May a New Day Dawn

Hello Readers, Flamewing here. I'd just like to state that this is my first ever fanfic, so expect some stupid mistakes. I've been reading a bunch of them over the last few weeks and figured I'd give it a shot. I thought of this story's opening while working and also have a note here about it. I'm including two, that's right count 'em, two kinds of shipping in this fic. The first one is Advanceshipping as I love the AshxMay couple. The second one is a little different. It's like Pearlshipping, but with a non-Pokémon character (Or OC as I have come to learn). The OC character is based mostly on myself. I wanted to include myself in the story because that'd give more passion and a reason to write, so I hope you all like learning about my character. This story also takes place a few years later… so here are the characters and their respective ages.

Author's note (9/12/14)- Fair warning, some characters may appear OOC at times. This is done for either story purposes, or due to my lack of watching the anime for a while. My apologies if it seems out of place, but I did my best to both tell a gripping story, and remain true enough to the anime to be believable. I have done basic editing of the chapter, and I might even do a chapter 1 re-write for the story's one year anniversary. Anyways, enjoy the story!)

Author's Note (10/18/15) As of this update, I have officially confirmed the death and discontinuation of this story. However, I still encourage you to read this tale as it'll introduce you to my writing style and show you some of my early improvements. However, if reading what you know is an incomplete story ain't your thing, feel free to read my one-pff stories, or pick up my alternate series "A Tale of Two Dragons". Thank you for your interest, and I politely ask you to Not follow/fav this story, as it is dead.)

Ash- 18

Stephen-19

May-18

Dawn-17

Other characters will be outlined as they're introduced.

Now, onto the story!

Chapter 1. Homecoming

The sun was setting and the wind was calmly blowing in the small town of Pallet. On the hill, the windmill slowly turned, as it always does. The birds were chirping, as they always do. And the sky was beautiful, as it always was. Silhouetted against the sun, two figures could be seen walking up the away side of the hill. One trainer has messy, raven-colored hair, a baseball cap, and his friendly yellow-mouse Pokémon on his shoulder. Ash Ketchum, now a young-man from Pallet Town, and a well known Pokémon Trainer was finally returning home after being away training for many years after the Sinnoh league. Stopping at the top of the hill, Ash smiled to himself and took in the sights. Suddenly, he felt a hand clasp onto his left shoulder.

"It's nice being back home again eh Ash?" The voice said.

Knowing the voice of his long-time traveling Companion, Ash turned around to look at his best (Human) friend: Stephen, a fellow resident of Pallet Town. (A.N. It's pronounced like Stee-ven by the way.) Stephen was a little over 6 feet tall with short, dark brown hair. He had a cow-lick on the front of his hairstyle. His eyes were a calming sapphire-blue and his face looked both serene, but capable of being fierce if the situation called for it. He had on a dark blue hooded-sweatshirt with stripes of yellow going down the sleeves. Underneath he wore a plain yellow shirt. The Blue pants that Stephen had on bore the same. His sneakers were white with lines of blue going around it. Down Stephen's back he wore his distinctive Grey cape with a 1 inch border of a much darker shade of grey. In the middle of this cape was a blue shield with a yellow Dragon wrapped around it.

"Yeah, it's always nice to see that some things just never change." Ash replied with a warm smile on his face. "I just wonder if everyone will recognize us after such a long time."

"Aw come on man, you're worrying too much." Stephen stated, trying to relieve Ash's fears. "We grew up here; of course everyone will recognize us." Nodding, Ash looked back towards the house he grew up in and smiled.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Last one there's a Slowpoke!" Ash laughed as he took off down the hill.

"Hey! No fair I wasn't ready yet!" Stephen complained as he gathered himself and ran after Ash.

As both of the young men ran side-by-side they started discussing their first destination.

"Shouldn't we maybe go see Prof. Oak first?" Stephen asked while breathing a little heavily.

"Yeah that sounds like a good idea, save the best trip for last" Ash replied, implying that going home was the best trip.

Stopping at the door of Prof. Oak's lab, the two young-men knocked on the door.

"I'm on my way!" a familiar voice sounded.

Opening the door, Professor Oak was nearly overtaken with surprise.

"Well lookie who we have here!" The Professor started, taking both of the young-men into a hug. "I haven't seen either of you in so many years! How've you both been?" The Prof. finished by letting them both go.

