Ash being sweet for a few moments on this chapters. Dawn just swooning and being cute at the sight of his sweetness. And their friends think they'd make and adorable couple. Oops, I've revealed to much! Onwards then.
I don't own the characters (unless they are OCs) and places mentioned in this story they are all owned by Satoshi Tajiri and Co. Any and all literary references or songs used are the work of the specified artist/author/composer.
Evergrand University
High School Sector
Room 110
Dawn and Ash enter Battle Strategies class and greet Mr. Brandon Shinji. Yes, the head of Battle Pyramid is none other then Paul's father! The older man smiled at the two a pointed their seats.
"Good day everyone! I am Mr. Brandon Shinji and I will be your Battle Strategies Professor for this term. Now not many of you know this, but Mr. Ketchum has actually went through the Kanto Battle Frontier after his run in the Hoenn League. And is first trainer to complete it." Says Brandon with a proud smile directed at Ash.
Gary and May smirked, while everyone else looked at Ash in surprise. Dawn looked at Ash, her eyes shining with pride and admiration for him. Ash rubbed the back of his feeling a bit embarrassed yet he was humbled by the praise.
Said raven-haired teen said, "Thank you sir. But most of the credit goes to my Pokemon, our team put in a great effort into winning those symbols."
"Spoken like a true Elite trainer! Now here's a video I want to share, Ash's Pikachu beating one of my Regies. See the tactics he used and tell me your opinion." Brandon says pulling up the projector and playing the video.
The whole class was awed by the flawless execution of moves from Pikachu, but Regice was no slouch. The winning Volt Tackle had everyone feeling excited. What move the room was Ash's speech as he tried to get Pikachu out of the ice prison. The class clapped.
Brandon smiled, "It takes more then just clear determination to win a battle. Strategy and trust also play crucial roles in the success of any battle. Ms. Maple, as you were traveling with Ash back then what did you notice about his tactics during his battle with me?"
"Well sir. He always tried to find ways to get out of a bind, and his Pokemon showed clear trust in their trainer to execute his plans. Just like how he got Pikachu out of those Ice blocks with Iron Tail and paralyzing Regice." May says smiling at her friend.
Brandon smiles and nods, "Now, Mr. Coleman what did you notice about Ash's Pikachu?"
"It is no regular Pikachu sir. The fact that it can take hits like that and also knock out a Mythical Pokemon proves that it is in a league of it's own. Any other Pikachu wouldn't have the kind of tenacity and power that Ash's does sir." Answers a blonde haired boy.
Brandon nods, "What most of you don't know is that Pikachu isn't the only one of Ash's Pokemon to have tangled with a Mythical/Legendary Pokemon. If I remember correctly his Charizard had faced Noland's Articuno and won."
"I bet it was just luck." Scoffs Paul trying to goad Ash into anger.
Brandon scowled at his son, "Now Paul, your one to talk. You want off on the Sinnoh Battle Frontier with out even much experience as a trainer, while Ash has already gotten three years of experience before going through the one in Kanto. The way you train your Pokemon is despicable son!"
"Tech." Paul says shrugging off his father's reprimand.
Dawn frowned at Paul's attitude, she didn't like him at all. She already had a low first impression of him, her opinion of him just got lower as the day wore on. And she didn't like how he had dismissed Ash's skills as a trainer as if it was nothing. Ash must've sensed her discontent because she felt his hand hold hers, squeezing it gently with a small smile on his face. The class continued with Brandon discussing the importance of teamwork in a double battle. Before the bell rang the Professor then called their attention for an announcement.
Brandon seemed excited, "Alright! This Friday we will be holding the Preliminary rounds for our school's Battle Royale. You may bring up to four Pokemon each, the use of held items is encouraged. Match ups will be posed this Wednesday!"
The students cheered, everyone was excited. Dawn looked towards Ash with a wide smile on her face, she'd see him battle in person! She couldn't wait to see what other Pokemon he had with him. Ash gave her a smirk as if knowing what she was thinking, she allowed a slight flush to appear on her face at being read so easily. The bell rang signaling the end of the period. They had one last class to head to. Ash walked out with Dawn and their friends.
"What's your last class?" Ash asked all of them.
"Dawn, Zoey, Kenny, and I have Physics together." May informed them.
Serena grabbed Richie, "I've got Sociology with Richie."
"I've got Free Period with you and Leaf." Gary Says smiling.
"You guys are lucky!" Dawn exclaimed giving them a pout.
Ash pinches her cheek chuckling, "Awe, you're adorable. Well, how about I come get you after your last class and drive you home?"
