Chapter 3: Last Days In Sinnoh Final
Dawn was drawn out of her sleep early when she turned towards the window and was met with the first rays of light the sun had in store for that day. As she slowly adjusted to the light and the state of being awake she remembered what happened last night and noticed that her partner was not beside her anymore, aswell as the sound of someone brushing their teeth. ''Jeez couldn't you have waited until i wake up and cuddle with me or something.'' She thought to herself while pouting.
Then Ash came out of the bathroom with just his sleeping shorts on. When he noticed Dawn his neutral expression changed to a heartwarming smile as he asked her, ''Morning Dawn hope you slept well the rest of the night. Are you feeling better yet?'' while saying this he walked over to his, now their, bed and pulled a T-Shirt out of the bag beside it. ''Yea nightmares are only bad while they happen and shortly after I feel like it didnt even happen at all.'' The young girl answered as Ash was putting on his shirt.
Dawn liked Ash's kinda shameless habits. You won't find him running around naked but you could find him shirtless in the morning sometimes. Just like in her case the travelers lifestyle kept Ash in shape and at low bodyfat. Compared to her though he would often do physical training alongside his pokemon to show them that he's their partner and not their master so he looked pretty buff for his age. The combination of these 2 points meant that Dawn would get eyecandy every other girl her age would be jealous for every once in a while.
After a pretty average morning routine our heroes packed their stuff, left their room in a tidy state and went back down to give nurse Joy the key and wait for Brock at the main entrance.
''Ok its 9am now, Brock sent me a massage, saying he should be here in about 10 minutes. We need about half an hour to the shore and the ship leaves at 10. I usually like to get to ships and planes a bit earlier but we'll easily make it.'' Said Dawn as she sat down outside the pokemon center on a bench just beside the entrance. Ash sat down beside her as he continued her loud narration of the plan, ''then we need about 6 hours to Kanto where we'll stay at my place for the rest of the day and finally get to the airport the next day at 5am where we take our 4 hour flight to Novi Island. Our schedule is quite stuffed.'' He concluded but then added, ''Wait what about your clothes for school?'' with a confused look on his face. Dawn sighed, ''your memory is terrible i told you about a week ago when we made our plans that it'd be really annoying to get back to Twinleaf and get my stuff so my mother already sent it to the school where my... brother got it and now keeps it for me.'' She added that last part with a certain bitterness in her voice.
Ash was confused after hearing that. ''You never mentioned that you have a brother.'' Ash stated carefully. He could feel that something weird was going on between them. ''Well there was never a reason to tell. I was surprised that after all this time you never asked me why i started my journey with 14 years of age when everyone else leaves with 10. He's the reason for it.'' She told him looking into the forest ahead of them. 'Wanna explain it to me?' He asked slightly concerned while also looking ahead, trying to catch a glimpse of her from the corner of his eye to see her demeanor, without pressuring her. ''Yea it's alright. Not like anything terrible happened it's just.. a bit bitter for me.''
After a few moments trying to find her words she started, ''You see he's 1 year older then me so he could start his journey before me. And what can i say he was a natural. Starting his journey with a Croagunk he played with since we were small he asked the professor to just give him an empty pokeball instead of a starter so he could start out with his friend.'' She put her chin on the back of her hands as she continued, ''he dominated both contests and gyms and thanks to his charisma and good looks he quickly became famous and made a name for himself.'' Now her expression changed to a sad smile as Ash listened silently. ''He was kind of the shining star in our family and everyone in town and in our family always asked me when i would start my own journey and if i'd try and be even better. I never wanted that i just wanted to go on my journey and have fun because i love pokemon and maybe try to do contests because my mother did them too and it looked like fun. Pressure grew and I.. was just kinda scared, scared to fail. So i didn't start my journey back when i could until they started to forget, which got a bit easier since he left for another region after losing in the contest once and in the league twice. His fame here in Sinnoh quickly dvindled when he left for Johto. But honestly i dont even know how he fared in Johto and Hoenn. He never really contacts us and while mother probably talks to him i never felt the need to do so. I don't hate him he just made everything a lot harder for me even if he didnt intend to do so.'' Dawn finished her story.
