Chapter 2 – Of Wood and Stars

The two of them made preparations to leave the day after Ash's fateful arrival at Dawn's house. On the mid-morning after, they left together, clearly both overjoyed to be traveling with one another again. Ash noticed that he was much happier traveling now. Dawn was so much fun to be around. Though sometimes excessively girly, there seemed no way that he could feel anything but upbeat around her. It was as though that one embrace managed to purge all negative emotion from Ash while Dawn's continued company continued to supply him with an excess of joy.

Together, they had a great time in Sinnoh. Ash continued re-challenging the gyms, and dropping in on old friends with Dawn. And while Dawn did not intend to enter the Grand Festival this year, Ash openly encouraged her to enter unofficial contests to keep her skills sharp. With Ash cheering, she performed almost flawlessly; losing only one of the contests she entered along the way.

As the duo journeyed together, their old friendship flourished as it had before. Months of camping, walking, eating and battling together brought them closer than they already were, and something special began to grow from it. Though Ash had changed much in the years since their last adventures, Ash remained rather unskilled when it came to women. It was true that now, he was less dense than he once was, but he still was quite nervous around opposite sex and couldn't express his feelings properly. Dawn, who was much more skilled at reading emotions, saw the signs and began encouraging Ash to do things that brought out these hidden feelings.

One could say their relationship truly began to soar on the night of the blunette's eighteenth birthday. Dawn had been slowly, but surely getting Ash into more intimate though, still chaste, situations with her. Prior to the birthday, Dawn had gotten Ash to come with her to movies whenever they arrived in a major city, had dinners in fancier restaurants that weren't just the fast food joints they normally frequented, and in the wild they would often lay awake at night watching the stars before falling asleep in close proximity to one another. Dawn, herself, had even grown comfortable with allowing Ash to see her in the morning before she fixed her notorious cases of bed-head. All these things and more had gradually brought them closer together, but Dawn made sure that none of these could be perceived as dates, so that Ash would not grow squeamish. Her efforts were rewarded on that very birthday.

They had just arrived in Snowpoint City the day before, and Ash planned to challenge Gym Leader Candice in two days time. The morning of her birthday didn't start out the way Dawn expected though. She awoke in the early to find that Ash was already gone. It struck her as odd, since Ash had retained his boyhood habit of sleeping in late into the morning. She secretly hoped that Ash was planning something great for her special day and had gone out to do something to prepare for it. But, knowing Ash, she wasn't even sure if he was the kind of person to plan a party, so she didn't raise her expectations too high. Dawn was perfectly content with the idea of taking her out to dinner and movie.

Dawn arrived in the lobby after washing up and dressing, walked up to the attending Nurse Joy and inquired, "Have you seen my friend, Ash? Tall, black hair, probably rushing off to train."

The Nurse Joy's eyes flashed in surprise and darted quickly to her side before she straightened up and managed a cheery reply, "Oh! Sorry! Didn't see you there! I think I saw someone by that description come through the lobby early this morning. Don't know what he's up to, but he looked like he was in a rush." The nurse fiddled with her own fingers as she told Dawn this, causing the blunette to raise a curious eyebrow.

"Are you ok, Nurse Joy? You seem tense," Dawn pressed intently.

"Oh... umm..." she stammered for a moment, "I'm expecting someone important. Don't worry about me! I'm just a bit nervous!" The pink-haired woman giggled with her hand over her mouth.

"Oh! Ok, thanks," Dawn nodded in affirmation as she eyed the nurse oddly. Still smiling, Dawn turned about to head outside in her deep pink winter jacket.

"Oh my! I almost forgot!" Nurse Joy shouted as Dawn went to do the door, "You're Dawn right?"

"Yes, I am," Dawn skipped back to the counter.

"I have a message for you. I'm guessing it's from your friend," Nurse Joy informed, taking out a hastily scrawled note, "I'm afraid the writing is terrible, so I hope you can read it. I certainly can't."

"Thanks!" Dawn chirped. She took the note and unfolded it. She recognized it as Ash's sloppy handwriting and raised a curious eyebrow as she tried to decipher it. She managed though, as her company with the man in the past months had allowed her to begin to get the hang of reading the marks that most people would label 'illegible'.