"We're doing great professor, right Pikachu?" Ash stated looking at his partner.

"Pikachu!" was Pikachu's reply.

"Yes Pikachu looks very healthy." Professor Oak said, analyzing Pikachu with his all-knowing eyes. "How about you Stephen?" The professor asked, shifting his gaze to the taller brunette trainer. "Is your Partner doing well?"

Stephen laughed for a couple of seconds before grabbing a Pokéball from his belt.

"Of course Professor! Let me show you. Espeon come on out!" Stephen shouted while tossing the ball into the air.

The ball opened to reveal an almost cat-like Pokémon, with whiskers at its side and a tail that forked into two parts at the end. The Pokémon also had a circular red gem on its forehead and long ears.

"Espeon!" The Pokémon stated with a smile, happy to see the Professor again.

After the Professor looked this new Pokémon over he leaned back with a smile.

"Well I guess I should have known better. Both of you have taken very good care of your Pokémon."

"Of course!" The pair replied, smiles lighting up their faces.

"But let me get a good look at the both of you now, my how you've both grown." The Professor added giving both of the young men an appraising look. They were both decently built from their training, and both also had a confident look in their eyes that nobody could match. Stephen stood slightly taller than Ash, only by about a couple inches however, but even Ash was taller than the esteemed Professor. Ash was wearing slightly larger versions of his Sinnoh clothing and Stephen has the before-mentioned attire. Six Pokéballs lined each of their belts and both looked more matured from their years of training.

"Oh but where are my manners?" Professor Oak started with an embarrassed grin. "Here I am rambling like an old man when you're both probably eager to go home. Well, don't let me keep you."

Both of the young men nodded and turned to leave.

"Thanks professor!" Ash yelled heading for the door with Pikachu on his shoulder.

"It was great seeing you again!" Stephen finished, recalling Espeon into the Pokéball.

After both of the trainers had left, Professor Oak immediately ran to the videophone to call Delia Ketchum, Ash's loving mother. After a couple of rings, the woman answered in her usual cheeriness.

"Oh why hello professor!" she exclaimed smiling at the unexpected phone call.

Professor Oak got right to the point. "They're back."

Shocked at first but quickly regaining her composure, Delia nodded and hung up the phone, having other calls to make before the trainers arrived.

Meanwhile, in Viridian city two well known Pokémon coordinators were relaxing at the Pokémon center after a good day of training for appeals when a phone went off at the desk.

"Hello?" The local Nurse Joy asked, answering the phone. "Yes, they're both still here. I see. I'll put them on right away."

After hanging up the phone the pink-haired nurse looked at the two coordinators. "Excuse me. You two have a call on this first videophone here." The nurse said, gesturing to the line of videophones, the first one lit up.

"I wonder who would call us at this time of day." The Brunette coordinator asked herself.

"Well, only one way to find out." The Blunette coordinator replied.

After answering the phone, an image of Delia Ketchum came on screen. She was quick and to the point, much like Professor Oak.

"Girls, they're back." She stated and then hung up the phone.

Both coordinators both couldn't believe their ears! Ash and Stephen were finally back after years without contact! They both quickly hung up the phone, gathered their belongings and ran from the Pokémon-Center heading down the short road to Pallet town.

Nurse Joy sweat dropped and laughed to herself. "I wonder what has them all excited."

Meanwhile, back in Pallet Town, the two returning Trainers stood in front of Ash's house, too worked up to knock on the door. After a few minutes of self-pep talking to themselves, Ash was the first one to knock on the door to his house.

"I'm coming~" a cheerful voice rang from somewhere inside. Shortly after, the door was opened and Ash's mother smiled at her guests.

"My little Ashy is back!" she nearly shouted, dashing out the door and grabbing Ash into a very tight hug, causing the trainer to blush a little.

"Mom…I…can't….breathe!" Ash managed to get out.

Letting go of her son after a few seconds, she smiled and looked at her second visitor, looked slightly up at she noted.

"And Stephen is here too!" the mother smiled grabbing the other trainer and hugging him nearly as hard.

Chuckling and wearing a sheepish grin, Stephen returned the gesture.

"It's nice to see you too Mrs. Ketchum." Stephen finally replied after the mother finally let him go.

After looking at both of the trainers, noticing right away that they both had grown, physically and mentally, Delia smiled and let the two young men inside.

"I was just about finished making dinner." Delia stated while shutting the door behind her.

