Okay, this is another idea that's been stewing, but if you're reading this, then I finally felt like posting it. This story is not going to be posted for some time, if it ever does.

Here's the Premise.

Dawn and Ash go into the Mystery Dungeon World. More Specifically, Explorers of Time/Darkness. Ash had been there for a week, while his normal body was in a coma for a week.

Elsewhere, in Sinnoh, Dawn Berlitz was in a Coma for a few days longer than Ash, but didn't wake up with him.

Dawn is a Piplup and the partner.

Ash is a Riolu and the main Character with the Dimensional Scream ability.

Ash was 9 when he first made it to the Mystery Dungeon World, and started his Journey a year later.

Let's begin.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing!

Chapter 1

Ash Ketchum sighed. He had just beat the Pyramid King Brandon, but he was worried.

"Ash, what's wrong?" A female nearby asked.

This was May Maple. She was a Coordinator, but was just learning the ropes at the moment. Beside her was her littler brother, Max Maple.

He idolized Ash, as he was an expert battler, but was also confused.

"I'm fine May." Ash said with a smile.

"I know that smile." On Ash's left shoulder was a Pikachu.

Ash and Pikachu had a very close bond, but even before that, he had been able to understand his Best friend's speech, just like he could any other Pokemon. His friends didn't know this, though, and even his Pokemon don't know why.

Ash simply looked at the Electric Mouse on his shoulder. "What about it?" Ash questioned.

"It's your 'Something's got me worried, but I don't want you to worry' smile. So what's wrong?" Pikachu asked.

Ash rolled his eyes. "I'm fine, Pikachu. Really, I am."

"Then why do you look like someone took a friend of yours away?" Max asked.

Ash raised an eyebrow at the little boy. "Max, if someone took a friend of mine, I would not smile. Instead, you'd get a good view of the Worst my mind can cook up."

"I think we've seen that, Ash." May pointed out.

Ash simply shook his head. "No, you haven't. That time with Brandon wasn't anywhere close. In fact, you could call that Tame compared to what I could, and probably would, unleash."

"Okay, now you're just being ridiculous." Max retorted.

"Ash, what are you hiding?" Pikachu questioned.

"Pikachu..." His voice had a hint of warning, and Pikachu noticed.

"I know this is probably personal, and I probably shouldn't pry, but if this is what you've been hiding this whole time then I think, as your best friend, I should know what it is." Pikachu retorted.

Ash sighed. "Pikachu... there's a reason I don't bring it up. Ever." Ash looked at May and Max. "All I'll say is its about an old friend I haven't seen in a while." He then looked up. 'Hikari, where are you?' He thought with a small frown. 'I know that most Legendaries can't handle your skill or experience, but I'm still worried. We ARE together, after all. Have been since after that mess with Darkrai.'

He sighed and looked ahead. "Well, there's Pallet. Let's go say hi to my Mom." He then looked at May and Max. "And she doesn't know about this, either, so don't ask."

May and Max were surprised, as was Pikachu. His own mother didn't know about this friend? "Wait, why doesn't she?" Max asked.

Ash looked ahead. "Because she wouldn't understand." He then just walked ahead. 'I've had to head Team Chosen ever since Hikari disappeared. I'm worried about her, but I guess that's why I did so well in the Battle Frontier. I had to finish it quickly, and efficiently, before I could go look. I mean, the only place left to search is the Spacial Rift and Hidden Land, but Lapras said she hasn't gone there.'

They walked up to the house, with Ash ignoring the questions sent his way. "Mom! I'm home!"

"Ash! Welcome back, sweetie." A woman with Brown hair in a ponytail, walked into the room. "I see you brought May and Max, too. Come on in!"

Ash nodded, and led them in. "So, Ash. I saw what you've done in the Battle Frontier. I must say you've gotten a lot better."

Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "It's really my Pokemon doing it. I'm not doing much."

Delia Ketchum, Ash's Mother, giggled. "Ash, you're too modest."

Ash shook his head with a smile. "I just give credit where its due."

Delia nodded. "So, I'm making dinner. You want to help, May?"

