Okay so I'm back to updating this fic!!! Sorry for the tremendously long wait but school got in the way and then I just lost enthusiasm, completely. Anywaiz I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed so far.

I'd like to inquire about someone who went by the name of "?", who reviewed, acting as if I had finished the story with chapter 7. =S Well the stories not finished!!! I'm sorry that chapter 7 wasn't a good chapter that effectively tied the lose ends of the story like what a final chapter should do, but it wasn't a final chapter. =/

Anywaiz, again sorry for the long wait and I'm hopefully back to updating this fic on schedule!! =D

Chapter 8

Ash and Dawn walked through the numerous streets, enclosed with shops. Some displaying the latest fashions, while others emitting delicious aromas of newly cooked food. They were walking when Dawn noticed that she was still holding Ash's hand. She decided to keep her hand in its current position, however the thought made her blush and her hand began to heat up. Ash felt something next to his hand heat up, and found out its source, as he too noticed their predicament. He blushed, but like Dawn, left his hand there.

The two looked like a couple, strolling through the many streets. In both of their minds the thought of, "Will he/she notice?", flickered.

"Ohh look Ash! That would be perfect for my contest! Let's go in!" Dawn said, pointing to a strikingly decorated dress.

"Slow down, Dawn!! It's just a dress!"

"Oh Ash, don't be such a guy!" said Dawn rolling her eyes. "Excuse me, can I try that dress on? The one in the front."

"Of course," replied the female cashier with blond hair and an excess of make up. "Here you are."

The cashier gave Ash a little wink as she pointed at Dawn.

Ash went a dark red at the motion, but lucky for him, Dawn had already entered the change room.

She came out in an elegant dress. It was blue in colour and made entirely out of satin and lace. Her hair and eyes were an excellent match with the vibrant colour this dress displayed.

"How do I look?"

"Wow Dawn. Y.....You.....l......look.... great!!" Ash stuttered, forcing out a response.

Dawn saw Ash's reaction and giggled as she went back into the change room, pleased at her ability to charm Ash.

Dawn exited the change room and said, "I'll take it!"

Dawn tried on many sets of clothes throughout various stores, all of which Ash's reactions were stunned, especially towards one which happened to be a two piece swim suit. She bought all of the clothes that Ash seemed to like.

"Hey Dawn, I think we should go find the others," said Ash noticing the time on his Poketch. "Their probably wondering where we are."

Ash and Dawn came across Brock in a Poke Mart and the trio went to get May and Max, who were looking at a few Pokemon playing in a park.

"Woahh! Dawn, how much did you buy!!" asked a flabbergasted May.

"A lot!" replied Ash, who was literally smothered under the weight of bags produced by their escapade.

"Dawn, it's enough to buy out a store but to buy out the whole town??? Why??" Max remarked with exaggeration.

"Let's get these back to the hotel, get freshened up and then find a place to have dinner", suggested Brock who liked the idea of eating food other than his own.

Ash handed the cumbersome pile of bags to Brock, who happened to have a shoe lace untied. This was the reason as to why Brock fell forward, pushing Ash, as he took a step.

Brock fell in an unfashioned sort of way, while Ash careened to the side, crashing into May. The countless bags fell upon Ash and May, who by coincidence, had to land in the most embarrassing of positions.

Through the large amount of bags, two figures with their lips pressed together, could be barely made out. To Ash, it was terribly embarrassing, and with all his might he tried to push himself up from under the bags. May on the other hand, was in high spirits and savouring every part of it, even though it wasn't the most romantic thing due to their surroundings.

With the help of Brock and Max, Ash was able to gasp for breath as he got to his feet, staggering every now and then. He was beet red, but not as red as May, if it were possible. Her complexion was filled with a dreamy, yet red state.

To Dawn's point of view, Ash had stayed in the position for way to long for it to be merely an accident.

A silence dawned upon the group as awkwardness grew to a climax.

"Err....So what restaurant do you guys want to go to?" said Brock, breaking the silence.

"Umm doesn't matter", everyone replied, shakily.

"Hmm, I think I remember seeing a really fancy one on our way to the hotel", spoke Broke, "It might not be friendly to our wallets but I guess it could count as celebration"

"Yeah, that sounds great Brock!" Ash said enthusiastically, his stomach being the factor that helped in forgetting what had just happened.

The group continued to walk to the hotel, the incident still clear in everyone but Ash's mind. May in particular, appeared to be in a jolly mood, but kept to herself knowing the solemness of the others.

They arrived at their hotel rooms and began to get ready to go out. Dawn went to one shower while May hurried to the one in the other room, just as everyone walked in.

"Girls will be girls", Max stated, the guys breaking into laughter. "So Ash, by the way, when's your first battle?"

