Prologue…
The phone call came that night.
Ash Ketchum, tired from his travels, dragged himself to the main floor of the Pokémon Center to answer it. Nurse Joy had just awakened him from a few short hours of sleep with the news that a friend of his was on the line from Hoenn.
He grumbled and yawned as he pressed the answer button on the video phone.
The young trainer's thoughts turned from sleep to excitement as the beautiful face of a dark blue-haired girl appeared on the screen. It was a face he hadn't at all forgotten since they parted nearly a year before.
"Hi Ash," she said. "How are you doing?"
"Dawn…" He gazed into her pretty blue eyes and noticed that she'd been crying. "I'm fine. Is everything alright?"
She smiled sadly.
"I've... been lonely… My Pokémon are great friends… but it's not the same as traveling with you and Brock." Her eyes shone with repressed tears.
"I miss those days too."
They stared into each other's eyes for what felt like weeks. Finally, Dawn spoke.
"Ash… I received," she paused, "an offer."
The trainer inquired further.
"I met a woman. She says-" Dawn blushed, "that I could be a model."
Ash was perplexed. Ever since he had known Dawn, she had always loved to wear dresses and try out different clothing. But she had also loved Pokémon.
"What do you think?" She looked at him with her large eyes.
Her eyes. Beautiful eyes. Beautiful body. Beautiful girl. But, of course, they were friends. Destined to be nothing more and nothing less.
"Dawn… you could do anything," he whispered, "but what about Piplup, Buneary, Pachirisu, and the rest of your Pokémon?"
The coordinator looked away. "I… I can't take them with me. They'd have to stay with Professor Rowan."
"Dawn… do whatever makes you happy. But remember always that Brock, your Pokémon, and I are always supportive of you. No matter what."
They smiled at each other.
"Now tell me everything" said Dawn eagerly. "How are Cilan and Iris?"
"They're great," he grinned, thinking of the determined young dragon trainer and the master connoisseur. "But... they're not you and Brock." His newest companions truly were great friends, and he really did enjoy having them on his journey. It was just different now to be without Dawn and Brock.
They spoke throughout the night of their respective journeys since they parted ways. When they finally said goodbye, tears in each person's eyes, the sun was just coming up.
It was dawn.
Author's Note: Sounds like a story you've heard before, eh? Nah, cliches nauseate me, unless its for the sake of humor. This is just an introduction to set the ground for rest of the story, which takes place years later. Depending on the mood I'm in, it may get somewhat dark. It is NOT intended to be Pearlshipping; this will focus solely on the power of their friendship. That may change depending on how I develop the characters. But not for now. The next chapters will not be as short as this one.
I have no intention of writing stories that have already been done. This will not simply be "Guy finds girl, saves her from herself and bad situation, they fall in love, happily ever after."
Make sure you check out my other on-going story starring mature Ash, "The Journey Never Ends." I think that one will get new chapter priority over this one, but it depends on reception. Reviews are greatly appreciated! -Waras