Last time…Ash and the rest decided to take a break and set up camp. After organizing sleeping roles, Cilan looked back at how Ash helped him think of a way to confess to Iris. Ash went to get firewood with Sceptile and Lucario. When they were finished they were attacked by a powerful Dragonite that withstood Solarbeam and Aura Sphere. One thing about this Dragonite. It had no aura! The essence of all living things! After defeating it, it just disappeared so Ash and his Pokemon went back to the campsite with the firewood, going over what just happened.

"There you are! What took you!?" Said Iris. They then noticed how heavily injured and wet Ash, Lucario and Sceptile were.

"What happened to you three?" Asked Cilan.

"We had a friendly encounter with a Dragonite. No big deal."

"No big deal!? How tough was this Dragonite! You took down legends with ease and didn't break a sweat! Even through the epic battle between Entei and Charizard!" Shouted Max.

"This Dragonite is special."

"Special how? Did you raise it!?"

"Something like that."

Pikachu and Meowth looked at Ash who gave them a 'tell you later' look.

"Well, I got the firewood. Max, help me set the fire."

"Why me?"

"I thought you were a man. Drew help me with the fire."

"Nev-Fine!" Drew said, switching his answer from the look of May.

Later it was night time and Hana was asleep with Pikachu while everyone else was awake. Ash was treating his wounds and showing Brock how he does it while everyone was at the fire.

"Ash sure has changed huh?" Said Tracey.

"I know. Years ago he would be the whining, spirited kid but now he knows what he's doing." Said Misty.

"Umm guys…what will we do when we leave?" Asked Dawn.

"What do mean Dawn?" Asked May.

"Rand said that we can only get to Oblivia with Haruba. But Haruba rarely ever visits outside regions so…how are we supposed to come back if we want to see Ash again?"

"I guess…we complete our dreams without him." Said May, and this made everyone look at her as if she created a planet. May noticed and immediately followed up her statement. "I mean, he completed his dream without us, and I'm sure he doesn't want us to stay and not complete our dreams." Everyone looked at her wondering what they should do. Leave the boy who made their dreams a 100 steps closer? Or stay here and never finish that dream. Gary got up, catching the eyes of everyone. He turned around and walked away and Brock just came and wondered why everyone was so focused on their thoughts.

"So Ashy-boy, how does it feel to achieve your dream?"

"Gary. I may hate that nickname but you are the only person who can make me laugh like I was 10 years ago. It feels alright, but people are only going to get stronger. I wouldn't be surprised when I receive a rematch from Tobias and his legendary's. I need to get stronger. And then I will return. Return to…Pallet Town."

Gary looked at Ash and saw that his eyes changed from the cold auburn eyes, to sad desperate auburn eyes. "Hey Ash, come on. She wants you to be happy, and from what I've heard from Rand and Hana, you're having the time of your life!"

"Heh. That's true but I wished…that I stopped Team Rocket. Back then. And with Giovanni dead, Team Rocket is gone…"

"Yeah! Look on the bright side Ashy-boy!"

"I guess I'll have to, with all of you around again."

"So how about we talk? Not as rival's, not as researcher's, but as childhood friends?"

Ash looked at Gary and smiled a sincere smile. "Sure."

"Gary has been gone for a long time…" Said Dawn.

"What? Worried for your boyfriend Dawn?" Teased Iris.

"HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND!"

"Then why's your face red?" Misty couldn't resist to tease the Dawn that always teased her when she had a crush on Tracey.

"It's hot out here!"

"Well the fire is lit guys." Said Max, making everyone stare at the boy with a look they would give Ash before.

"Well I'm going to go searching for him." Said Dawn.

"I'll go with you." Said May. This made everyone confused, especially Drew.

"Why?" Asked Drew.

"I don't want her getting hurt," replied May.

"But this is a peaceful region," argued Drew.

"But you saw Ash when he returned from his 'fun' experience with the Dragonite!"

"But May, wouldn't someone like me, Brock, better yet Iris be better since we're more experienced? And Iris is an actual trainer," Drew said.

"I guess…"

"Come on guys, May and I will be fine!" Dawn quickly pulled May away and they were heading in the direction Gary headed in. They then heard voices, and they were both laughter. They then saw Ash and Gary sitting down laughing together like old friends. Dawn and May stared at them.

How did Gary get Ash to open up? May was thinking but then she realized: Gary was Ash's childhood friend. His best friend. A friend that couldn't be replaced. Gary helped Ash grow and Ash helped Gary grow. Childhood is the part of your life that no one, no matter how much they try, can never forget.

Dawn left, knowing May was watching closely and felt she was better alone. May then realized how much she missed Ash as a tear rolled down her cheek. She needed Ash. This whole time she thought the pit in her stomach was guilt for what she did for Ash. It was, but it was also her needing Ash to be there and support her. She needed Ash. And he needed her. No…he didn't need her. But he needs someone to love. So, in a way he needed her. May turned around heading back to the camp. There she saw everyone looking at her and then they went back to talking with one another.

"Hey May."

"Dawn?"

"I…I know you love Ash…"

"W-What?"

"May, don't deny it…I've had enough with this."

"Maybe I do, but if I break up with Drew, what will he do? He could take it out on Ash or the region."

"You know, Gary told me that Haruba is at the harbor of Tilt Village. When we get there you can go on the boat with him and leave him at wherever Haruba goes."

"Okay…sounds like a plan…"

Very short chapter, I know but it's about time I start the Advanceshipping and get rid of Contestshipping!