I'm back! (Hahaha, seems like a tv show! )

How do you like my back to back updates?! Ain't I surprising ya all?

Oh, a notice! This chapter is going to be in Ash's point of view! (Y'know, it was kinda tough for me to put his thoughts into words... I mean, I had no freaking idea on how he'd think since he always seemed like cold-hearted jerk! So, it was kinda difficult so, please let me know how you think about this chapter!)

Oh, a shoutout to 'SomethingYouMakeBloom' for shaping up this chapter and making it better for you all to read!

Anyway, go ahead, read quick and type your reviews! I want each and everyone of yours opinion on how I did this chapter! (Oh, again a lame title name! Please, bear with it!)

Chapter - 25

Missed you

I woke up in the morning by the sound of the alarm ringing on my mobile. I lifted up the blankets, standing up. I stretched my body, yawning and walked to the bathroom, to brush my teeth and take a quick shower.

After being done, I came out with a towel tied around my waist and another one around my neck. I saw Pikachu sitting on the bed, which I had slept on, previously. Gary and Drew were awake, still drowsy from their sleep, though.

"The bathroom's free, who wants to go next?" I asked as I went to the dressing table and taking my clothes out of my bag.

Gary yawned, "Drew, you go, first." He plopped back on the bed, again while closing his eyes and pulling the blanket over himself.

I saw Drew yank Gary's blanket and throw it on the floor, while walking to the bathroom. "That's a what happens when you play a game all night." He slowly, walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind himself.

I turned around and saw that Gary was still sleeping, without a care in the world. I rolled my eyes. How typical of him.

I took out the clothes, which I had worn during the Twinleaf festival. The clothes which Dawn had complimented on. Unconsciously, a smile tugged my lips.

Ha, she is really a weird piece on universe... I laughed, softly, remembering her antics. I still don't get why she was so angry at me, yesterday morning? I didn't do anything to make her mad... as far as I remember? I scoffed. After getting to know her, she has got a lot of anger issues.

Just then, the memory of me kissing her flashed in my mind. I felt really embarrassed. I could feel the red color appearing on my face. I'm an idiot! I should've just straight out refused to do that dare! Maybe, it was because of that, she was mad at me? But, what's the big deal anyway? Be it a first or the last kiss? I don't really get it. I even told her that if she hated it, she could forget about it.

I looked in the mirror to see my tanned cheeks were colored unusually. I sighed, drying my damp raven hair which fell over my face. ...And it looks like she didn't like it so she decided to ignore it.

Ah, well.

I guess, it's fine as long as we both were on good terms. She-

"Hey, wake up! Stop dreaming about Dawn!" I heard Gary's voice, snapping me out of my thoughts. Then, I felt the pillow hit the back of my head.

I rubbed my head and turned around, to watch him smirking at me. I hissed, "What the hell, Gary? I was not thinking about Dawn."

He propped himself on his elbow, while grinning. "Oh, yeah? Then, why were you giving that dreamy smile? From my experience in dating, that smile is one which you show when you are thinking about your crush! Mm?" He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed as he dodged a pillow thrown by me.

"Pika!" Pikachu tried to keep us quiet, but to no avail.

"And how did you know?" I scoffed.

He wrapped his arms behind his head, "I saw it in the mirror. You were smiling like an idiot and frowning in the middle, too."

I felt embarrassed. "Shut up!" So, he was awake, afterall.

"I understand you, bro. I was in the same miserable state as you, before I started dating Leaf. So, I'll let you go for now," he said, winking at me with an incredibly irritating smile.

I shook my head and muttered, entering into a small partition made by the some planks of wood. "Think whatever you want." I pulled my pants first, then the black t-shirt, blue jacket and removed the towels, keeping them out to dry. When I was done with the dressing, I pulled the cap over my head.

Drew came out in the same way as I had come out. His body wrapped around by towels. He motioned Gary to go, who stood up and stretched himself while making his way into the bathroom.

"Dawn~!" He whistled.

I grabbed my slippers and shot in his direction. He narrowly escaped and dashed into the bathroom, laughing. "Bastard," I muttered under my breath.

Drew looked at me, confused and I waved it off. Why the heck would I explain things which aren't true?

When we were all ready to meet the girls, we exited the room and made our way downstairs. We saw the girls were seated on one of the tables as the waved. My eyes flickered at Dawn for a bit, incredulously. Ha, could she ever wake up on time? We went and sat down, as Gary greeted, "Sup, girls!"