"Sure! I think I could learn a thing or two." May replied.

"I'm gonna drop my Pokemon off with Professor Oak. How long until Dinner?"

"Give it about 30 minutes. It'll take a while, if this is like any of your other Journeys." Delia answered. "But be back within an hour. Otherwise, it'll get cold."

Ash nodded. "Max, why don't you stick around? I'm sure you can help out here."

"Nah, I wanna see your other Pokemon!" Max replied.

Ash chuckled. "Alright, then. Be back later, Mom."

The two boys and Pikachu walked out the door, and Delia looked at May. "Something happened. Do you know what it was?" Delia asked.

May blinked. "I know a few things, but not much."

"Let's get started on Dinner. You can explain what you do while we cook." Delia stated.

As they went into the kitchen, May had explained most of their Journey in the Battle Frontier. What had Delia worried was that Evil King. "I didn't know that Ash had gotten into something so dangerous."

May shook her head. "I don't think that's what's bothering him, though. On the way here, I noticed something was wrong, but he won't talk about it. Only that he's worried about a friend he hasn't seen in a while."

"It's probably Misty, then." Delia stated.

May shook her head. "It isn't Misty. I know that much. Misty is just a friend to him. The way he talked about this one... it gave me the feeling that he was in love with this one. I'd ask Brock, but he wasn't with us when I finally saw it."

"Then I'm afraid I don't know who it is." Delia stated. "I'll try to get it out of him, but it could be that he's just missing this person, and nothing has happened to them."

May nodded with a smile. "You're right. He probably just misses her."

Delia nodded.

An hour later, Ash and Max walked into the house. "Everything's set with Professor Oak, mom."

Max was happy, and walked over to May, who whispered to him. "Did you figure anything out?"

"Nothing." He replied in a hushed tone. "You?"

"His mom doesn't know anything about it." She replied.

Ash just sighed. "May, Max, no one knows."

"I'm pretty sure Pikachu would know." May pointed out. The Pikachu on his shoulders looked a bit annoyed.

Ash merely shook his head. "Not even Pikachu knows."

This had earned Delia's Attention. "Pikachu doesn't know what?" She asked.

"It's nothing, Mom. Don't worry about it." Ash replied.

"Ash, I'd worry if there was no reason to. I'm your mother. I'm supposed to worry." Delia retorted.

Ash blinked, before shrugging. "I guess. So, dinner ready?"

Delia nodded. "Yes, it is."

After dinner, May and Max went over to Professor Oak's lab, but Ash and Pikachu were held back by Delia. "Ash, what's really going on?"

"I told you mom, it's nothing." Ash pointed out.

"It wouldn't have affected you this long if it were nothing." Delia pointed out.

"She's right. It's been there since before the Evergrande Conference. What happened?"

"Mom, you wouldn't understand the circumstances."

"But I could at least help with..." Delia was cut off.

Ash had never done that before, and it surprised her. "There's nothing you could do to help." In her shock, she couldn't say anything. "I actually thought about telling you last time, but I knew there was nothing you could do, so I kept quiet. At the time, I also thought it was only a small joke on my friend's part, but... well, it's not just a joke."

"Ash... What really happened? I may not understand the circumstances, but I can help. I just need to know what happened, and with who." Delia pointed out. "Even if I can't actively help out in the world, I can still help you."

Ash sighed. "Don't tell anyone, even Professor Oak. He doesn't need to know, and even with his connections, there's nothing he could do to help. Promise me that, and I'll tell you."

Delia looked confused. "Why can't he know? And if this is about a friend, then why couldn't he help?"

Ash sighed. "It's because of how I met this friend."

Delia thought for a moment and nodded. "I won't tell a soul."

"This goes for you too, Pikachu. Not even my other Pokemon can know."

"Ash, if it's hurting you they deserve to know too."

"I went through the Battle Frontier with this in mind. Do you really think it'll hurt my chances?"

"No, but it's still hurting YOU." Pikachu pointed out. "If any of us can help, we will. You know that."

"None of you can. I've already thought about each of you, and there's nothing any of you can do about this one." Ash pointed out. "Just promise me you won't tell any of the others."