Both of the trainer's stomachs started to grumble at the thought of Mrs. Ketchum's cooking.

"Why don't you all let your Pokémon out in the back yard while I finish? I can have Mimey cook them some food as well." Delia suggested opening the door to the yard.

"Hey, great idea mom!" Ash laughed going out the door to the yard."Come on Stephen!"

"I'm right behind you!" The brunette trainer replied, heading out into the yard as well. The backyard was truly beautiful with flowers and plant of all shapes and sizes planted in very organized rows. The garden was about 30 feet by 30 feet and had a small pond in the far left corner. Beside the pond, two picnic tables were placed under the shade of a tall Oran berry tree.

"Come on out everyone!" Ash shouted tossing all five of his Pokéballs into the air. After popping out in white lights, Ash's Pokémon all announced themselves. The Pokémon were Pikachu, Infernape, Staraptor, Torterra, Gliscor, and Floatzel.

"Let's have a little fun and just relax today gang." Ash started. "We've been training or a long time, and we've earned the rest. The Pokémon all cheered and went off to rest and relax.

"O.K. everyone, let's come on out!" Stephen shouted tossing his six Pokéballs into the air.

Out popped Stephen's Pokémon, all happy to see their trainer. They were all as follows: Espeon, Typhlosion, Swampert, Electivire, Aggron, and a rare-colored Absol.

"I can only repeat what Ash said I suppose." Stephen started, rubbing the back of his head with his right hand. "So just relax today, you guys have all earned it."

After all of Stephen's Pokémon cheered as well, they too went to relax on their own. Ash went to take a quick nap under the Oran tree while Stephen laid on his back on top of one of the picnic tables, looking into the sky. Releasing a happy sigh, Stephen become lost in his thoughts.

"It really is nice to be back. We've trained so hard, done so much, and accomplished many things. I can't wait until some new challenge comes my way, 'cuz my Pokemon and I will be ready!"

A gentle breeze blew making some leaves from the Oran tree rustle. Stephen instinctively stuck his hand out and an Oran berry fell perfectly into it. Bringing the berry closer to his face, Stephen remembered something he had picked up earlier. Sitting up and reaching into his pocket, Stephen pulled a small pink fruit with a slight heart-shape to it. It was a Pecha Berry.

"Hey Ash!" Stephen called out to his friend napping under the tree.

"Hm?" Ash wondered as he lifted the right end of his cap up to look at his friend.

"Do you think your mom would mind if I planted a Pecha tree here? I think it'd make a nice addition to the garden here."

"Go ahead and ask her." Ash replied, gesturing to the open window from the kitchen.

"MRS KETCHUM!" Stephen shouted, waking some of the Pokemon.

"What is it Stephen?" the woman replied, leaning her head out the window.

"Can I plant this Pecha berry in your garden please? I think it would make a great addition to all of the other plants." Stephen inquired while holding the pecha berry for Mrs. Ketchum to see.

Smiling at the young man's thought, Mrs. Ketchum was sad to inform him that Pecha berries had a hard time growing in Pallet Town as the soil isn't quite right. They only grow in certain spots.

"Can I at least try? Please?" Stephen begged.

"You're free to try dearie." Was the reply he received.

Hopping off of the table and looking around, Stephen began inspecting different spots of the garden for an ideal spot for the future tree. After a few minutes of finding unsuitable spots, he stopped in front of Ash's Torterra in the far right corner of the garden. Stephen's irises became purple for a brief second before fading back to their usual blue.

"Hey Torterra, would you mind moving for me please? I think I just found the perfect spot for this tree." Stephen asked while smiling. Seeing his request as reasonable, Torterra nodded and moved next to the pond and lay down by Swampert. Stephen dug a small hole with his hands and dropped the Pecha berry into it. After gently covering up the hole, Stephen gave the spot a small bit of water from the hose.

"There!" Stephen stated proudly with his hands on his waist "That spot should do nicely."

Peering around the tree to see what his friend was doing, Ash spoke up.

"What made you choose where Torterra was sleeping Stephen?"

Stephen could only smile and shrug. "I've just got a feeling."

After pondering his friend's actions, Ash merely shrugged it off and turned back around to resume his nap and let his thoughts drift. Stephen had grown somewhat of a green thumb while out training over the years. He seemed to be able to predict things involving people or nature, but he couldn't quite explain how.