I saw Dawn's eyes widened with awe which caused me to look at her in confusion. She looked really stupid with that expression. I commented, "What? Did you see Wallace or what?" She shook her head and I continued, "By the way, how come you're up early?" Oh, I noticed she only woke up early when there was some special occasion or anything but as far as I remember, it wasn't nothing special, today.

Usually, she comes downstairs when we are halfway done with our breakfast with an amazingly stupid look on her face. I couldn't help but chuckle at her expression, which just flashed before my eyes.

May nodded, "Even we were shocked!" Drew went and sat down next to May, while Gary at next to Leaf, kissing her on her cheek in the process. I saw her blush, lightly. Pikachu had gone and sat next to Piplup.

"I can't believe! I am meeting three hotties of the police squad!" I heard Dawn squeal. She was sitting right next to me and shouting like that. God, my ears.

Huh?

Her statement caused all of us to stare at her, weirdly. I frowned my eyebrows, perplexed. What was that?

"Dawn, you alright ?" Leaf asked, with concern.

She nervously laughed, "Uh... oh, yeah. Um.. yep! I'm fine! Don't worry!" Why was she nervous? It's not like she saw us for the first time. I glanced at her and saw her muttering something under her breath. She's acting.. weird.

I sighed.

Ah, then again, when was the day when she wasn't being a weirdo? She's got a knack of it.

Drew asked, "What did you order?"

Leaf replied, "Chicken cheesy burgers and some crispy onion chips."

After eating breakfast, we decided to go out in the city. We were going to leave to the next city in the morning, tomorrow. While we were taking a stroll, I noticed that Dawn wasn't eating a chocolate like she always does and she wasn't carrying Piplup as she usually did.

I raised an eyebrow. What was wrong with her, today?

Pikachu was perched on my shoulder, as I muttered to him, "Hey, Pikachu, don't you think Dawn is acting a bit weird?" A different kind of weird than usual.

He nodded as he eyes the blunette, "Pika-pi..."

Just then, she came and stood next to me. The other four were walking ahead of us and we were at the rear. I stared down at her as she smiled, shyly while taking stolen - which really weren't since I was looking at her - glances.

...Wait, she was creeping me out. I stepped a little away from her, feeling slightly uncomfortable at her creepy smile directed towards me. "Um...Ash, what is your favourite sweet?"

I told her before, didn't I? That I didn't like any sweet? I replied, looking straight, "I told you the answer, before. Then, why are you asking me, again? Are trying to kid me or something?"

"Pika?" He cocked his head to the side, in confusion.

She said, in a small whisper, "Sorry." She played with the hem of her shirt as she smiled, again. "Okay, then, do you have a girlfriend?"

Since when did she become so girly? I felt very, I mean, very cringy right now. Being girly really does not suit her usual personality. Was she trying out something new, today?

I replied, irritated, "Haven't we been traveling for almost one and a half month? And don't you know the answer?"

Why was she asking me the questions which she already knew the answers to? I don't know why but I am getting the feeling that this one isn't the same Dawn as yesterday. Ah, did someone drug her or something? Or is she trying to mimic someone? Or did she someone ask her to do it? Man-

"I am sorry," she muttered, looking down but I could see her eyes welling up. My eyebrows scrunched into a frown and my mouth opened agape as I jumped back, startled.

Since, when did she start tearing up at my talks? This was how I usually talk to her, anyway! Whoa, whoa!

I couldn't help but panic, seeing her tears threatening to fall from her eyes. Everyone were staring at me, most probably thinking, 'what a guy to make a girl cry!'

Fuck, never have I ever been this embarrassed in my life! And why in the freakin' world was she weeping?!

"Pip!" He glared at me, clearly being protective of his master.

"O-okay! Okay! Uh.. I'm sorry?" I waved my hands as I scratched the back of my head. Wait, I never saw Dawn cry... and she is going to cry for such a small reason, now? I never expected to see her cry, not this early! I mean, I talk in this way almost every day, never has she cried and now, when we are in public, she wants to cry? Was she pulling a prank on me?

Pikachu tried to assure her, "Pika-pi! Pika!"

She nodded as her eyes were now a bit red and smiled, "It's okay. Ash, please, don't be so rude, it hurts."

Okay...