"Fine. I won't tell any of your other Pokemon." Pikachu crossed his small arms. "So what it is?"

"Her name is Hikari. I first met her when I was Nine. A year before I met Pikachu, and started my Journey." This surprised Delia.

"Ash, how come you never mentioned her?"

He shook his head. "Because of how I met her, as I said before. You remember the week I was in a coma?"

Delia was confused, but nodded. Pikachu, on the other hand, was surprised. "You were in a Coma?"

"Yes, I was." Ash nodded. "Mom... While I was in that Coma, I met her. Pikachu, you remember what happened in Pokemon Tower with Haunter?"

"How could I forget? That was freaky." Pikachu shivered.

"I know, but that wasn't my first brush with an Out of body experience. My first one happened when I was Nine. My body went into a Coma, and I was using a different body during that time." Ash explained. "Hikari knew this and accepted it."

"So, where does Hikari live?"

"A place called Treasure Town." Ash answered.

"I've never heard of it." Delia pointed out. "Where is it?"

"You mean to tell me you've been to the Mystery Dungeon World?!" Pikachu exclaimed, obviously shocked.

Ash blinked. "You know about it?"

"Know about it? I LIVED in Treasure town! How do you think I was so strong when we first met? I was saved in the Amp Plains, but got sucked into a rift before I got home." Pikachu explained. "None of the others have been there but I have. I haven't been there since, though. But if she lives there, she couldn't be Human."

Ash nodded. "You're right. She isn't. At least, if she was, she never told me."

"Ahem." They both looked at Delia. "She isn't what?"

"Well... Treasure Town isn't exactly populated by Humans. Built, raised, and ran by Pokemon. In Treasure town, Human's are only a Myth."

"It's obviously not anywhere near here." Delia pointed out.

"Try another World entirely, Mom." Ash pointed out. "I never told anyone what happened. But remember what happened a week later? Another Coma that lasted 5 days?"

"I remember that, but it hasn't happened since, has it?" Delia questioned.

Ash shook his head. "It hasn't, but I've been able to go back and forth while I sleep. When I sleep here, I go there. I can even open a Spacial Rift and go there personally. Each time, I take a different form. I started off as a Riolu, but... You could say I evolved here, into a Lucario." Ash explained. "Pikachu, that was why Lucario and I were able to work together after that tumble between us."

"You mean when he forced you into the river?"

"Pikachu, I led him into the river. If the rest of them weren't watching, I'd have used Thunderbolt on said river to electrocute him. I could've done it, but I didn't. I knew what he was going through, and what it could've done. Until now, he's the only one that knew I was once a Lucario. May not know how I have Sir Aaron's Aura signature, but I do know that the Aura Sphere I made that day... it wasn't the first one I've made. It would number somewhere over 5,000. One night here, I get 10 days there. It's also why I woke up late all the time."

"So, what happened to Hikari?" Delia asked.

"She went missing. At first I thought it was a joke of some sort. A week after I started the Battle Frontier, I realized that it was serious." Ash's face turned grim. "I've searched nearly every corner of that world, but... there's no sign of her. No trace. Nothing."

"Don't take this the wrong way but... You don't suppose that maybe she..." Pikachu trailed off. He didn't want to believe it, but...

Ash shook his head. "After what we went through together, there's nothing short of Three Legendaries that could possibly take her out, and that much power would leave some trace."

"What, exactly, did you two go through?" Delia asked, worried.

Ash sighed. "Pikachu, what do you know about Temporal Tower?"

"Not much. Just that it's a Myth."

"It's not a Myth, Pikachu. The first time I went there," He looked at Delia. "This was the first Coma. Temporal tower was, well, the easiest way to describe it is a Physical Embodiment of Time, run by Dialga. My first time there, I washed up on a Beach. Hikari was a shy and nervous Piplup at the time, and I had lost all of my memories. You see, I helped Hikari, and she helped me. We started a Team together, Team Chosen. The two of us were great partners, and trained in Wigglytuff's Guild. Team Skull was a pain, but not as annoying as Team Rocket. Near the end of my first time there, Temporal Tower was about to Collapse."