She held it gently and read: Hi Dawn. Sorry about leaving so early. I just wanted to get some last minute training in. I heard that Candice might be back from her trip early, so I might be able to challenge her sooner than I planned. If we leave tomorrow instead of two days from now, we might be able to make it to Sandalstraw Town in time for you to sign up for the contest there. I'll meet up with you in front of the Pokémon Center this evening if you want to hang out. Have fun! From, Ash.

Dawn was a tad miffed. She was glad Ash was thinking of her for an upcoming contest, but she knew that he was aware of how she wasn't pursuing the Grand Festival this year. The fact that Ash would try to do something completely unnecessary rather than consider her birthday was somewhat dumbfounding and almost insensitive.

Then her mind reeled at the realization of another possibility.

Could he have forgotten entirely?

She was suddenly overwhelmed with an intense sadness as she recounted all the possible reasons why he would forget. If the letter was right, he could have been driven into a frenzy to try and train for his battle with the Snowpoint Gym leader since she was returning earlier than expected. It could be that he thought her contest battling was so important, that he merely pushed her birthday out of his mind. Or it could've been the simple fact that he just forgot her about her birthday because he was absent minded. Regardless of the reason, it didn't make Dawn feel any better. She had hoped that in growing closer together, that she and Ash would be able to share special days like this. Now she realized that might not be the case if he couldn't remember them period.

Dawn pocketed the note and walked outside abruptly, trying to hide her emotions from the Nurse Joy who bid her farewell. She went out into the cool air of the northernmost city of Sinnoh, which was not quite as cold as it could've been. The months of their journey had passed into late spring, and even this chilly region couldn't say no to the spring thaw, slow as it was in these northern reaches. Slush and even bare ground could be seen all about now, with a few of the first signs of plant life finally finding rejuvenation in the sun's warming rays.

Dawn didn't mind winter. Being Sinnoh-born and raised, she was used to it, considering her home region was further north than most of its neighbours. Yet, she always loved spring. It carried with it an air of life's rebirth. As natural as it was for a good part of nature to sleep in the winter months, it felt even better to see it awakening and sprouting anew. It was slower at these altitudes and this close to the arctic regions, but even winter had to yield to spring and summer here.

The day drifted by as she walked about the stony streets of Snowpoint. It was not an incredibly populous city, but it did have a nearby port and was the only real settlement around for miles, making it a center for culture even in this remote location. It was because of this that she was able to find ample shopping opportunities for herself. Her mother had sent her a small gift in the form of a lovely necklace for her birthday, though it had arrived early for her convenience yesterday. Regardless Dawn thanked her mother over the videophone, who had also told her to look at her bank account. Dawn was wonderfully surprised to find a sum of money that had an earmark which read: Buy yourself something nice.

After shopping around for some new clothes and preparing to return to the Pokémon Center, she walked past the Trainers' School to hear a familiar voice.

"Well, you're someone I didn't expect to see up here!"

The low, almost throaty voice of someone she knew caused Dawn to whip around and see an orange coat-clad redhead walking towards her. Immediately upon laying eyes on her, Dawn confirmed her identity and shouted out gleefully, "Zoey!"

"In the flesh," the top coordinator replied happily, the two hugging as Dawn dropped her bags to accommodate the gesture.

"What brings you Snowpoint? Visiting me?" Zoey asked jokingly.

Dawn let out a laugh and replied, "I would have if I had known you'd come home. I'm here with a friend who's challenging the gym."

"Oh you're traveling with another gym trainer, huh? Cool," Zoey remarked casually. Then Zoey's eyes lit up, "Wait a sec... I was thinking about you earlier today. Why was it?" Zoey mused to herself as she opened up her pokédex and scrolled into its calendar.

"Oh... maybe because-," Dawn began, but couldn't finish as Zoey's eyes widened.

"That's right! I set a reminder to call your mom's house today because I wanted to wish you a happy birthday! But now I can do it in person!" the redhead excitedly concluded.

Before Dawn could say another word, Zoey pulled her into a second hug and patted her back strongly, "Happy Eighteenth Birthday, Dawn!"

"Wow! Thanks!" Dawn returned the hug once more and then separated herself, "I'm surprised you remembered!"