...There's seriously, something wrong with her. I don't think she was the type to show her weak side to anyone! And that too, me? Whom she trusts the least? Unbelievable.

I didn't reply to her as I jabbed my hands in my pocket. Just then, a small Rattata passed by next to our feet, I moved aside to give it a way. Just then, I heard Dawn scream and instinctively, I slapped my hands to cover my ears. She moved to my side and held me by my arm, gripping it, tightly.

"Pip-lup?" He asked as he jumped on the floor.

As soon as she shouted, all the passerbys' eyes were turned to us. The other four hurried to us and Gary asked, worried, "What happened, Dawn?"

May asked as she kept her hand on the blunette's shoulder, "Are you okay?"

She yelped as she gripped my arm, even tighter. "A-a Ra-rattata!"

I sighed, frustrated. Since when was she scared of Pokémon? She is doing all the things which are very unusual for her. Leaf raised an eyebrow, "Uh...Dawn? You got scared of just a tiny Rattata?"

She nodded, still whimpering, "Y-yeah." For some reason, I felt that this was not the real Dawn... there was no warmth in her hands, which I usually felt when she touched me. I jerked my arm, making her let go as she blushed at the contact. "Sorry."

I clicked my tongue. Tsk! Why do I feel so annoyed?

Drew crossed his arms as he asked, incredulously, "You screamed just over that? Seriously, Dawn? Do you know how much attention that attracted?"

"I... I... sorry!" She started tearing up, again as she held her face in her palms and sobbed. It caused all the others to stare at her with shock. They turned to me and I shrugged, how am I supposed to know why she is acting that way. I'm confused, myself.

Leaf patted her back, "It's alright, Dawn."

"But, you weren't scared of any Pokémon, before!" Gary exclaimed. "Also, I never saw you cry over these small matters!"

Now, the answer. I am looking forward to what she'll reply. I turned to her and saw that she had her eyes puffy and cheeks damped. She sobbed, "I..I am a girl, Gary! We all have sensitive heart!"

What.

Haha. Mentally, I mocked a laugh.

Dawn and a girl and a sensitive heart? To hell with that. Really.

Now, that cleared my doubt. That girl definitely was not Dawn Berlitz.

Nuh-huh!

No way.

I went and stood next to Gary and May as I retorted, "As far as I know, Dawn does not have a sensitive heart." They both laughed as they bit their cheek.

"Pika," he narrowed his eyes at me, as if warning me not to say anything and about Dawn. Oh, yeah. He still doesn't get it that it wasn't his favourite Dawn.

Leaf nodded and lied, "Yeah, Gary. I agree with Dawn, we have very sensitive hearts." She elbowed him in the stomach as she glared at him, proving her actions.

May thought of something and offered, "Wanna have some chocolate? It'll lighten up your mood."

Mmm. Let's see what she says to this one.

She shook her head, "Nah, I don't eat many chocolates, do I?" Now, this was more of a question to herself than to us. From where did they hire such a bad actor without any info on the scene?

I smirked. Now, I knew what I had to do. I replied, "Yeah, you don't eat much."

I saw her breath a sigh of relief as she turned to us and smiled, "See. I knew it!"

I saw the others have their eyes widened, mouth and a look of 'huh? What the fuck?!' on their faces.

The blue penguin stared at her and shouted, "Piplup! Pip! Pip!" I held him and motioned him to keep quiet, still squirming in my arms. Ah, really? They both are just so much alike! Then, I motioned my Pikachu to explain him. Surprisingly, he stopped his struggle and jumped out of my hold.

Tch, he's really like that angry bird.

Then, I focused on the matters at hand and the smirk reappeared on my face. I knew that this is not the Dawn we all know. She was definitely someone else!

I stared at a distance, thoughtfully. Hm...if this girl isn't that stupid chocolate lover, then where is she?

We gotta discuss about it but... how? We have to distract this fake Dawn, first. I turned my head and saw a shop. I said to that blunette, "Hey, do you think you can buy a bar of chocolate for me from there?"

She nodded as she dreamily gazed, "Of course. I can do anything for you, Ash." I cringed, turning my head. That felt so damn disgusting. I saw her run away into that shop without her Piplup, since he was in Leaf's arms.

Gary yelled, astonished, "What the fuck was that?!"

"I think I might've a clue," I replied. "Didn't you all find that she was acting a little too wierd than normally?"