"No matter." Ash thought to himself "There's a time and a place for everything." Just as Ash was about to fall asleep he heard his mother's voice from the kitchen window.

"Boys~! Dinner is ready!"

"Alright!" The two trainers cheered as they ran into the house, both retaining a fond memory of Mrs. Ketchum's cooking.

After both of the boys had sat down at the table Ash was staring earnestly into the kitchen, awaiting the very second that Mrs. Ketchum would walk around the corner with some delicious food. Stephen, however, noticed something off.

"Hey Mrs. Ketchum? Why did you set out two extra plates?" Stephen asked, noticing that five total plates had been set out. It was then that he heard footsteps coming downstairs.

Earlier…

On the hill leading into Pallet Town, two women stopped for a moment to catch their breath. One had Brunette hair covered by a red bandana, a red short-sleeve shirt with a black tank top underneath. She also has on dark blue shorts and red shoes. Hey hair resembles an upside down V somewhat, and came down to just past her shoulders. The other had blue hair that went down to just above her waist, with a white beanie, gold clips in her hair and a black tank-top. Her miniskirt was pink to match her boots. She also wore a red scarf around her neck.

"Do you think they'll be excited to see us?" The brunette asked her companion after regaining her breath.

"No need to worry! I'm sure they missed us just as much as we missed them!" The blunette replied.

After pausing for a second, both women blushed slightly as they realized just how much they missed the two trainers.

"Well… maybe nearly as much as we missed them."

"Come on then!" The brunette yelled starting down the hill "They can't wait all day for us!"

"Wait for me!" The second coordinator replied, starting off down the hill after her companion.

After running for a bit, the two coordinators were standing in front of the house of Ash Ketchum. It took them a second to compose themselves, but the brunette eventually knocked on the door. After waiting for a few seconds, Mrs. Ketchum answered the door and smiled.

"Oh girls! I hadn't expected you here so quickly!" The mother stated with her usual smile.

"Well when we heard that Ash and Stephen were back, we just couldn't wait to see them again." The blunette answered. "Are they really here?"

Nodding, Mrs. Ketchum let them both in and led them to the kitchen window.

"Now I want your visits to be a surprise, so only take a quick peek ok? Mrs. Ketchum instructed.

Nodding, both girls looked around the ledge to get a glimpse of the two trainers in the yard. One trainer was walking around inspecting the soil for some reason. He kept muttering to himself and shaking his head, making his way over to a sleeping Torterra. The other, raven-haired trainer was happily sleeping under the tree with his hat pulled over his face.

"Wow, they've both grown up so much!" The brunette whispered.

"Why is Stephen wearing a cape though? The blunette asked her.

"I'm not sure, it seems kinda odd to me."

"I think it makes him look rather dashing."

Both girls giggled at the thought, but they quickly hid as soon as they heard one of the trainers speak.

"Hey Torterra, would you mind moving for me please?"

"O.K. girls, enough staring now." Mrs. Ketchum teased "Go upstairs and get ready to come down on the signal."

"What's the signal?" The brunette coordinator asked.

Winking at them both, Mrs. Ketchum told them what to listen for. Both girls then went to the top of the stairs, just out of sight, waiting to hear the words to descend.

"Boys~! Dinner is ready!" Mrs. Ketchum called from the kitchen.

"Alright!"

After hearing some chairs being pulled out both girls tensed up a little, nervous about seeing the trainers after so long.

" Hey Mrs. Ketchum… why are there five plates at the table?" they heard a voice ask. Knowing that was the cue, the two girls casually walked downstairs.

"Hellooo boys~" They both said, walking down the stairs with smiles on their faces.

Looking over, both Ash and Stephen had questioning expressions, not expecting anyone else to be at the house. However, their looks quickly changed to delight after seeing who the guests were.

"May!" Ash nearly yelled, happy to see his friend.

"And Dawn!" Stephen quickly followed, happy as well to see the coordinator.

"So how've you two been?" May ask with a wink.

"Catch any new Pokemon?" Dawn followed with a wink of her own.

"You know it!" Both trainers happily replied at the same time.

"Well I hope you boys are hungry~" Mrs. Ketchum called from the entrance to the kitchen, holding a big platter of the most delicious food any of the four trainers had seen in a long time. Just that moment, the stomachs of both of our male trainers decided to make their presence known, making everyone laugh." Well come on girls! I set plates out for the two of you as well."