"Hey, I remember a lot of things about my best rival. Your birthday is one of them. But most of them have to do with contests," Zoey nervously admitted.

"Awww, how sweet," Dawn observed perkily.

"So... why aren't you at home with your mom. That's where you said you'd be this year since you were taking a year off the contest circuit," Zoey inquired.

"Oh! I'm traveling again! An old friend came by and asked me to come with him, and I agreed. He's been really good about letting me get into contests as well. He says I should keep my training up so I don't go soft for next year," Dawn informed her rival.

"Good thinking," Zoey nodded. Her face turned inquisitive and she asked, "So who is this mystery man you're traveling with?"

"Oh! I didn't say?" Dawn questioned herself, somewhat flustered, "It's Ash!"

Zoey's face took on a confused look, "Hmm... didn't you say he was on some sort of journey by himself last you heard."

"Yeah," Dawn confirmed, "He was gone for three years by himself to try and change and perfect his battling style so that he could finally win a conference."

Zoey nodded sagely and commented, "Not a bad idea, I guess. I took some time to watch the highlights from the last battle he had in the finals. He's good, there's no question, but he keeps falling just short," Zoey paused as curiosity passed over her features, "So why'd he ask you to go with him?"

Dawn was reluctant to reveal her answer. She knew Ash had feelings for her at this point, but he was still too shy to admit them. She didn't want to speak for him until he had told her himself. So she went with a more neutral answer, "He got lonely on the road. I think he needs someone to bounce ideas off of so he can finish what he started three years ago."

Zoey, seemingly satisfied, though noting the slight hesitation at the start, accepted the answer and nodded in accordance. The redhead spoke kindly, "Well, he couldn't have picked anyone better. You've got an inventive mind and I'm sure it will be helpful to his quest."

"Oh... thanks," Dawn sweetly gave appreciation to Zoey's compliment.

"No problem," Zoey told Dawn. Suddenly Zoey cringed in realization of something, "Oh! Dang it! I didn't know you would be here and I don't have a gift for you!"

"No need to worry!" Dawn chirped, "You couldn't have possibly known!"

"But still... I," Zoey paused momentarily, "Wait, I have the perfect idea!"

"Huh?"

"Follow me!" Zoey instructed Dawn as the redhead began to run back towards the shopping district.

"Wait!" Dawn shouted, as she grabbed her filled bags and jogged after her red-haired rival. She followed Zoey at a distance, unable to fully catch up to her while lugging the clothes she had purchased earlier. That was, until Zoey stopped in front of a store in a small, nearly hidden street that Dawn had missed earlier. It was a rustic area, with buildings that seemed older than the rest of the city, leading Dawn to believe this might've been where the town originally sprang before expanding into the city that she now walked amidst. When Dawn finally caught up to Zoey, she stood before a modest structure which resembled an old toy shop of sorts that read 'Northern Curios'.

Zoey beckoned Dawn inside and saw a sight she wouldn't soon forget. It was a store of entirely handcrafted wooden artwork and playthings. An old man in the back chiseled away at a block of wood while an equally old woman – who Dawn suspected was his wife – tended to the cash register.

"This was my favourite store as a kid. I would come here almost every day before I left on my journey," Zoey explained as Dawn marveled at all the wonderful pieces of wooden art. They had everything from Pokémon to trains in sizes ranging from figures that could fit in the palm of one's hand to grandfather clock-sized totems. Dawn kept turning about as she tried to take it all in. It was an amazing collection of works that any carpenter would be proud to make in a lifetime.

"Here Dawn, I think this is perfect for you," Zoey jerked Dawn from her wandering haze and pointed her in the direction of a small but beautifully detailed skating Piplup clad in a trailing scarf and miniscule skates. Its flipper-like wings were extended outwards gracefully and one foot was tipping up slightly off the mahogany coloured 'ice' that acted as the carving's base.

"It's beautiful," Dawn breathed.

"It's yours then," Zoey told her softly.

"What?"

"I'm buying it for you, unless you want something else in the store," Zoey informed her friend.

"You don't need to! I-," Dawn protested.

"We're not leaving this store until I get something for you," Zoey sternly shut down the blunette's objections, putting a hand on her shoulder, "You deserve it. And besides... I want to. Shows that I care, right?"