"Yes. I did, because in the morning when she dressed up in those clothes... she had fastened all her buttons, wrongly! Now, tell me, how can she do that mistake when she has been wearing shirts for eternity!" Leaf pointed out.

Hmm, point to be noted.

I turned to others, asking for any other weird behaviour. May nodded as she thoughtfully, said, "I remember that she wasn't able to open her mobile password in the morning! And when I asked her what happened, she replied that she forgot her password. But then, how can she forget that? She uses it almost every day and she once said that she wouldn't change it until and unless someone finds out her present pincode."

I nodded as I said, "I noted that she said 'don't worry' instead of 'no need to worry', which is her usual catchphrase. Also, she kept asking me the questions which I already answered her, when we started our journey."

Drew said, "Hm, also, she refused to eat a chocolate! Can you believe it?! Dawn and say no to chocolate? No way in hell she would ever do that!"

"Did you see how she was crying over such a tiny matter? As far as I know her, she never cried upon those silly things! Also, she is not scared of any Pokémon!" Gary crossed his arms as he said, giving an unbelievable look.

"Piplup?" He cocked his head to the side, completely confused on what was implied.

"Pika?"

"Yeah. One thing is clear, that this is a fake Dawn, trying to take that stupid's place," I noted.

Drew wondered, "Then, if she is the fake one, then where is the real one? I mean, she must've done something to her, to keep her from reaching out to us."

Leaf smirked, "Why don't we ask her? Mm?"

When the fake Dawn returned, she handed me the chocolate and I kept it in my pocket. Leaf turned to her and asked, "Dawn, are you and Ash dating?"

Urgh, seriously? That's the question she came up with?

She stared at me for an answer and I knew, what exactly I had to do. I nodded my head and she nodded, back. "Yes, we are dating. I'm sorry that we had to hide it from you," she sighed as she looked down.

What 'I'm sorry to hide it from you'?! And look at the way she is hanging her head and sighing. The fuck?!

I felt really annoyed at her actions. Making those kind of stupid expressions, while having Dawn's face was making me go nuts.

The others smirked, since the truth was out with an evidence. Slowly, May went behind her and held her arms as she questioned, "Who are you?"

I saw her eyes widen and stare at us, nervously as she replied, "I...I.. I am Dawn! You all don't recognize me? Your teammate?"

Gary sighed as he breathed, irritated, "Stop. Please! Stop continuing with the act, now. We already know that you're not Dawn, but someone else."

She stared at us with shock, "But... but how?"

May answered, laughing, "You see, Dawn and Ash are not dating. If you were the real one, you would've denied, almost instantly but... no, you didn't. It's clear that you aren't Dawn."

Drew raised an eyebrow, "Tell us, immediately. Where is Dawn?"

Suddenly, we heard a female voice, "Reporting, sir!" We all turned around our heads to see that Dawn was standing a few kilometres away form us. We turned our heads to see both of them, they were almost same!

"Piplup!" He was ready to run to her side but stopped himself.

She was grinning like an idiot. Oh, that's her idiotic normal. I couldn't help the smile on my face.

She explained, "Guys, yesterday night I received a call from her saying, that she needed my help because some men were following her and when I went there, she wrapped a cloth of chloroform on my mouth. While I was unconscious, she dragged me into a dark, cold place and tied me up with metallic wires."

"Basically, you were kidnapped?" Drew asked.

She nodded, "Exactly! When I woke up, I was in a dungeon. It was a good thing that I wore my uniform with the gadgets on, though I wasn't originally going to wear it but I had a good luck that it had crossed my mind. Aren't I-"

I cut in, "Next?" Aha, she's definitely the orginal Dawn, whose mouth just keeps running. And look at her talking all unimportant things.

"Oh, yeah! Then, I cut those wires with our discs and got rid of it. But, when I tried to open the door, it was very hard and locked from outside. I used these boots to break it, by releasing some pressure and it got opened. Then, using the multifunctional boots' jet reactors and flew here, with super speed," she explained, quite proud of herself.

Leaf asked in disbelief, "You used that?!"

She grinned, "They are give to us for that purpose, then how can we not use them? Though I think I have to charge those, though. Hehe."

I breathed a content sigh. Now, that seemed more like the chatterbox, we all knew.

Just then, the doppleganger released herself from May's hold and rushed to that blunette's side, ready to punch her. But, the real one dodged and decked her, causing her to fall down but pulled the other one's leg. She fell down but stood up, quickly and dodged all the attacks, the other one there at her.

