So how did it all happen? It began roughly a year ago, when everything was just as it was supposed to be. Back then, he had not a care in the world…

Chapter one: An old friend

The sun shined brightly in the sky. It was a perfect Spring day, and with a good temperature to boot, a lot of people decided to go outside, to go swimming, training, or just plain relaxing. Having such a good day was an opportunity too good to pass up.

Ash thought the same way. He wanted to relax a bit, before thinking about what he would do next. He and his friends – Brock, May, Max and Pikachu – where currently on their way to Petalburg City. Ash had conquered the Hoenn League a few weeks prior. His victory was well earned, but he wanted some peace before going for the next challenge. The group decided to stay at Petalburg Gym for a day or two, so that they could make their plans there.

"We should be only a few hours away from the city," Ash said, while he looked at the map. Ash had developed some decent navigation skills during his travels; he didn't want to himself and his friends end up lost like he always did before.

"Should we take a break? I'm getting tired, kinda," May said, rubbing her knees. Her brother nodded in response. His feet started to hurt a little.

"I guess we could take a break, Ash. It doesn't matter if we get to Petalburg an hour later," Brock suggested. Although he didn't show it, he was also ready for a small break.

Ash nodded. "I guess we can do that. I'm getting a little tired myself, " he said. Pikachu jumped off of his shoulder and ran over to a comfortable place in the grass. Ash laughed. "You're never tired, aren't you?" he said, grinning. Pikachu smiled back at him, waving with his little paws to come over.

Brock made lunch for the group. Everybody relaxed and started eating. Brock's cooking was excellent as usual. The sky was clear and only a few clouds passed by. Ash lay on his back and stared at them as they drifted over. He was interrupted from his thoughts however, when May talked to him.

"Hey Ash, I want to ask you something," she said. Ash sat up straight and looked at her. "Sure, what do you want to ask?" he asked. May looked at Brock, then at him. "I was wondering, what would you do once we've reached Petalburg?", she asked.

Ash smiled. "Well, we're going to make plans for our next adventure!" he said. He laid back down again. "Did you forget that already?" he added, looking at the sky again. "No, that's not what I meant, Ash, " she said.

Ash sat up again, looking puzzled at her. Even Brock looked at her, but he knew what she meant. "She means if we are going to leave her and her brother, Ash," he said.

Ash looked at her dumbfounded for a moment. Then he laughed. "Is that all, May?" he said between laughs. "Don't worry, we'll make sure that we stay together as a group. I don't plan on leaving friends behind. We all make sure of that. So no worries!" he added, and lay back down again.

May smiled. "Thanks Ash. You too, Brock. You're the best friends we've ever had the pleasure to meet,", she said, sounding a lot more happy now. Max nodded. "Indeed! You're both awesome!", he exclaimed. A sudden Thundershock fried him on the spot. "You three, I mean," he said painfully, looking down at an angry Pikachu. The rest of the group started laughing.

After an hour, they packed up and started the final miles to Petalburg City. "If we pick up the pace, we should there before dark," Max said. "Then we'd better start moving. No use camping out here when the city is only a mile away," Ash suggested, already on the road.

It was almost dusk, but Ash and his friends made good time and saw the city in the distance. "I think it will be only an hour or so, two at most," Brock said. "Guess we moved pretty fast then, eh?", Ash smiled. He couldn't wait to get to the city.

Norman returned from getting some groceries for his wife, when he spotted someone standing in front of the Gym. He walked up to the person. "Hello there! Can I help you?", he asked, kindly. The person turned around revealing to be a teenage girl with orange hair.

"Yes, in fact you can. I'm looking for the Gym Leader. Do you know where he is?", she asked, looking at him.

"Well, I sure do. You are talking to him now," Norman said. He walked up to her, and extended his hand. "I am Norman," he introduced, "and who have I the pleasure of speaking with?"

Ash was the first to reach the city. "Phew! Made it!" he said. It was almost dark. "Let's go to our house! I cannot wait to see Mom and Dad!", Max exclaimed. He was very eager to see his parents again. Although he never wanted to admit it, he missed them.

"I guess we could do that. Stores are closed now, so we'll stock up on supplies tomorrow," Brock said, while going through his backpack. He was almost out of medicine and other goods that he needed. Food was also getting low in supply.

"No worries Brock. I'm sure my Mom will be happy to fix you up with everything you need," May said, a smile on her face.

Brock shook his head. "No, we're guests, and that wouldn't be very respectful, would it?", he said.

"She won't mind Brock. I know my Mom. She'll be happy to help us out, like I said,", May said. Brock nodded. Caroline was always very caring, if he had to believe what May and Max always said about her. He had only seen her once, through a videophone.

Ash was getting a little impatient. "The longer we stand here, the darker it gets. I'd like to be inside before it is too dark to see anything," he said. Max laughed at him.

"You aren't afraid of the dark, are you Ash?" he asked, smiling confidently. Just when Ash wanted to answer, something howled in the distance. Max jumped at the sound in fright, his eyes widened. Ash grinned at him.

"You were saying?" he said to Max, who was already walking. Max didn't reply but kept on walking. Ash grinned and followed him. The rest laughed and followed Max and Ash. It wouldn't be long now before they got home.

"Don't worry dear. They should be home any second now. Here, have some tea," Caroline said to the girl, while she placed a cup of tea in front of her. Norman had invited her inside after she talked to him, and now she sat down in a couch.

She wiped her orange hair behind her ears. "I know, I'm just a little anxious I think. Thanks for the tea," she said, being grateful.

Max was the first to reach the door. He didn't bother waiting for the rest. "Finally home!", he exclaimed. May joined him while Max pressed the doorbell.

"You know May, I'll always be amazed when I see your house. Damn it's big!" Ash exclaimed. May blushed and Max grinned. "One of the benefits of being a Gym Leader I think," she said. Ash wanted to respond but the door was opened. A woman was standing in the doorway.

"MOM!!!" Max exclaimed and hugged her tightly, closely followed by May. "Hello May, hello Max. I've missed you two," she said, after letting May and Max go. She looked at Ash and Brock. "Hello Ash, Brock, Pikachu. It is nice to see you again. Come inside, please!" she said, gesturing everyone to come inside. The group followed Caroline inside the house.

"It is good to be home again. All that travelling is cool, but nothing beats your own bed!" Max said. He looked a little exhausted, panting while he rested against the wall.

"Well, it is still the same as when you left it," Caroline said. "Oh, there is someone waiting for you two. I almost forgot to mention it," she continued, looking at Ash and Brock, who had taken their backpacks off.

Ash, Pikachu and Brock looked at each other. "Who could that be? Not many people know that we're here," Ash said.

Caroline led them to the living room. May and Max entered first, followed by Ash and Brock. "She is right over there," she said, pointing to the girl in the couch. Ash and Brock where surprised to see a familiar face.

The girl stood up from the couch. "Hey guys," she said, looking at them.

"Misty?!"