Hey guys! This is my first time writing a fanfiction, let alone a story more than...800 words? I hope you find this interesting and if you do, please review, favourite and/or alert! I hope to see constructive criticism and not like, "it sucks :P". Lol. But like i said, its my first time and I could have taken this time to write a song. o.O Kudos to DragonRose888(Wonnykins) for inspiring me to write this story. I actually kinda used her ideas *I'M SORRY DON'T SUE ME* but I totally changed the plot and other fanciful stuff. Ok! Enough about me. XXX HOPE YOU LIKE IT XXX

~ A thewaterz Production ~

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon but I wished I diddd!

*UPDATED AT 12/6/12 12.31am :D*

Chapter 1- Home

"Why are they taking so long?" Ash grumbled as he placed his hand over his rumbling tummy. Hmmm, might as well get something to eat, he thought. He was just about to walk into a nearby cafe when he heard a familiar voice.

"ASH!" An excited Misty screamed as she ran over to Ash and hugged him tightly. "Oh! I...I mean...we've missed you so much!" Ash heard the stutter and chuckled to himself, returning the hug. "I missed you too! All of you!" He said as they all arrived slowly. As Misty let go, she began to wipe a tear from her eye.

May was the next one to hug him. "Welcome back!" she greeted then whispered softly, "Misty missed you the most." They both giggled and eyed the teary Misty who apparently heard it and just laughed it off, retorting, "At least I don't hug and kiss my pillow thinking of you-know-who!" May blushed shyly and hid behind Misty to hide her embarrassment, giving her a slight slap on her back. They all laughed.

Suddenly jumping into Ash's arms was his favourite, one and only beloved Pikachu. "I missed you the most buddy! How are you?" They hugged like old pals who had never seen each other for decades.

"Pika pikapi! Pikachuuu!"

"I'm sorry, I won't leave you alone again, okay?" Pikachu gave an inquisitive look.

"Promise." It nodded its head and automatically settled itself on Ash's shoulder, happy of its owner's return.

The cheerful Brock gave Ash a warm smile and exchanged handshakes, then patted him on the back. "Can't believe you're finally back!" He shed a crocodile tear and sniffed a little, both of them laughing at his amusing antic. Misty gave him a whack on his head. "DON'T MAKE FUN OF ME!" Again, they all laughed as Brock apologized in defeat.

Wow, so much laughter on our first encounter. Hnnn...I really miss these guys, Ash mused, recalling all the memories. Professor Oak interrupted his thoughts, saying,"You've certainly changed a lot! See how much you've grown!"

"Nah! He still looks the same to me! As short as ever!" Gary snorted. Ash rolled his eyes, grunting. Except him! He flared inside.

"Gary! Don't be so childish! Besides, you're the only one who hasn't even greeted him yet!"

Gary grumbled, then said, "HAHA! I was just kidding, Ashy-boy! Welcome back!" He then flashed the most fake smile ever. Either that, or it was so real it looked fake. He then ruffled through Ash's dark hair and sniggered. He whispered silently, I missed you too. Pulling back, Ash shouted, "What was that for?"

"What? Can't miss you? Really, Ashy-boy?" His eyes glinted and he laughed to himself. Ash still didn't like being called Ashy-boy, no matter how long ago the nickname had started. Still, he admitted, he kinda missed the rivalry with Gary too, the challenges and teasings had made him the guy he was today and without Gary, he wouldn't probably be a successful trainer. He just looked away,blushing.

The awkwardness of the silence hung in the air. May finally asked, "So Ash? *ahem* How was your work in Johto? I heard Professor Elm's a nice guy."

"Oh yeah! He is, actually. Being his assistant was tough, but it was certainly rewarding. He made all my work easier and he was really organised. No wonder Professor Oak looks up to him."

The older Oak chuckled. "Anyway, I'm really tired after all the traveling from New Bark Town to Cherrygrove to Cianwood to Goldenrod to do my research. Especially the long train ride back. Phew! I'm exhausted." As if on cue, his stomach growled loudly. "And hungry!" They all laughed in unison.

As they walked back to the car, Ash asked," By the way, where's Max?" "Oh", May replied, "With..."

"YOU-KNOW-WHO!" Misty interrupted. May's face turned cherry red which matched her lipstick and her bandana.

"SHUDDUP! But yeah. He's helping Brendan...," Misty pretended to cough and May gave her a death stare, continuing, "...in his research as well. They seem to get along pretty well." Misty then wanted to defend herself but May constantly gave her the death stare so she bit her lip and kept quiet. Ash just laughed silently at their game.

Wonder how much i missed them...huh. He recalled everything that happened when he was with them and a bright smile ran across his face while Pikachu climbed on top of his head and slept on it like a nest. "Quit staring into space, Ashy-boy. Or you might bump into a Sudowudoo."

"Harhar, very funny." Still haven't changed a bit, both of them thought at the same time. Indeed, they were matured. But their squabbles were as childish as when they were younger.

Ash stared at Gary's arm. Since when did he work out? Haha, who he's trying to impress. Dawn? Gary noticed it and pretended to flex his muscles, then looked at Ash. "Yes, Ashy-boy? Like my body eh? Didn't know you were gay. Hmph. Fitting though." sniggered Gary.

"WHUT! I'M NOT...Ugh!"

"Relax Ketchum. Don't be so worked up. I was just kidding!"

"Yeah. One more time you kid around I will punch you!" Gary didn't want to start a fight and so just replied calmly, "Relax relax okay? I'm...I'm sorry." He then gave an apologetic look that caused Ash to soften up a little. But he became slightly suspicious.

"Half forgiven." They both smiled a little.

Ash placed his luggage in the trunk, then making his way to the side of the mini-van. They contemplated on how to fit in the car. One by one, they squeezed into the car, ending up like a can of tuna while Brock easily made his way, calling 'shotgun' as he was the biggest amongst them. Prof Oak mentioned, "Sorry bout the squeeze back there. But its gonna be a long while..." His voice faltered when a bolt from the blue, literally, struck and thunder boomed, proving his words true. It was going to be a long while.