Both girls made their way to sit at the table, May across from Ash, and Dawn across from Stephen. May got to her chair first and sat down and pulled herself closer to the table. However, just as Dawn was about to pull her chair out it seemed to move itself away from the table. Catching a glimpse of a retreating white sneaker, she smiled.

"Why thank-you Stephen." She thanked.

Winking at her, Stephen could only reply "Whatever are you talking about Dawn?"

Blushing slightly at Stephen winking at her, she quickly felt it pass and sat down, scooting closer to the table.

"Eat up! I made plenty enough for everyone." Delia Ketchum cheered happily, setting the food down on the table. There were ribs, burgers, spaghetti noodles and sauce, and some delicious looking potatoes. After taking a moment to admire the meal before them, the group quickly started piling some food onto their plates, Ash and May's plates significantly higher than those of Stephen and Dawn.

"Ah how I missed your spaghetti Mrs. Ketchum!" Stephen sniffed happily at his plate of pasta. Then something occurred to him. I made plenty enough for everyone! "Wait a second." Everyone stopped upon hearing this.

"Is something wrong Stephen?" Delia asked, concern showing on her face.

Stephen only raised an eyebrow and smiled at her. "You said you made enough for everyone." He gestured to May and Dawn. "Did you know they were coming?"

"Hey yeah!" Ash said, putting the puzzle pieces together

Delia could only laugh to herself upon hearing this piece of insight. "Well Stephen I see still nothing escapes your notice."

"Especially the taste of this delicious spaghetti!" Stephen pointed out, his mouth already full of the pasta.

Everyone just laughed and returned to their meals. After a few minutes of eating, May was the one to break the silence.

"So Ash, what kind of new Pokemon did you get exactly?" She asked, wiping some BBQ sauce from her face.

"Oh, all kinds!" Ash happily exclaimed "It's hard to narrow it down to just a select few though. Dawn could tell you of some of them. Some of the gang are from Sinnoh, like Torterra for example. Dawn smiled, thinking back when Torterra was just a little Turtwig. "How have you been May? Win any more contests?"

"Of course!" The coordinator proudly stated. "You've gotta hear about this one contest in Olivine City, it was so amazing!" May then proceeded to talk…and talk… and talk about the contest she so fondly remembered.

Sweat dropping at her friend, Dawn turned to Stephen and blushed a little before asking "So…uh... Stephen, did you um… miss…me?" That final part little more than a squeak.

Upon hearing this, Stephen nearly choked on his milk he had been drinking. After coughing for about a minute, and answering all of the replies asking if he was ok, Stephen replied with a sheepish grin "Sorry Dawn, what did you ask me? I seem to have forgotten."

Dawn teasingly kicked Stephen's shins under the table and asked her question again, without the squeak this time. Ash and May (well… mostly May) were still talking about May's contests and paid little attention to the other two.

"Well…uh…I-I…uh…." Stephen stuttered, turning slowly to the left while rubbing the back of his head. "Gah!"

Typhlosion had slipped into the house and was giving Stephen a level gaze. After staring at it's trainer for a few seconds, it's face broke out into a grin and Typhlosion was laughing at its trainer, causing Dawn to giggle, and Stephen to blush.

Quickly recovering, Stephen gathered himself "Typhlosion! Shouldn't you be outside with the others?" he inquired, embarrassed at his Pokémon's actions. Typhlosion quickly returned outside when Dawn heard a voice.

Of course I missed you Dawn.

"Huh?" Dawn wondered, looking around for the source of the voice. "That kinda sounded like—"

"What's the matter Dawn?" Ash asked, reaching for more food for his third plate already

"Oh it's nothing." Dawn said, brushing the event to the corner of her mind "No need to worry."

"You know what my reply is about to be… right Dawn?" Stephen said with a smile, ready to correct her if she answered wrong. Dawn quickly put an end to his scheme by kicking his shin again, not teasingly this time, causing his eyes to twitch and water a little.

"Ow." He mouthed, causing Dawn to giggle again.

The rest of the meal proceeded without incident, and after the gang had finished their meals, Mrs. Ketchum cleared the table and went to the kitchen to do dishes. Ash and May both let out large burps, causing Stephen and Dawn to sweat-drop.

"Well Ash, you were right." Stephen laughed "Some things never do change.