His offer was met with stares from May, Zoey, Kenny and Richie, and smiles from everyone else. Leaf, Gary, and Serena knew this would happen and were happy that their friends had reignited their bond. Dawn at first looked surprised by the offer, but then went up to Ash and pulled him into a hug.
She spoke softly, "I'd love that."
"Great then I'll see you later." He replies giving her a gentle pat on the head.
She released him and walked with May, Zoey, and Kenny to their final class. While Serena pulled Richie to another direction much to the latter blushing as the contact with the blonde. Gary and Leaf look towards Ash, who was still looking towards the hall Dawn disappeared to. Gary places his arm around Ash's shoulder.
"So when are you going to tell her Ashy-boy? You've been holding a candle for her for years." Gary asks curiously at his best friend.
Ash just smiles, "I've been ready since I saw her in the Jonto Grand Festival. And I know she holds the same feelings for me. I'll tell her when the time is right."
Leaf couldn't help but give Ash a pat on the back, "I have a feeling that time will come soon Ash. I know you'll be able to do it."
They walked off, onto the school courtyard where they met and played with their Pokemon. Ash introduced Dawn's Piplup to Gary and Leaf who smiled fondly at the sight of the Sinnoh starter.
"I'm glad she got the Starter she wanted. And he looks like a great fit for her as well." Says Leaf as she watched her Bulbasaur play with the other three Pokemon.
Ash chuckled, "She says that his water type moves help tame her bed hair."
"Ah. I remember how she always had an issue with that. Hehe. I guess a good water gun or bubble beam helps keep in order." Gary says laughing.
Eventually the last bell rang signaling the end of classes for that day. They stood, Pikachu wanting getting on Ash's shoulder, while Gary and Leaf returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs. Ash looked at Piplup and smiled.
"Hey, why don't you come with us Piplup? I'm sure Dawn would love to see you." He suggested kneeling to the Pokemon's height.
Piplup jumped into his arms happily, "Pip. Pip. Piplup!"
Leaf shook her head smiling, "He always did have a way with Pokemon. And he treats our Pokemon as if they were his own."
"And that's what makes him a great trainer." Gary says honestly.
The three walked back inside, heading to room three fifteen to see Dawn and their younger friends. They saw the four juniors exit the class with a small crowd, it was Kenny who spotted them first and pointed them out the girls. They saw Drew approach with Serena and Richie as well. They met up in the middle of the hall.
"Piplup!" Dawn exclaimed taking her Starter and hugging him.
Kenny chuckled, "Still a Piplup I see. But boy does this little one pack a punch!"
"Tell me about it. Knocked out my Glaceon in the last Wallace Cup! That hydro pump was unexpected." Comments May.
Ash grinned with a chuckle, "Just goes to show the evolution isn't everything."
"Right you are!" Agreed May.
Gary asked, "Who's riding with me today? Leafy is heading to the shop where she works so she's out."
"Can Max and I hitch a ride Gary? Mom's busy as the Prep School right now and can't pick us up today." May asked looking towards the Senior.
Gary smiled, "Sure thing Maple. Anyone else?"
"Mind if I tag along as well?" Kenny asked a little shyly.
Gary nods. Zoey was going with Ash and Dawn, while Richie was walking Serena home since they lived just a few block away from the University. They all bid each other good bye and went their separate ways. Dawn sat in the Passenger's seat, while Zoey took the back seat. Pikachu sat on Dawn's lap while Ash drove the car. Zoey kept asking the two about their childhood which they each took turns telling her.
Pikachu had fallen asleep on Dawn's lap feeling utterly comforted by her petting. Ash noticed this and smiled, liking the fact that his starter already felt comfortable around Dawn. Zoey looked on with mild surprise, it was rare to see a person's starter Pokemon feel so at home in another's presence. But the way Pikachu's acting is exactly how Ash would be around Dawn, not that Zoey would know that. The red head put her phone up and took a photo, and decided to create a GC with all the ladies later and send it there.
"This is my stop." Zoey says as they passed a blue roofed house with white washed wooden walls.
Ash stopped the car and Zoey got out and smiled at the pair.
"Thanks for the ride Ash. See you tomorrow Dawn!" Says the red head as she walked to the tiled pathway leading to her porch.
Dawn and Ash waved at her, smiling as they drove off. Dawn's phone rang moments later and ahs picked it up. It was Joanna, Ash smiled as he listened to Dawn talk to her mom. When the call ended he gave her a glance with a raised brow. Dawn smiled at home.