"Well according to the schedule, the day after tomorrow", replied Ash, "I got some time to train and relax tomorrow before we win! Right Pikachu?"

"Pika Pi!" replied Pikachu in affirmation.

"Heyy, now don't get too worked up. You still don't know your competition so it's a bad time to get cocky", advised Brock.

"Yeah yeah", Ash said, obviously unphased.

"I think I'll get into something more appropriate for the restaurant", Brock said.

Ash and Max took some more time to look over the various schedules for the following days while the girls took their time to get ready.

Brock came out of the third bathroom quite quicky, dressed in a plain black tux.

After what seemed like hours Dawn came out of the bathroom completely dressed in a stunning dress that reached all the way down to the floor. Its colour consisted of a mix of black and a dark violet, which went well with her blue hair, which had been curled. She wore a short, dark blue scarf that wrapped around her neck. To finish the look off, her make up was of a similar colour scheme accompanied with slightly red eyes, and no her red eyes were not part of the outfit.

To everyone else, it was apparent that something had gotten in her eyes, but to Brock, he knew perfectly well.

May came out with an equally stunning dress. The dress appeared to be made of satin, and had a distinct colour of red. The satin dress greatly befriended her curves and her ever so present bandana was replaced by a rose, slightly shifted to the side of her hair.

"Aren't you guys a little under dressed?" asked May.

"Aww come on, it's just a restaurant!" replied Ash.

"Yeah May", agreed Max.

"It is a high class restaurant, from what Brock said. So if anyone happens to be embarrassed, it might just be a good chance that it's you guys", May said with some pity.

"Nahh, I never liked dressing up anyways! I think I'll pass on this one"

"Me too", added Max.

To Ash and Max's discontent, May was correct. Just as they walked into the restaurant, they noticed that not a single person was dressed like they just walked in from the street.

"Why did we pick this restaurant again?" Ash said in utter embarrassment as people, who appeared to be quite snobby, looked in their direction.

"I do recall, you agreeing to this selection" answered Brock, which Brock and May chuckled at.

"A table for five please", May said to the concierge.

"Right this way", replied the concierge, who looked back and forth from Ash to Max.

The concierge moved through the restaurant with everyone following. The group was seated at a table next to a window and after a while their orders were taken. Everyone ordered a hefty helping of food except for Dawn, who motioned for a salad.

Ash, May, Max and Brock conversed about a few possible plans of attacking the following day. Pikachu was content with a small helping of ketchup and Dawn seemed to be staring out of the window at nothing in particular.

Their meals arrived and all of them, besides Dawn, began to consume their seemingly endless platters.

"May I be excused?" Dawn asked, as she got up and walked outside, her voice a bit shaky.

Everyone looked at each other in confusion at Dawn's unexpected pardon.

"I'll see what's up", said Ash in a worried tone, after receiving a quick glance from Brock.

Ash stepped out into the street. The night was certainly cooler than the day and a slight wind had picked up. The dark sky could be seen like a portrait above the city, each luminating street light like a splash of paint across a desolately, dark background. The buildings gave off light and the activities in each of them could be clearly seen due to the contrast between light and subtle darkness. The street was lined with benches. The street appeared to be paved with cobblestone adding to the touch.

Ash could make out Dawn sitting on a bench below a glowing street light.

"Dawn, if it's alright with you, want to talk about something?" Ash said, gently.

"No, just needed some fresh air", Dawn replied between sniffs. She appeared to be looking in the opposite direction as she spoke.

"Come on, I know when a friend is sad. We can talk about it"

"I really appreciate it Ash, but I think I need some time alone"

"But...."

"I know you only mean to help but I.... I can't bear it. Just go back in and have fun. I'll...... take care of myself", said Dawn as she got up and ran in the direction of the hotel.

"Dawn!!!", Ash called, in hope of a response, but she didn't stop.

"So who do you think will win.....", Max said but trailed off as a broken down looking Ash came in and sat down at the table.

"So what happ....", May begun but was cut short by Brock who motioned for silence.

The rest of the dinner continued on in a solemn silence. No one dared to talk. Ash appeared to have lost his appetite and the group had lost its overall cheeriness.

They payed the bill and walked back to the hotel. Dawn was found, lying on a bed in one of the rooms, fast asleep. Her eyeliner appeared to be smudged by what looked like tears marks. Ash quietly walked over and pulled the sheets over her as he then walked back and into his room.

Everyone got ready for bed and quietly headed off into their respective rooms. Ash and Brock in one, May and Max in another, and Dawn in the third.

They fell asleep quickly, except for Ash who took quite a while to fall into a slumber. One filled with dread and depression...

A/N: Review please!! It's greatly appreciated!!