"I'd lean over and slap you Stephen" May sighed "But I'm too full." This brought another round of laughter from the group.

"Well it's getting late, should we all head off to bed?" Ash asked, leaning towards the stairs.

"Yeah sounds good… I'm sleepier than a Snorlaaaaahhhhhhhhx." Stephen replied, a yawn interrupting him.

"Oh my gosh!" Dawn cried out "How're we gonna make it back to our rooms at the Pokemon Center?"

Luckily, Mrs. Ketchum heard this and already had a solution. "You and May are more than welcome to sleep in the guest bedroom for the night! There should be a spare bed and I know Ash has an extra sleeping bad lying around."

"Really? Thanks Mrs. K.!" May happily replied. After the gang had all gone upstairs and changed into their sleeping attire, they both were in their separate rooms preparing for bed. Ash and Stephen shared a room, while May and Dawn shared the guest room.

"So? Did Stephen miss you?" May asked her friend while lounging on the bed.

Dawn only blushed again, fortunately with her back to May, as she was putting her diary away after logging the day's events.. "Well he didn't actually say it but—" She started, suddenly remembering the voice. Of course I missed you Dawn. "Hey May, did you hear a voice at all during dinner?" Dawn asked, turning to May.

"No, why…? May responded, leaning up and looking at her friend with a confused expression. "When did you hear it?"

"Right after Stephen told his Typhlosion to go outside." Dawn recollected. A playful smile appeared on May's face.

"Wasn't it right around there that you asked Stephen the question?" she pointed out "what did the voice even say.

Dawn blushed, again, and mumbled something under her breath.

"What was that? You'll have to speak up." May teased, raising a hand to her ear.

"The voice said 'Of course I missed you Dawn.'" The Blunette was finally able to get out, her face redder than a Krabby.

"Wait, but I didn't hear Stephen say anything, he was too busy pointing at the door so his Typhlosion would leave him alone." May said.

"That's what I thought, but now I know for sure, that was definitely Stephen's voice I heard." Dawn stated, mostly to herself. Shrugging, she went on to say "Well it won't do us any good to sleep in too late, we should go to bed and see what happens in the morning. Goodnight May." Dawn concluded, climbing into her sleeping bag.

"Goodnight Dawn." May replied, turning off the lamp.

Meanwhile…

Ash and Stephen were relaxing from the day's events, Ash rubbing Pikachu on his lap, Stephen on his sleeping bag on the floor. After a few minutes, Ash could sense that something was bothering his friend, so he looked over and asked him "Is everything o.k. Stephen? You seem to have something on your mind."

"Did dawn somehow hear me?" Stephen thought to himself "I know I seem to have some sort of…ability. I can tell what people are thinking, but only certain people seem able to hear me. I've been able to better understand my Pokemon thanks to this talent, but what if it has other aspects that I'm unaware of? What if I can somehow—"

"Hey Stephen, are you ok? Ash repeated, snapping Stephen out of his trance. Knowing his friend's concern, Stephen took a deep breath before answering.

"Yeah something is bothering me, but I'm trying to piece it together on my own. If I can't figure it out, I'll ask you… alright?" Nodding at the response, Ash twisted to turn the lamp off so the two could fall asleep.

"Well as long as you're ok for now." Ash replied

"No need to worry man, I'm fine." Stephen yawned, turning on his side so he could get comfortable. He heard Ash chuckling.

"Sheesh, you see her for one day and you already sound just like Dawn." Ash pointed out, rolling onto his side as well. Stephen was glad Ash had turned the lights out as he didn't know how to explain why his face felt suddenly very hot. With a final sigh, everyone in the Ketchum house eventually drifted off to sleep.

Well, that was it. I hope you all enjoyed Chapter 1 of May a New Day Dawn. It became a lot longer than I imagined it, the little word counter to the bottom left of my screen approaching over 5 thousand. I should probably wrap this up. Feel free to review my story and recommend it to others to read if you'd like. I was heavily inspired by other Fics I've read so pm me if you would like some reading materiel on a rainy day and I'll point ya to a few gold mines. Also, for any one you who felt it in them to follow this story (Thanks a bundle) I hope to have chapter 2 up within 2 weeks at the least. I have college to deal with, at the moment, with many tests and exams right around the corner (not yay!) But after finals I have a solid month off so maybe I can even write a chapter a week! We'll have to wait and see. Thanks again for reading and this is Flamewing… signing off.