It looked a mirror copy fighting each other or like a typical movie scene. I heard May ask, "How will we identify the real Dawn, now?"

"Pip!"

Point. They were both dressed in the same outfits and even their hairstyles were same. How could anyone be so similar? God, it's getting annoying. Atleast, Dawn, I mean, the real one, should've had dirt on her hair or somewhere! But, she got none. How did she do that?

Just then, one of the two said, "Hey, I am the real Dawn!"

"No, I am the real one!" The other copy shouted.

Gary ran a hand through his hair, "O-okay. So...what do we do, now?"

"We'll do the same as the movies! Ask questions!" Leaf replied as she winked. "When is your birthday?"

I intervened, before either of those two could answer, "Leaf, don't ask such questions. It's very easy to answer, because those details can be easily known by stealing datas. Ask something which only that idiot will know."

"Hey, you! Who are you calling an idiot?!" I heard one of those two stomp her feet on the ground while flailing her arms in the air. I guess, she might be the real one?

But, let's see. Haha, I'm quite curious how she may act.

Leaf nodded, "Alright. Let's see." She tapped her finger under her chin. "Yeah. Dawn, tell us where were we yesterday? In which city?"

"Twinleaf town!" Both of them replied in unison. Well, that was an easy question.

May jumped in, "I'll ask the next one! When did Gary and Leaf get together?" I saw those two blush, lightly.

"On the night of Twinleaf Festival!" They replied, simultaneously. I wonder how the fake one knows about that? Ah, stalkerish-much, huh?

"Pip-lup! Pip! Pip! Pip! Lup! Piplup!" We looked down to see the little penguin standing, with his chest puffed out and patting it with his flipper.

Leaf asked, "You can confirm who is the real Dawn?" He nodded. "Alright. You can give it a try."

He walked over to them with pride shining within him. I couldn't help but see him as a mini version of Dawn. Haha, thinking about it made me laugh. I saw him staring those two with eyes squinted.

One of her said, "Piplup, c'mon, hurry up and recognise me as the real one!"

The other one frowned, "Hey, my Piplup! You should choose me! I didn't give you poffins just to ignore your mighty master!"

He carefully observed them and tried to to figure out, who the real one was. He went to each of them and stared. "Oh, c'mon! What's taking you so long? How can you not remember me?" The first blunette scolded.

I saw the penguin's nerve tick off as he started yelling at her, "Pip! Pip-lup! Lup! Pip!"

"My sweet Piplup! I am your trainer! I'll give you lots of poffin, later!" The second one gave him a wink. Piplup stuck out his tongue at the first one and jumped into the arms of the second.

"Piplup!" He purred in her arms and the blunette rubbed his head against hers.

I saw the first one's eyes widen and jaw drop. She yelled, "You, idiot fellow! You went to her just because she sweet talked with you! You traitor! Fatso! Glutton!"

"Pip! Lup! Piplup!" He argued.

The first one turned around, as she crossed he arms. "Humph. You betrayed me but I'm sure that my friends will recognize me. Won't you, guys?" She turned to us and showed her imaginary tears.

Gary commented, "By her acts, she looks like the real one!"

"I knew it! I knew Gary would recognize me!" She was about to run to us but she fell in the middle. "Ouch!" She rubbed her clothes and stood up. "Darn, I'll have to send these clothes to the laundry!"

"How about you take Piplup in your Pokéball and show us that he belongs to the real one!" Drew suggested.

Leaf nodded, "Good idea!"

The first one frowned as she crossed her arms, "Hey! It's no fair! You can't do that! I had my forgotten Piplup's Pokéball in the room! How will I have it?"

The second one showed us the Pokéball and said, "See? I am the real one! She is just giving excuses to save herself!"

"Ho! You..." The first blunette's jaw dropped as she shook her head and turned away. "I don't understand why you are trying so hard to be me!"

Oh, man.

It was so obvious who the real one was. It's definitely the klutz, who just fell flat on her face.

I think we all knew since Dawn said she was kidnapped, obviously she wouldn't have the pokeball with her since she had left in a hurry.

Damn but I want to enjoy this doppelganger show for a bit longer.

Just then, Leaf smirked, wiggling her eyebrows, "Okay, is Dawn Berlitz a virgin?"