"This is far, far too generous!" Dawn commented, holding the figurine, "It's so intricate, so precious," Dawn turned it over and saw the price tag on the bottom of the base, "And expensive!"

"Money's no object Dawn," Zoey waved away the concept like it was nothing, "And it's perfect for you. Piplup is your first, and signature Pokémon. It was sitting here, waiting for you to find it. I remember seeing this here for years. It's wonderful, but for some absurd reason, it never sold. That's got to mean something."

The idea that something so lovely was meant for her, even through all the chances that it could've ended up in someone else's hands, struck a chord for Dawn. Ever since the whole Team Galactic debacle, when she was chosen by Mesprit, she had always had a spot in her heart for matters of fate and destiny. This whole situation with the Piplup carving seemed to resonate with that idea.

So Dawn relented and allowed Zoey's hand to grip hers, and kindly thanked her, "Thank you, Zoey. It's a beautiful gift."

"Glad I could give it," Zoey returned in a low, soft voice. She pulled Dawn to the cash register and took the figurine. She handed it to the old lady along with the required cash needed to pay for it. Moments later, they emerged from the store with a small parcel. Dawn carried it gingerly, not wanting to harm the precious cargo inside.

"I need to send this home. I don't want it to break while I'm on my journey," Dawn reasoned.

"Good idea. I'm sure they can do that at the Pokémon Center," Zoey acknowledged her plan.

Dawn stopped dead in her tracks and gasped, "OH! I almost forgot! I need to meet Ash! He's waiting for me back at the Pokémon Center!"

"Sounds good," Zoey commented, "Have a great birthday, Dawn! I hope I see you again soon!"

Dawn began to sprint off with her shopping bags and parcel in hand, shouting back at Zoey all the while, "Thanks so much Zoey! This means a lot!"

Zoey smiled as she ran off. As Dawn rounded the corner, Zoey let out a heavy breath, almost as though relieved or disappointed, "Maybe next time."

Dawn was running back to the Pokémon Center with her pink winter jacket billowing behind her and her arms loaded with her purchases when she saw Ash standing on the steps leading to the door with Pikachu on his shoulder. He appeared to be waiting for her, which piqued her curiosity. Ash wore only a light blue spring jacket, and appeared to be comfortable despite the brisk winds that swept through the street. She smiled as she approached and inquired with some puzzlement in her voice, "Hey Ash, why you waiting for me out here? Wouldn't you be warmer in the center?"

Ash shook his head and answered her succinctly, "We're not going back into the center."

Dawn's face twisted oddly, not understanding the vagueness of his answer. She could only ask, "Why?"

Ash chuckled, looked at his watch, and then smiled mischievously, "Oh it's a surprise! Come on!" He grabbed her shopping bags and the parcel and told her to wait as he passed the threshold of the medical facility's doors. He came back out shortly and with great urgency and without Pikachu on his shoulder. He grabbed her arm and told her, "Come on! It's getting late I don't want you to miss it!"

"Miss what?"

"Oh, you'll see!" Ash teased, smiling widely all the while. He led her away from the lights of the city as dusk fell on the mountainous region. Dawn was absolutely perplexed as to his intentions, but she did guess it had something to do with her birthday. Ash was many things, but subtle was not one. He hadn't even mentioned her birthday all day, nor even wished her a happy one. She had begun to fear he'd forgotten entirely, but now her fears were beginning to subside.

A short train ride later, the pair arrived at Lake Acuity. The lake boasted a single island in the middle, and from what she could see, there was a faint light emanating from it. On the shore closest to her was a wooden rowboat. Ash held her hand as he led her into the boat. He took both oars in hand as he began to row it across the serene lake. The sun had completely vanished at this point, leaving only the stars to light their way. There was a new moon that night, so it was darker than usual. But as the ripples from the boat disturbed the waters, it began to shimmer, scattering the light of the millions of stars in a display that almost seemed like sparkles dancing on the water. Dawn, though initially nervous of being on the lake in the dead of night like this, grew more and more enraptured by the sight. It was beautiful, and Ash was giving this to her as her gift.

"Ash... this is wonderful."

"Oh, that's just the start!" Ash whispered excitedly between strokes.