"What did Johanna say?" He asked addressing her mother by name.
Dawn's smile brightened, "She asked me if I got a ride home, and to thank you for the offer. She also invited you for dinner tonight since she's almost home herself, she told me to prepare the food."
"How about I help cook? I know I am the guest and all but I don't like just sitting around and doing nothing." He offered grinning.
Dawn looked surprised, "Since when did you learn how to cook? You never took an interest in cooking when we were kids."
"Yeah, well it started before I went to Jonto. I realized that I couldn't always relay on others to do the cooking for me, especially when I decided that I needed to travel alone. So I asked my Mom and Brock to teach me some recipes. I got a hang of it within a month, so when I left for Jonto the next summer I was able to feed myself and my Pokemon." Ash explained smiling fondly.
Dawn caught his expression, "Mm, alright I'll let you help out. Maybe you can make one of those Kantonian dishes that Mom and I used to love."
"Oh, sure! Good thing I've got some ingredients in my pack. Saved them up from my last journey. They are still fresh!" Ash replies smiling.
They arrived in a quaint neighborhood, with different style houses. Dawn pointed to a house with a blue roof and white colored walls, it was a medium sized two story building. Ash's eyes shone, pointing at the house two blocks from hers across the street and telling her that it was his.
Dawn giggled, "Well then. This is our luck playing us eh?"
"Alright, I've got to tell mom that I'm having dinner with you and Joanna." Ash tells her.
Dawn let out a bright smile, "Why don't you have her come over? I'm sure mom would to see Delia again, it has been a long time since they saw each other."
"Alright then, can I use your landline then?" Ash asked.
Dawn nods, "Go right ahead."
Pikachu woke up as he felt the car come to a stop. He stretched across Dawn's lap before scampering onto her shoulder. Both teens laughed at the yellow mouse 's antics.
"I know how you feel Pikachu. I'm happy your comfortable around Dawn already. It usually takes you awhile to get used to people." Ash tells his starter as he and Dawn walked up to her house.
Dawn giggles bumping Ash's shoulder, "He is a lot like you Ash."
"You're quiet right about that Dawnie. I've always felt comfortable around you even when we were kids. You have a certain aura that appeals to me." Ash says softly with a sweet smile.
Dawn flushed at the compliment, "T-thank you Ash. Speaking of Aura... I remembered your Uncle Riley's visit to Pallet Town when we were kids. Did you ever go through with your Aura Guardian training?"
"Yeah I did. After the Jonto League I went to Rota for a month and began training. I am in the apprentice level, I have to get back there before heading to Sinnoh to complete my training." He tells her as they enter the house sans shoes.
She nods, "I get it. I've been wanting to go to Rota for so long. I've heard it's a great place."
"It's unlike any other place in this world. The place will make you feel like your transported into the sixteenth to eighteenth century. I've mostly felt you'd love to see it." He says smiling at her shining eyes.
She smiled and says, "Mm. How about you call your mom and I'll get the kitchen ready?"
"Alright." Ash says heading for the landline.
As Ash called Delia to come to the Berlitz household for supper, while Dawn was busy prepping the kitchen. He walked to the kitchen and smiled seeing his blue haired best friend so at ease in the area, he saw Piplup and Pikachu carrying over some ingredients helping her. He approached her and gave her a hug form behind, she leaned back and rested her head on his shoulder.
"She'll be here by six thirty." He tells her.
She smiles and hums, "Okay. Shall we start then?"
"Yes we shall little miss. But first, Piplup and Pikachu would you please set the table for us?" Ash asks looking to their two starters with a gentle smile.
The two Mons nodded saying, "Pika!/Piplup!"
As Pikachu and Piplup set the table luckily it was a futon table which allowed them to reach it easily, their trainers made the supper. Ash cooked some Soba Noodles adding a few slices of carrots and beef into it, while Dawn made some rice and some pork teriyaki. Ash also made some miso soup with a little bit of chicken shreds in it. A few minutes later the door opened to reveal the two mothers who headed to the Kitchen and saw their children working together.
Delia smiled, "They look so good together."
"I agree. Dawn's been holding a candle for him since her first run in Sinnoh." Joanna tells her with a smile.
Delia chuckles, "And Ash has been doing the same. When do you think they'll get together?"
"Give it a month or so. After all the school year just began. But judging by how they're acting right now I think it'll be sooner." Responds Joanna.
Delia nods looking thoughtful, "Knowing how they are so open with each other I don't think that we'll have to worry about them taking too long to confess. Did you know that he actually saw Dawn perform at the Jonto Grand Festival two years back?"
