Hey everyone! Facescar here with a new FanFic for you guys! This will probably be a 5-7 chapter story while I gear up for something… else ;)

-9/24 EDIT- Hey guys, because you guys have been so awesome about this story, I've decided to make this a MUCH longer story than what I originally planned. I'm not going to spill the beans on exactly how long, but I'm hoping you guys enjoy the change! I'm also editing this chapter to get rid of some really annoying typos, so enjoy! -END EDIT-

A quick thanks to Syugecin for "encouraging" me to write this.

Any time Pikachu speaks in this chapter, I'll be trying to use his recognized names for people (if it exists). I'll mention the names the first time I use them, but each time after that, it'll be left un-noted.

No, despite the totally prevalent accusations to the contrary, I do not own Pokemon. (And Nintendo has said they love it when we use their stuff in stories, so let us be!)

Anyways, let's get on with the show!

-Chapter 1: Brock's Goodbye-

Our three young travelers stand at the Sandgem Town docks, watching as the sun begins to set over the surrounding forest. The oldest among them stands closer to the dock with his large backpack resting on the ground next to him. Behind him sits a large, impatient ferry, with smoke pouring out as its engines begin ramping up.

"So... this is it guys," the tall man said, a sad smile on his face.

Brock was leaving his traveling companions for good. The former gym-leader had decided, after traveling the world for years, that it was finally time for him to set aside his traveling pack and settle down. He'd recently received an offer from the Pokemon Center in Pewter City, his hometown, and had taken the job immediately. He was to become the facility's resident breeder, taking care of the pokemon on longer-term stays. It was his dream job, something he'd been working towards even during his Kanto travels with Ash and Misty.

"Yeah. It's hard to believe this day's finally come. It's been fun traveling with you Brock-o." Ash, one of his companions, joked, despite the similarly sad expression on his face. The two had traveled now through four different regions, and despite the many goodbyes they had shared, this would be their final one.

The boat's whistle rang out one more time, signaling that it was ready to leave. Ash could feel tears welling up in his eyes as Brock lifted his bag onto his shoulder. Seeing this, Brock decided he wasn't done yet "By the way, Ash?"

"Yeah Brock?" Ash looked up, trying to will the tears and emotion out of his eyes.

"I've got something for you, a goodbye gift," The breeder said, hading Ash a small slip of paper. "Don't open it yet, Brock said, somewhat urgently, glancing quickly over towards Dawn. "You should read it later, ok?"

"Sure, thanks Brock," the trainer responded with a small smile, pocketing the small piece of paper while wondering what was inside.

"And Dawn? I've got something for you too," he continued with a smile, "it's a recipe for the food I usually make. You'll need it now that I'll be gone."

"Thanks Brock!" The young coordinator replied, reading the large instruction sheet before placing it in her bag.

Brock waved goodbye one last time and ran onboard, yelling, "Ash, Dawn, take care of yourselves now!" as he disappeared from view.

The two stayed nearly rooted in place until the boat finally turned the corner disappeared. For Dawn, who had only traveled with Brock during her Sinnoh journey, the goodbye was not quite as devastating as it was for Ash, but it was still saddening. He was one of only two people she had ever traveled with on her short pokemon adventure, and now he was gone. Even worse, Ash might soon be leaving too. With this thought rattling in her head, she spoke softly to her lone companion, "Hey Ash, we should get going now. We need to make it to Twinleaf before night fall."

Ash, who was still staring out towards the orange-tinted sea, turned to her quickly and nodded a bit in confirmation.

They slowly started off down Route 201, with Pikachu walking along behind them, ears pinned back. It quietly muttered "Pika-Chu" (his name for Brock), remembering all his travels with the expert poke-chef.

As the sun began to disappear over the horizon to their right, Ash and Dawn finally crested the final hill. As they stood, weary and saddened by the day's events, over Twinleaf Town, they could see its nightscape coming alive. Lights flicked on in many houses and in the main stores. Above them, the darkening sky quickly passed from orange to deep red and a deep purple color.

As the sky finally settled into a deep shade of black, they made their way onto the main street with streetlamps began lighting up all around them.

Dawn had been silent during much of the journey, which was worrying Ash. As they passed the stadium where the Twinleaf Festival was held, he turned to her and asked, "Dawn, are you ok? You've been quiet ever since we left Sandgem."

"Yeah, I'm fine," she answered quickly, a bit surprised by the sudden question, "I've just… I've just been thinking, that's all."

"Is it that you miss Brock too?" The question made Dawn fall over, anime style. As Ash reached down to pick her up, she answered.

"No, it's not that at all," Ash looked at her with a confused expression on his face, but she responded with a more serious expression as she stopped walking. She stopped for a second to build up her courage before asking, "Ash… are you leaving too?"

Ash, finally getting it, got a sober expression on his face. He answered, quickly turning away, "Yeah, my ferry is going to leave in a few days."

"Oh." Dawn started off again down the road, hiding her face too. Ash, looking up and realizing that she'd left, ran after her, calling out her name. She slowed down again, letting Ash catch up, but she continued to look away.

"Dawn, are you ok?" Ash asked, concern clear in his voice, while Pikachu added, "Pikaka?" (his name for Dawn). Both Ash and Pikachu looked at her intently as she struggled for words.

She responded, still looking down at the road. "It's… it's nothing. No need to worry, right?" she said, turning to face Ash with a fake smile.

"Oh, sure. I guess so." Ash answered, not entirely convinced by her smile.

Dawn turned back to face the ground as they turned off onto her house's porch. They climbed the few steps out front and Dawn knocked on the door.

"Dawn! Ash! It's so nice to see you!" Johanna called out as she answered the door, happy to see the two. "Please! Come in!"

-END CHAPTER ONE-

A/N-

So, that was chapter one of my new FanFic. Please leave a review to help me improve and maybe leave some plot ideas! Thanks for reading!

It may seem a bit dull (especially towards the end), but there's no need to worry! This story will be ramping up significantly in the next chapter, since this was just the set-up one. Please stay tuned! :)