Soon, they arrived at the island near the center of the lake. With the exception of one lone tree, the island was fairly featureless. Small patches of snow remained, but for the most part, grass was now exposed and growing in the arrival of spring. However, it was none of these things that caught Dawn's eye. In the middle of the island burned a small campfire, next to which sat a picnic blanket. The blunette's eyes grew wide at the sight. This was excessively romantic, especially coming from Ash.

"Wow...," she was almost speechless, "I'm... Ash, you did this?"

"Took all day and several trips across, but yeah, I did it!" Ash announced proudly. Normally, she might tease him a bit for that little surge of pride, but tonight, she couldn't. He really deserved the credit.

"This... is the best birthday present I've ever gotten! Thank you!" Dawn almost squealed, jumping onto Ash in an impromptu hug. He almost fell over, but steadied himself and returned the hug. He momentarily lost himself in her scent before remembering he was working to a schedule. He lowered her back to her feet and beckoned her towards the blanket. On it rested a basket and a small pail.

He opened the basket and withdrew several wrapped morsels of food for their meal, and a plate full of cookies for desert. He looked remorseful and explained to her, "I wish I could have gotten some better food for the occasion, but the location doesn't make for an easy place to deliver anything fancy."

Dawn laughed and smiled at Ash in only the way she could, "No need to worry! The gesture more than makes up for it!" she turned her attention to the pail, "And so does this!" she took from the pale filled with ice, a bottle of wine and two glasses. "I can't believe you brought wine!"

Ash chuckled and told her, "Yeah, it's not the greatest stuff, but I think it'll work. Feel free to indulge, I can't be drinking too much if I want to get us back to the other shore."

Dawn giggled again, "Oh, look at you, being so responsible. One glass won't hurt." She popped the cork and poured the red liquid into the two glasses. Ash had already begun to eat when she finished, and he took the glass eagerly. He almost forgot his manners and took a drink before realizing what he 'should' do.

He raised the glass towards her and made his toast, "To you Dawn, the birthday girl. May all your dreams come true for you this year and the years after."

Dawn gasped at the short toast and put a hand to her chest where she felt her heart beating quickly and fiercely within. She felt lighter and she hadn't even had a drink yet. Before raising her glass to meet his she thanked him, "Ash, that's so sweet. Thank you! Thank you for all this!"

They clinked glasses and they both sipped the first bit of their drink. Ash tried to hide his distaste for the stuff, but found it difficult. She saw his reaction and began laughing yet again. True, it was a bit of a strong taste; otherwise, she thought it was ok. Ash himself wasn't a big fan of alcohol, but he set his dislike aside for tonight for Dawn's sake. They went to work on the food, talking to each other for quite a long while, until Ash looked at his watch and realized it was almost time.

"Dawn, you need to look at the sky!"

"Huh?" she responded sluggishly, looking up at the stars, "The stars are beautiful, but I've seen them plenty tonight already!"

"No no! Just keep looking! You'll see it in a minute!" Ash pressed, moving himself to sit next to her as he turned his gaze northward as well. It took longer for it to appear than he thought and grew frustrated. He began to fret, growling out, "Dang it! It was supposed to happen by now!"

"What was?" Dawn amusedly inquired, rubbing Ash's shoulder with her hand.

"The Nurse Joy at the Pokémon Center said that at around this time at night, if you look north you can see-," Ash's explanation was interrupted by Dawn's gasp of wonder. Ash turned his eyes back to the sky and was relieved to see it. The northern lights did their dance across the northern sky, peeking out from beyond the mountains and occasionally stretching almost directly above them.

"Ash... you planned this didn't you?"

Ash rubbed the back of his head in nervousness, "Well... I got lucky and took the opportunity and-," he was interrupted again, not by any sound Dawn made, but by her action. She took his head in her small, soft hands and pulled it to her face. Their lips met and Ash stared momentarily in shock. Their first kiss transformed Dawn's face into a mix of intense passion and comfort. Ash slowly accepted the kiss and closed his eyes. He wasn't accustomed to this, and he clumsily tried to match the movements of his mouth with hers. The kiss wasn't overly deep and it was fairly chaste. But in it, Ash could taste the emotion and power behind it. His hand involuntarily moved to her back and pulled her to him. They sat there in the kiss for longer than he imagined it could last until they finally withdrew.