That question would have made me interested if I didn't know the fact that Dawn Berlitz was a forever-single. Also, she wouldn't have reacted so violently, yesterday over the kiss if she already had sex.

That question made one, with the dirt, to blush profusely as she yelled, "Leaf! You know the answer!"

The second one also had a blush on her face as she replied, "Yes! Yes!"

"Jeez, will you stop publicizing that I'm a..." she spat, annoyed and continued in a whisper, "virgin."

I couldn't help but chuckle. She was far too amusing. No one can ever compete her to it.

"Silence. The next question is going to be the final test. Whoever, fails will be proved as the fake one," I suggested and they both nodded in response. I took out the chocolate from my pocket and said, "The real one who loves this thing will not come forward."

"What? What kind of a stupid test is this one?" The first one frowned as she yelled.

The second one nodded, "It's easy."

"If you're afraid or you don't like it, then you're most welcome to admit defeat and give up," I stated. She glared at me and then, puffed her cheek.

I held the chocolate out to them, and the second one looked like it was a piece of cake for her but... the first one seemed like she was having a hard time, controlling herself. Maybe, the fake one understood that the real one loved chocolates?

The second one was just staring at her nails while the other one was sweating and looked like she was losing her patience.

The next thing, we knew, the real Dawn was rushing to my side. She quickly, came and took away the sweet stuff from my hand and took a bite. "Sorry, but I couldn't control! It's one of the finest quality of chocolate! Hershey's! Cookie and cream flavoured! Aaah!" She closed her eyes, savoring the taste.

"Oh, looks like you're the fake one," I commented.

She replied, dazed, "I don't care who's the fake one or the real one as long I can eat this piece of heaven! I'll take care of that matter, later."

How could she be so addicted to that? I don't get it.

Leaf continued, "That means you're the fake and we'll leave you, here, y'know that?" She held that playful smile on her face, looks like she's going along with my joke.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see the fake one smiling to herself and pumping her fist.

"Your loss, sista," she grinned.

We all immediately knew, who the real one was. The second girl was smirking, thinking that she had won. Piplup jumped down from her arms and rushed to us.

"We know which one is the real Dawn!" Drew announced.

Gary nodded, "Yeah."

The second girl smirked, "See? That one is the fake one! Capture her and hand her over to the police!"

Leaf slowly, walking to her, "Really? Are you sure that we should hand her over to the police?"

She looked at Leaf, confused. "Y-yeah."

The brunette smiled as she held her arms and said, "Sorry to burst your bubble, but... you're digging your own grave, Miss doppelganger."

"But, isn't she the fake one?"

May shook her head, "Nope."

"How?!"

Gary replied, "You see, we knew that Dawn wouldn't be able to resist the presence of chocolate. We just wanted to see, what you would do."

The real Dawn teared up, shedding those fat fake tears. "I knew, you all would recognize me!" Piplup was about to jump into her arms and hug her, but she jumped onto Gary, hugging him, instead. "Gary! I love you!" And turned to her penguin. "Humph, traitor!"

I don't know what I felt but those words seemed a bit weird to me. Also, why was she saying it to Gary?! I know that they are best friends but still... how could she openly say those valuable words? I love you? I feel quite embarrassed even when I say it in my mind.

And... seeing her hug him like that, I felt slightly uneasy? Furious? Not at Gary but at her. Even, I helped her proved herself, then why wasn't she hugging me? I was the one who figured out that wasn't the real her then- I blushed and mentally, slapped myself. Fuck, I am acting like a jealous lovesick fool! Seriously! I am going insane because of that stupid girl! I frowned my eyebrows, irritated.

I shook my head and turned to them, clearing my throat. "I knew that you were the real one from the start."

She turned to me and crossed her arms, "Oh yeah? Liar."

I stared at her, blankly. "I knew it because first, you have that kind of temper. Second, the way you argue with Piplup and said him those words seemed really like the way you usually did. Third, you had your pony a bit messed up, which implied that you hadn't set your hair for hours since you were tied up, it was obvious that your hair would be like that. And fourth, you had you hair tied with the scrunchie I gave you."

Her jaw dropped as she yelled, "Then, why didn't you tell it earlier? I wouldn't have to go through all those things! You're the biggest jerk of the world! No, entire universe!"

I replied, "We didn't need to find you but, to make the fake one admit the truth and prove her wrong."