Ash sat there processing everything. ''Since he holds onto your stuff i'd assume he's in basic school too huh?' Ash proceeds to ask curiously. He got a bit excited hearing about that mysterious brothers talent. ''Yea judging by his age he should start his second year when we enter.'' The bluenette answered nonchalantly. Ash changed his sitting position as he started thinking. ''Well you know maybe this whole situation isn't too bad. Now you two can make up.'' Ash said with a hopefull smile. Dawn put her hands behind her head and bent backwards to look at the sky. ''As i said there isn't really any bad blood between us. Those were just bad circumstances for me and it isn't really his fault he was just being himself and trying his best. But maybe we can get closer again though.'' Dawn answered now smiling herself. Then Ash looked at Dawn as a last question popped into his head, ''By the way whats his name?'' Dawn continued looking into the sky as a gust of wind blew through their hair. She hesitated for a second but answered quietly,
''Dusk. Dusk Berlitz.'
The pair spent the next two minutes in silence, looking into the distance until Brock arrived with two big bags probably filled with supplies and other stuff he needed. As he got closer he immediately noticed that something seemed off about the two. ''Whats wrong guys you dont look exactly motivated'', remarked the older boy with a worried expression. ''Its nothing we just.. didnt sleep well'', lied Ash as he and Dawn stood up while grabbing their belongings. ''Wait a second i'll go get my pokemon then we can leave'', added the leader of the group as he went inside the center, with Dawn and Brock watching after him until the automatic doors closed again and their reflections were visible on the clear glass.
''Care to tell me what actually happened?'', asked Brock as he turned to face the young girl beside him. She tensed up for a second but then relaxed again. It wasn't a surprise that Brock saw through Ash's lie but the rash question still startled her for a second. ''I just told him something personal thats a bit.. sad i guess but its alright.'' The bluenette said whilst looking at her feet. She didnt feel like telling Brock the same story again, especially since he won't go to the school with them and doesn't need an explanation before he meets Dusk. At least for now.
''I won't try to force it if you don't wanna tell me right now but promise to do so when you feel like it.'' The taller man replied with a smile as he laid his hand on her shoulder in a comforting fashion. Dawn laid her hand on Brocks as she turned to face him. ''Thanks Brock your a great friend. Just fitting for such an emphatic person as you are to try and become a pokemon doctor.'' Dawn replied with a toothie grin that reminded Brock alot of Ash. ''Nice of you to say that.'', Brock finished the conversation while taking his hand off her shoulder. Simultaniously the doors opened and Ash stepped outside again, his belt filled with his pokemon team and his Pikachu located on his shoulder, looking as happy as always. The yellow rodent seemed to have liftet Ashs mood as well since the latter had his usual smile visible on his face. ''Alright guys lets go'', ''Pika Pi!'', the two said with his two companions nodding in approval as they started making their way to the ferry with as good of a mood as the party usually had.
The walk to the ship was mostly uneventfull, the monotony of their path only broken up when some random people thanked Brock for his actions with the fire or fans of the pokemon league fanboying over Ash. The first thing reminded Ash and Dawn to ask Brock how the situation wen't with him just telling them that everything went smoothly and nothing noteworthy happened. As they came closer to said ship the group noticed that it was pretty small compared to most ferries theyve been on.
''This is the ship we're taking to Kanto? I know that it isnt exactly an exciting region but seeing this is kinda depressing. It can probably fit only tenty people max.'', Ash said with a sad smile on his face. He loved his home region but it was a bit boring, compared to other regions. ''Im sure its just because there're no hollidays right now. Not many people will just randomly book an international shipcruise to kanto and the people that wanna go there are probaby just taking a flight.'' Remarked Brock as they showed the guard their tickets and walked inside.
Since there wasnt exactly anything to do on the ship our heroes mostly just stayed inside their room, playing cards or with their pokemon, talked or slept with Dawn occasionally going on deck to see the view and water Pokemon that jumped out of the water beside the ship, greeting every onlooker on it.
After six hours of that our heroes finally arrive at the new haven near Viridian City. The three friends plus Pikachu got out of the ship and took their last few steps together in a respectfull silence as they closed in on a sign with two arrows on it, The left one saying 'Viridian Forest' and the right one saying 'Pallet Town'. Brock positioned himself beside the left arrow while Ash and Dawn took their stand on the right, everyone looking at each other with a sad but determined expression.
