The Only Exception

9.

Hi guys. Still really sick but I'm able to write for you tho :)

Enjoy!

Today was the day. Today would be the day that Ash got his 2nd Kalos Gym badge. The group walked out of the Pokémon center as they made their way towards the Cyllage City Gym.

Once they got there, they went inside and noticed a huge wall climb. A man went up to them, "the gym leader, Grant, awaits for you at the top. However, if you wish not to climb there is an elevator." He said as he walked away.

"What are you planning to do, Ash?" Clemont asked him.

Ash didn't say anything, instead, he began to climb the wall.

"Ash! What are you doing!?" Serena shouted.

"I'm going to climb up and face Grant! No road to victory is ever easy." He said as he continued climbing up the wall.

He got off the first climb then looked down at his friends, he smiled and waved at them from a top as they smiled back at him. He then looked over at Dawn, "hey, Dawn! Don't forget our deal, okay?" Ash shouted at her as he went and climbed the second wall.

Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena looked at her with curiosity. "What deal did you make with Ash?" Clemont asked.

"It's a long story.." Dawn chuckled nervously.

Serena glared at her wondering what could the two of them been planning behind her back. She then went back to watching Ash climb the wall. Soon enough, the black haired trainer made it to the top. A tv turned on to show Ash and Grant getting ready to battle.

"You ready, Ash?" Grant smiled.

"There's no way I'm losing!" Ash said confidently.

The battle begun as Grant called out Onix and Ash called out Froaki. The two battle tremendously. Ash was able to overcome Onix's rock tomb thanks to Dawn. Eventually, Ash had knocked Onix out.

Next up was Tyrunt against Fletchling. Unfortunately, Fletching was knocked out but was able to land a successful steel wing on Tyrunt causing a lot of damage. Ash sent out Pikachu and the two battled, soon after, Pikachu was able to knock out Tyrunt with Thunderbolt.*

The battle had ended with Ash as the victor.

"Great job, Ash. That was a good strategy being able to use your opponents attacks against them. You've earned this." Grant smiled as he handed Ash the Cliff Badge.

Ash smiled proudly as held up the badge in the air.

His group of friends cheered for him as he came down in the elevator and showed them the badge he had won. "Congratulations, Ash!" Serena smiled as she went up to him and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Oh, um.. Thanks, Serena." Ash said as a small blush crept on his face.

Dawn rolled her eyes at Serena. She was obviously trying to make her jealous. But, Dawn would never stoop that low. Clemont and Bonnie sighed at Serena but brushed it off. Ash then looked over at Dawn and smiled.

"Hey, Dawn. I won the Cliff Badge. You're not gonna go back on our deal, are you?"

Dawn chuckled at him, "no, of course not." She said as she walked out of the gym. "I'll be at the beach side."

Ash smiled as he put away the badge in his badge case. He then walked out as well and proceeded towards the Pokémon center to heal up his Pokemon.

"So, Ash, I was thinking that we should go out to celebrate your win! Just the two of us." Serena smiled as she grabbed onto Ash's arm.

"Oh, that's great, Serena. Thanks a lot. But, see.. Dawn and I made a deal so I gotta meet wit her. See ya!" Ash said as he ran out the Pokémon center.

Bonnie and Clemont looked at each other confused, still wondering what deal could those two have made with each other. Serena clenched her first and gritted her teeth as she walked towards their room in the Pokémon center.

That.. That.. Good for nothing Coordinator!! How dare she!?

With Ash

Ash made his way towards the beach side to see Dawn sitting on the sand. He smiled as he walked up to her and sat next to her. She looked over at him and smiled then looked back out towards the horizon.

He poked her arm, "our deal?"

Dawn sighed as she chuckled at the childish trainer, "Fine. Um.. he's saved me a lot of times and I'm grateful."

"Hmm.. is it Drew?"

"...I set him up with May, why would it be him?" She laughed.

"Hey, you never know." Ash chuckled. "Hmm.. Kenny?"

"I said a lot of times not once and anyways, this isn't part of the deal!" Dawn laughed some more.

"I know, but it's so great to hear you again." Ash said.

"Huh? What do you mean?" She asked.

Ash looked over at her, "hear you laugh again. It's been awhile since I've heard it." He smiled.

Dawn looked at him surprised. She didn't know what to say. "You seemed so down lately that hearing you laugh and smile again actually made me happy." Dawn was silent. She didn't think that she made the boy worry this much about her. She didn't even think he cared when he had a girlfriend.

Most of all, she didn't think hearing her laugh and seeing her smile would make him happy.

She smiled at him, "thanks, Ash."

Ash looked over at her and lifted up his hand and winked, "no need to worry, right?"

Dawn chuckled and nodded at him as they both gave each other a high five. It's been awhile since they've done that and it felt nostalgic. They smiled at each other as they watched the sunset in bliss.

Short-ish chapter but I'm still sick :/ Hope you guys enjoyed! Update you soon.