or anything but..."

"Save yourself and stop talking," Dawn rolls her eyes. "Maybe you're right but I need them."

"I can solve all of your problems," Ash declares and stands up. Their Pokémon look at him weirdly but slightly intrigued. "Let me do everything for you."

"I don't know," Dawn sighs. "I know that you can train Piplup in time but you didn't know what a seal was until I told you."

"I think we can figure it out as a team," Ash looks at the three happy Pokémon.

Dawn breathes out heavily. "I don't really have a choice I guess," The blunette sighs. "I'm trusting you Ash."

"No one has ever regretted saying that," Ash states, making Dawn even more anxious. "But you should get going so you have time to relax there. Maybe look around a bit and get comfortable."

"Alright," Dawn nods. "It's almost like you're my teacher right now."

"I'm gonna take that as a compliment," Ash smiles and holds his hand up.

Dawn looks at him confused before smiling as widely as he is. Their hands hit each other with a satisfying clap. "See you later Ash," She says and grabs her bag before walking out with a skip in her step.

"Well guys," Ash crouches down. "Time to get to work."

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"I think you're pretty close Piplup," Ash smiles at the penguin Pokémon.