She stared at me, annoyed but shrugged it, anyway. Just then, Piplup jumped into her arms and started rubbing his cheek against hers. She raised an eyebrow as she slightly pushed him away, "What kind of a Pokémon are you? You couldn't make out your own trainer? Humph, traitor."

"Piplup! Pip-lup!" He pointed at us and said something.

"Oh, yeah? It was your plan to lure the false me out?" She mocked him.

He nodded, "Piplup!"

Sh waved her hand and shrugged, "Although, I know that you are lying, I'll still forgive you but.. remember, you ain't getting poffins this month."

"Pip..." He turned into stone and looked ready to break. She just laughed in response as she hugged him.

Then, we turned to that girl. Drew asked, sternly, "Why did you kidnap Dawn and take her place in our group? Were you send by the enemies to spy on our actions? Or were you trying to steal something from us?"

She shook her head and denied, "No, no! None of those were my intentions for taking Dawn's place..."

"Who are you? And where are you from? Tell us everything, at once," Gary threatened.

She scratched her cheek as she sighed, in defeat. "Alright. I am Tessa, from Jubilife City. I didn't have anything to do with you all but only Dawn!" She gritted her teeth as she spoke, "She was always ahead of me! In everything! How much ever I tried to be better than her, she would always beat me! I hated her to the pulp! She even got to travel with Ash! I despise her for that, even though she is an idiot, she succeeds in everything!"

Wait... why was there an 'Ash' in her sentence?

We turned to Dawn to see her reaction, her jaw has dropped and yelled, incredulously, "Heck, I don't even know you!"

Okay... that was unexpected.

Tessa removed her hair wig, revealing her blonder hair. She crossed her arms, "What? I was in the same training centre as you!"

Her eyes widened. "Oh!" She rubbed the back of her head and gave an idiotic grin, "I still don't remember?"

The blonde cursed, "Urgh, fuck you, bitch!"

Dawn went forward and warmed, "Listen, though I don't remember you but I know that you might have some talent which I lack in. You didn't had to do this sort of crime to just be better than me! Also-"

"Shut up! I don't want to hear anything from you!" She yelled, fuming with anger.

I couldn't help but say, "Why the heck were you even competing with this stupid? She might be good at everything but I know that she lacks in common sense and maturity level. Didn't you notice that?"

I saw her glare at me, but I ignored her. I heard May say, "Try to be yourself, not some other person."

"Right," Tessa sighed, looking down at her feet, most probably ashamed of her actions. "Thanks, Ash and all of you for helping me out. I'll try to be more like myself rather than being like her."

Dawn wondered, "But... how did you get my mobile number? I never told you, right?"

The blonde replied while biting her lip, "Actually, I got it from the records."

Dawn blinked. "Hey, respect people's privacy, damnit!"

Leaf nodded, "Alright. So, we're leaving you this time but don't try to do these silly things, again."

She swore, "I promise!" Then, she looked at me as I raised an eyebrow. "Actually," she said, shyly. "I'm a huge fan of you...so could you please give me an...autograph?"

Dawn stared at me, searching for a reaction. I sighed as I asked her, "Where?"

Her eyes widened. "The great egoistic, Ash Ketchum is willing to sign an autograph! Pfft!" She giggled.

I glared at her, silencing her. Now, her usual nagging is back.

"On my shirt!" Tessa nodded happily as she pointed at her chest area. I rolled my eyes, feeling embarrassed and everyone's eyes widened at her bold gesture.

"Hey!" Dawn yelled. "You're a girl, so maintain that dignity! Don't go off and seduce boys like that!"

She hissed in her direction, "I never said I needed your advice."

The blunette gritted her teeth in response as she glared at me. "Stop enjoying it and knock some senses into her, you pervert!"

I chuckled softly as I said, "Sorry, but I cannot do that." I spun her around, surprising her and everyone as I signed on her back.

"Thank you!" She squealed, turning around. Just then, she wrapped her arms around my shoulder, catching me off-guard. "How lucky I am!"

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Dawn's jaw dropped on the ground and eyes as wide as plates. "H-hey! You pervert, why aren't you pushing her away!"

I came back to my senses as I released myself from her hold. "Think before you act," I said as she stared at me, still holding an excited look.

"Hey, hey," Dawn said. "Let's leave before she rapes you, Ash." With that, she started to walk ahead of us, along with piplup in her hands.

"Shut up, you bitch!" Tessa shouted.

