I thought it would be nice to start a new story. However, this one will be in a totally different style than what I usually write. In this story there will be alternating POV's between Ash and Dawn and it's written in letter format. And don't worry, I'm still working on COT: Rising. I just came across a sort of block. No inspiration as of yet, but it's likely going to come. I'm not abandoning any of my stories, that much I can guarantee.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. All rights go to their respective owners

I also think it would be kind of neat. I haven't come across a story with this format, but I'm sure there is at least one out there.

Please tell me what you think.

Dear Ash, Dear Dawn

Dear Ash,

It's been a while, hasn't it? It seems like the last time we were side by side was only yesterday, and we were staring each other down as we waited—sorry, you waited—for the ferry to take you to Kanto. Those few moments we stood in silence waiting were the most heart-wrenching minutes of my life. I . . . uh mean it's because it's my first journey and you're the first friend I've made. Well, there's Kenny . . . but that isn't exactly reassuring, isn't it? Funny how I miss you more than Kenny. I've known Kenny pretty much my entire life, and I've known you for about two years. I'm guessing the reason why is—

I don't know why I hesitated. This is a letter for crying out loud. It's not like I'm talking to you face-to-face. But it would be great if we could. I'm starting to miss those brown, hazel eyes and that smile . . . That smile that melted my fears and anxieties. The kind of smile that said, "Keep moving forward! You can do it!"

I'm sorry I couldn't come with you to Kanto. The scenery as well as the contests would have been amazing—I just know it. I kind of hate that offer at the end of our journey—you know, with Buneary. Okay, that came out a little too harsh. What I meant was that if there was no offer, I'd be on that boat with you, smelling that salt water air, feeling those winds blowing in several directions that you can only get at sea. But it was a great opportunity for Buneary. It was Buneary's choice, and she chose to do it. And, as her trainer, I felt compelled to support her. And it wasn't like I didn't have fun as well. Becoming a Poke stylist would definitely be a second if I chose not to do coordinating.

But I have a dream, and I'm sticking to it. My mom was a coordinator, and it was because of her that I wanted to do the same. And that's what compelled you to go back to Kanto. You have your own dream to accomplish. And I wouldn't be a very good friend if I were the one who stopped you in your path to becoming the world's greatest Pokemon master. No matter how much it pains my heart, I must—no will—support you. And even if you can't see me, just know I'll be cheering you on.

I've had a blast on my first adventure, but it sure wouldn't have been half as fun if you weren't there with me—uh, and Brock too. If I just went by myself, the only thing I'd do is contests. I wouldn't have encountered the incredible Pokemon as well as the legendary ones: Arceus, Darkrai—all of them. And I wouldn't have met all of those incredible people along the way—Zoey, Nando, May, Brandon. Even Team Rocket. Yes, even Team Rocket. It wouldn't have been half as amusing if they weren't there, their plans always blowing up in their faces. How are they, anyway? Knowing them, they probably followed you because of your Pikachu.

And I hate to admit it, but if it wasn't for Team Rocket, I probably wouldn't have met you, Ash. I could never imagine an adventure through Sinnoh without you . . . and Brock, now that I have thought about it. All I could manage was that we'd be walking different paths, and those paths wouldn't have crossed. And I'm actually glad that Team Rocket was after your Pikachu—uh not that it was a good thing to begin with! It's just that if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have taken care of Pikachu, and we wouldn't have met. And I wouldn't have fallen—uh, never mind. Just disregard that last statement. I'm guessing, when—or in a worst case scenario, if—you read this, you'd just be confused. That's so like you, Ash. And that's what I lo—like about you.

And I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all those silly fights at the start of our journey. That's all they were—silly. Our fights weren't that big of a deal, but I still feel like I have to apologize. I know you were just trying to help me. And I probably would've laughed when I hit you in the head with a Poke Ball trying to catch Buneary if you weren't yelling at me. Come on, smile. Please tell me it was a little funny?

On our journey, you told me of your many adventures. And they were all so interesting. Flying on Lugia as you restored harmony to the legendary bird trio and the Orange Islands, and probably the world, too; Entei kidnapping your mom as you try to rescue her; helping Celebi escape the Iron-Masked Marauder; and so much more. And I was a little jealous that that girl Misty was the one with you. It would've been nice if it were me on those adventures . . . uh, you know, it would've been amazing experiences. And thanks to you, I could share one crazy ride of a journey with new friends I meet. I mean, if you weren't with me, all my stories would be like, "I won this ribbon, blah, blah, blah." But since you were with me, my stories would be like, "Giratina pulled me into the Reverse World!" I know, I probably wouldn't use that particular example—it wasn't exactly the highlight of my life. Probably something like: "With the lake guardian trio, my two best friends, their Pokemon, and my Pokemon, we were able to stop Team Galactic and their plans for creating a new world." Now how does that sound?

Anyway, how are you doing?

I've been doing fine, thanks for asking. Just a little lonesome. I mean, I have my Pokemon, but sometimes it's the human interactions that make a group more lively and accompanying. You know what I mean, right? It just isn't the same when there isn't at least another person travelling with me—when you're not travelling with me. But aside from that, I've been doing great!

I'm still competing in contests. I decided to compete in Hoenn. I was actually hoping May would be here, but I guess she's still in Johto. It's actually nice here. Slateport probably has the best beach in Hoenn—well so far. I haven't travelled far yet. It's been—what, one, two months? Knowing you, you've gotten some travelling companions and are already well on your way to whatever league you decided to compete in. I'm guessing you've gotten at least your first badge. Am I right?

You've been to Hoenn before, right Ash? I'm wondering where the bests places are to visit. Maybe, if you write back, you'd tell me?

I'm not going to lie: I did cry when you left. Like I said before, parting ways was the most hurtful thing I had had to witness. It was my first journey. I'm sure it's all going to end the same way with each journey. But what hurts the most was . . . I'm sorry to get all emotional there. It did lift my spirits up when you ran to the stern (the back) of the boat and yelled, "No need to worry!" And that's when I knew: there was no need to worry. I know we'll cross paths again. I'm sure of it. And when we do meet again, I'll show you my new coordinating techniques, and I'd like it if you showed me your new battle tactics and strategies. And it wouldn't hurt if we just hung out—you know, like, just the two of us? I, uh, mean get caught up.

I have two requests: one, could you try to read between the lines?

And two, would it possible for you to write back? I can only hope this reaches you . . . somehow. I'll be sending this to your mom and hopefully it reaches you. If you do write, please tell me where you are so I know where to send my next letter.

No matter how far apart we are, Ash, just know that you'll always be in my heart. And we'll always, always be special friends.

And I can only hope you feel the same way.

Daijoubu! No need to worry!

Love,

Dawn

So, how was it? Let me know in a review.

Keep on writing. Daijoubu! Momentai!

Sincerely,

~Lux (Rising From Ashes)