"Oh yes I did. We spoke to each other after the event finished and she was was given the Ribbon Cup! But he left before Dawn could see him, but gave me two tickets for the Lily of the Valley Conference and invited us to go. Until this day she still think I was the who bought the tickets to that league." Joanna tells herm best friend grinning.
Delia giggles shaking her head, "Oh that son of mine. He could be sneaky when he wants to be."
Unknown to them their children had heard every word they spoke of, upon hearing it was Ash who had given her mother the tickets to the League Conference that year she gave him glance. He returned it with a smile and nods confirming the information, she beamed but refrained from speaking giving him a look that signaled that they'd speak about it later. Dinner was served and the group sat around the table as Dawn served up theh Poke food to their Pokemon, she had released her other Mons so they could also eat and Ash had done the same.
"So how was school?" Delia asked curiously.
Dawn responds with a huge smile, "It was great! I got to meet Leaf, Gary, and Serena again. Kenny, Zoey and May are going there too. I never expected to meet May Maple again."
"She's Hoenn's Princess ya know. She got that title after beating Solidad in the Kanto Grand Festival three years ago. I've heard that Solidad judges some of the contests in Kanto and Hoenn out of doing Coordinating." Ash informs them.
Joanna smiles, "I was so proud of Dawn when I saw her go against May in the Wallace Cup at Sinnoh. But her win in Jonto was amazing!"
"When May told me about her battle with you I couldn't stop smiling. I knew she was gonna become a great coordinator someday!" Ash responded looking at Dawn with shining eyes.
Delia looks towards her son smiling softly, "That's why you went to the Jonto Grand Festival when you found out she got in."
"Of course! I wouldn't have it missed for the world." Ash tells them softly.
"And I wouldn't have missed your League Finals as well. I've always believed that you'd achieve your dream." Dawn replied leaning into him.
Both mothers shared a look at the interaction between their children. The teens stayed in their current position, feeling the comfort the other provided. Dawn felt a sense of warmth at hearing Ash praise her, she also knew he was feeling the same with the praise she gave him. After the meal, the moms shooed them to the living room while they did the cleaning. Dawn and Ash rested on the couch, his head on her lap while she ran a through his hair.
"Wanna ride to school with me tomorrow Dawn?" He asked sigh in content at her ministrations.
She hummed in thought, "Sure Ash. I'd love to ride to school with you."
"I was wondering. Did Professor Birch gave you Dorm keys?"He says look up at her.
She nods, "Yeah. When do you guys usually use the dorms?"
"Usually we use them a month after school starts. It's only to people who live a distance from the school who get dorms to avoid traffic going there. It's really a hassle for us to keep going in and out of campus while trying to keep on time. But in the middle of the it's gets really heavy on the roads, so we stay in the dormitories." He explained.
She thought for moment, "Maybe I should pack up some stuff. I wouldn't want mom to keep dropping me off school, plus I can always visit every other weekend."
"That's what I've been doing since my 10th grade. It saves up on the gasoline expense as well. Which dorm did you get?" He says.
She thinks for a moment, "I got four o one."
"Ah. That's the dorm Serena has, I think May and another senior share that room as well." Ash informs her.
Dawn smiles at the news, "At least I'll know two people in my dorm room. May hasn't mentioned anything about hers, but It'd be great if we shared a dorm room, I'll get to know her better."
"I had a feeling you would get along with May. You girls have a few things you could bond over." Ash tells her with a smile.
Delia called him from the entry way, "Ash it's time to go home. You have an early day tomorrow."
Both teens stood and walked to the entry way, they gave each other a hug.
"Good night Ash. See you tomorrow!" Dawn says smiling.
Ash smiles back, "Yeah. I'm picking you up at seven o' clock alright."
"Okay." She says nodding.
Joanna hugged Ash, while Delia did the same to Dawn. Both Ketchumzs went to Ash's car and sat in front while Pikachu took the back seat. Off they went to their house. As both teens got read for bed that night a single thought left their minds...
"I love you. I'm just waiting for the right moment to tell you."
I hope the ending isn't too sappy everyone. Already posted the first two chapters of this story! And so far it's getting some views. A little bit of sweet moments with Ash and Dawn, who are acting like a couple despite the fact they aren't officially together yet. Some drama during future chapters, trouble from the Witches and thugs coming soon! Ug oh...
Mm. Any comments or suggestions for future chapters? Please drop them in the comments or message them to me. I'd be happy to read what ideas you readers have for future chapters or stories. Stay tuned everyone!
Signing off,
WL_17