Just then, Leaf grabbed me by my arm. "Let's not make her more annoyed, shall we?" She laughed as she dragged me away.

"Thank you! I hope we meet again!" That girl yelled, cupping her hands as she waved at me.

When she was out of sight, Leaf let go of my hand. I couldn't help but ponder over today's events.

Man, people these days. They go so far as to kidnapping for letting out their frustration.

Then, Gary said, "C'mon, let's get our journey started." We all nodded as we made our way back to the Pokémon Center to collect our belongings. Gary went and held Leaf's hands, making her blush. "Leaf, we're a couple, now. So, it's normal."

She nodded as she said, "Yeah."

I couldn't help but chuckle at those two. Me and Pikachu was at rear, along with Dawn and Piplup. "Hey, what are you laughing at?" I heard Dawn ask, while she brushed her Pokémon with her hand.

"Piplup?"

I shook my head, "Nothing."

She nodded as she questioned, "So, what did she do to get you all confused about my personality?"

I blurted, "Your image will be humiliated if you know about it."

She excitedly, turned to me, "Really, really? What did she do?"

I looked at her, strangely. "It's very stupid. I don't want to say."

She whined, "Oh, c'mon! Tell me, tell me, tell-"

"Okay, okay!" I interrupted her. "Just because you're shouting in my ear like a hunchcrow, I'll say it to you. She was scared of a Rattata, started crying at every little thing and admitted that she was a girl and had a sensitive heart. Also, she didn't eat chocolate, when we offered it to her."

"Oh, you were right. That kind of personality is really a huge humiliation to my image. I can't believe she destroyed my image like that! It's a good thing that I am travelling with a bunch of intelligent people," she sighed. "Although, that thing about having a sensitive heart is true." She mumbled as she pouted.

I smirked, ignoring her last sentence, "Yeah, right or else, an idiot like you would be completely lost. Oh, y'know? I've always wondered how you're so idiotic? And were they in their right mind when they decided to accept you? The SBI."

Her mouth was agape and eyes narrowed. "You wanna have a fight with me, right? Or do you hold some grudge against me? If you really didn't want me to be with you then, why did you even pay efforts to find me!"

I chuckled, flicking her forehead, "I don't hold any grudge nor do I want to have a fight with you. Also, if I left you, then who would be the entertainer of our gang?"

"Entertainer? So rude!" She stomped her foot and walked away, huffily. Just then, she seemed to be back in her good mood as she yelled, facing towards me, "Hey, did you miss the real me?"

Before I could reply, May beat me to it, "Not really."

"You-" the blunette was interrupted by the sound of grumbling from her stomach. She blushed as she nervously, chuckled, "C'mon! I didn't have my meal since morning! What do you expect, guys?!"

All of us started laughing at her, even our Pokémon. Then, Gary teased, "Who all are regretting that we have this Dawn, back?" He raised his arm, "I definitely regret it."

Pika!" He laughed at the humour.

All of them raised their hands and nodded. I couldn't help but just cross my arms and chuckle. She stood there, with her eyes narrowed and eyebrows wrinkled. "You all are ganging up on me, aren't you?" She pouted, "Atleast, celebrate my return!"

We all just laughed, in response.

I stared at her arguing with Gary and Drew, while hugging Leaf. She had definitely created a lively atmosphere. I couldn't help but smile in admiration.

Dawn, you're very special to all of us, in your own way.

"Hey, Ash! Hurry up! If I die on the way out of hunger, then that's going to be your fault!"

I smiled as I shook my head.

Haha, I really did miss the real you.

...I guess?

That's a wrap! So... what do you all think? Was it upto your expectations? Oh, you all must be slightly upset, maybe because I didn't make it like a second antagonist or something? But, tbh. I just wanted to let you guys have some fun and let you all know Ash's thoughts on Dawn! I really, really hope you guys enjoyed it! *fingers crossed*

I had always wanted to try a doppelganger scene in one of my stories so, I thought why not try in this one?

Oh, what do you guys think about Ash's thoughts on the kiss? I vaguely described his feelings because I wanted to know what you all thought! I'm really excited to know your thoughts on this! XD

And I've seen a lot of you comment on updating quicker and... I really want to, too! But this is my limit! Tbh, I was gonna post this chapter the next I posted the previous one but... (there's always a but!) I got wound up in other stuff and couldn't get the chance to! Hopefully, this does seem like an early update for you guys!

Sayonara, people!

See you soon!