''I guess thats it for a while.'' Ash said while putting his hand in his pocket and pulling out a necklace. Dawn and Brock both looked surprised as Ash started to explain, ''I wanted you to have something to remember me and something that expresses the strong friendship we built over the years. You're like a brother to me and i can't express how much you've helped me on my journey so far. So sincerely.. thank you.'', Ash finished while holding out the necklace in front of him. Brock took it and on closer inspection Brock and Dawn noticed that it wasnt a necklace but a dogtag with two tags on it, one had Ash's name on it, the other Brock's. Brock opened his mouth, speechless at the sight of this beautifull present. ''I already feared that you would buy me something but this.. is extremely thoughtfull. Thank you Ash, even though we've met each other when you were still quite young it was only because of you that i was able to see the world. You've also taught me more things then i could count and helped me find my dream of becoming a pokemon doctor. I won't ever need anything to remember you by but.. this is the best present you could have given me.. thank you.'' Brock was on the edge of tears and his breathing got heavier as he put on the dogtag and hugged his best friend for the last time in the forseeable future. Even Dawn couldn't hold back her tears. 'Omg that's so cute. Ash is so cute.. i just can't.. aah.' The young girl fangirled in her head, now even more charmed by Ash.
As the two friends released from their hug Brock turned to Dawn, whiped away his mantears and started holding out his hand. ''We haven't been traveling for long but you are really close to my heart. Ash and i have been traveling together for quite some time and had many companions along the way but this little group was the most 'family' feeling of all. Please take good care of Ash while i'm away and try to have some fun there aswell.'' He said with his trademark smile as he waited for Dawn to shake his hand. ''Ah Brock you are too polite.'' She exclaims with a sigh as she pulled him into a hug. ''You've shown me what it feels like to have a brother that cares for me, a father that i never had and just a really good friend. You're the nicest person i've ever met and i'm sure you'll make a great doctor in the future. Just try to visit us when you can okay?'' She exclaimed, smiling into the taller boys chest. Brock first taken back by Dawn started smiling aswell and returned her hug, rubbing her back as he answered with a steadfest, ''I will, just you guys wait for me.'' ''Piki-Pikachu.'' chimed in Pikachu as he complained for being left out. Brock let go of Dawn with a small laugh at the cute anticks of Ash's partner. ''Of course you too Pikachu take care of Ash for me and i'll see you another day.'' Brock said and shook Pikachu's little Paw. The yellow pokemon seemed happy with this as he let out a little ''chuu'' while smiling with closed eyes.
After that exchange Ash and Brock smiled determined at each other for a few seconds before silently turning their backs to each other and going their seperate ways. Dawn looked confused. She hectically turned her head towards Ash then Brock multiple times while standing at the same spot for a few more seconds before deciding to run to Ash. After reaching him she got closer to his ear so Brock wouldn't hear her. ''Hey that was mean you were so cute 10 seconds ago and now you don't even say goodbye.'' The girl whispered in his ear clearly upset at her crush. Ash continued walking with his cap hiding his eyes. After a few steps he stopped and turned towards Dawn, his sparkly eyes and a big smile visible on his face. ''We always do that.'' He said as he continued walking. ''It's never goodbye. Well see each other again soon.''concluded Ash. Dawn stood in one place again, looked after him for a few seconds before catching back up to him a blush clearly visible on her face. 'You dont have to act all badass.. Baka.'
Hellooo im back peeps. Where was I? well i kinda just lost my interest in writing for a long while xD. Alot has happened in my life and after reading through the first chapters again i decided to continue because i think i started kinda okay and i still like the ideas i had back then. Now explaining Dusk: its an OC based on myself (how original) but i know that most people dislike ocs so ill keep his pagetime as short as i can (unless he turns out popular) but he will serve as an overpowered mentor/rival figure for Ash. Ill try to continue this story if i can but i wont promise anything just follow if you like what you read and hope for the best xD Again if you have story questions leave a review and ill answer it, if you have anything else to say feel free to slip into the Dms and tell me everything your little heart desires, i just wish for the reviews here to stay story focused. Thats it, be strong, stay smart and be victorious!