Ash's mind was a blur. He knew that he had growing feelings for Dawn, but he had only intended this as a very good, very well-deserved birthday present. One they could share together as best friends. Part of his mind was driven mad from fear, but another part of it, one quickly growing and gaining control, told him this was ok. Better than ok. This was right. That there was nothing better.

Dawn's mind was undergoing a similar process. Her mind buzzed out of fear of Ash's reaction, wondering if she went too far, too fast, if it was the right time, if he even liked her in same way she did him. She began to fear that she might've ruined the friendship that they had rebuilt after his absence. Her mind spun wildly out of control from an oncoming panic attack until a single act by Ash sent all those doubts out the window.

He gave her a kiss, their second kiss. He initiated it. She was ecstatic, flying away in joy, leaving her body behind and experiencing true happiness in the way she never thought possible. No contest victory could compare. Not even her imagination could do the moment justice, having envisioned this very scenario dozens of times prior. The kiss ended more quickly than before. Since he had started it, he was nervous and she felt it on his lips. She knew she had to reassure him so that he knew he was doing the right thing.

"Ash," she struggled to speak, still half-way gone from the experience, "that was amazing."

Ash's eyes lit up. He was so relieved. He too, had troubling finding his words, "It was?"

Dawn nodded slowly, her sapphire blue eyes glistening as they looked into his own, comforting brown ones, "I'm sure that was your first, and you need practice..." Ash's head drooped downwards in disappointment, "but..." his eyes looked up again in a glimmer of hope, "I'll give you that practice." She giggled as those last words left her mouth, still unable to believe that she had been able to say something like that to Ash. A heavy blush had overtaken both their faces by this point. She still couldn't believe it. She had shared an experience with Ash that she had never believed the once dense boy would ever be able to reciprocate.

"So... does this mean you like your birthday present?" Ash timidly questioned.

Dawn looked to the sky again, observing the stars and the aurora, and answered thoughtfully, "Everything you did tonight was great. Surprising me by taking me out to the lake, rowing me across the shimmering waves, giving me a picnic on an island, and the northern lights were an especially nice touch!" She turned back to Ash and looked at him with conviction and affection, "But the best gift I was given tonight, was that last kiss."

"Uh, what about the first one?" Ash asked tentatively.

"Well... I sorta gave that one didn't I?" she drawled, winking cheekily at him.

They sat there, side by side, arms wrapped around one another's shoulders as they watched the aurora dance all over the northern sky. After what seemed like hours, Ash looked at Dawn and asked sorrowfully, "So, should I be getting you back to the Pokémon Center?"

Dawn tore her gaze from the sky to look at him and gave him a small, but considerate smile. Her hand lay on the blanket below her and she was struck with an idea. She touched his cheek and answered his question with one word, "No."

"No?"

"No."

"Then where will we sleep?" Ash pressed, confusion overtaking his face.

"No need to worry!" Dawn chirped her trademark phrase, "We'll wrap ourselves in this blanket and sleep right here! We have our coats, the picnic blanket is fairly big, the fire is still going... and we have each other." Her voice grew soft at the last part of her explanation.

"Really?"

"Yes," she reiterated, "After tonight, after all this, I want to fall asleep looking at the stars... the lights... and you."

Ash gulped. They had fallen asleep next to each other as they camped on their travels before, but never had they slept in the same blanket. In fact, as she snuggled up to him and prepared to wrap the blanket around them, he was sure he had never slept this close to anyone in his life.

She saw the apprehension in his face and wrapped her arms around him. She quietly reassured him, in the gentlest, sweetest voice, "It will be fine. It's just me. Nothing will happen."

Ash looked into her eyes, as both of their sets of lids began to grow heavy. Their mutual body heat was soothing and her face just put him at ease. He began to forget his anxiety. She in turn, took both comfort and a strange sense of exhilaration in being so close. They drew closer still, almost to the point that their foreheads touched.

"This is perfect," she sighed into him as sleep began to overtake her.

No, he thought, she is perfect. With his last thoughts of her, he drifted off into his own slumber. Though the night grew colder, the fire, their coats, their blanket, and most importantly, their bodies, kept each other warm, and neither of them felt capable of feeling fear in the embrace of one another.