Pikachu's eyes widened. "But wouldn't that mean Time would destroy itself?!"

"What would that mean, Ash? I mean, if it did?" Delia asked, worried.

Ash sighed. "During the trip I went into the future. As it turns out, if Temporal Tower were to collapse, Time all over the world would stop. Continents would break apart. And the keeper of the Tower, Dialga, would go rampant, effectively trying to kill anyone that goes against him. Hikari and I call that version of him, Primal Dialga. The two of us stopped it from happening by gathering the Time Gears, and bringing them to the Top of Temporal Tower, and resetting Time. After that, I was fading right in Front of Hikari. I told her I'd find a way to return, and that I actually loved her. That's when I woke up here. The first time."

Delia looked on the edge of tears. "Mom, don't cry. The next time I went into a coma, something else was going on there. Hikari was happy to see me, and my feelings for her had only grown. She figured out she felt the same way about me while I was here. That time, however, we had to face off with a Darkrai that wanted both of us dead. He failed. Epically." He tried to joke, and Delia knew it.

That isn't to say it worked, though. "Mom, I was fine. I knew what I was doing. After we took out Darkrai, we had been able to take on some of the most Dangerous Missions, but none of them were on the level of Dialga, Darkrai, or even Palkia. Hikari and I faced all three and won. However, with some advice from Palkia and Dialga, I figured out a way to go back and forth between worlds. That way I could see her whenever I wanted to. I started my Journey 4 months after that. Hikari knows more about my Adventures here, but... the last time I saw her was before the Evergrande Conference. I'm not sure what happened to her, but... I'm worried about her. More than I should, I'll admit. I mean, I can hear it now. She'd probably tell me "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine!" but I'd worry anyway. It's why I've been looking everywhere we've been, and then some." He sighed.

"Ash... I'm sorry." Delia hugged him, crying her eyes out.

He returned the hug. "Mom... I didn't tell you because you wouldn't have believed me before, and even if you did, this would've happened."

"Ash..." Then something occurred to Pikachu. "Wait a minute..."

Ash sent him a look. "Hear me out, okay? If you can go back and forth, then what are the odds that Hikari managed to find a way over to this world?"

Ash's eyes widened. "Pikachu... You really think that it's possible?"

"Ash, if you're involved, it might as well be a fact." Pikachu retorted.

"But where would I look? I know, Hoenn, Johto and Kanto are out. I haven't seen beak nor tail of any Piplup in any of the regions I've been to. Or its Evolved forms." Ash pointed out.

Delia heard this. "Pikachu, you think that she could be here?" She asked, still crying.

Pikachu just nodded. "Professor Oak may not know where she is, but one of his friends may be able to help narrow the search."

Ash's eyes widened even more. "Pikachu, you're a Genius!"

"What?" Delia saw the genuine smile on Ash's face.

"Professor Oak may not be able to tell me where she is, if she is in this world, but he can narrow down the search."

Delia's eyes widened. "You mean..."

"After we narrow it down, I can find her and explain it to her."

Delia nodded, she understood it. "You want to find her, don't you?"

Ash nodded resolutely. "Nothing will stop me from finding her, mom. Not even you."

"Just... answer me this." Delia started. "What does she mean to you?"

Ash looked at Pikachu. "Out of everyone I know, Pokemon and Human alike, She's tied for the Number one spot on the list of beings I would gladly be with and never regret it. Mom, you don't even reach half the level she does. No offense, but with the top two being tied as high as they are... there's no competition. You may be third place, but... Nothing comes close to how close those two are. You're the closest to them though."

"Who's the other one? It has to be a Pokemon. I know that much." Pikachu pointed out.

"Pikachu... the other one tied for the Top Spot is you. I'm not gonna lie, mom, and say that you're a close third to them, because even you don't reach that high. Fourth Place goes to most of my other Pokemon, with Brock somewhere around 20, Misty following him, May and Max following her. They're all in the Top 50, but the Top 4 are still hard to beat. You two, Hikari, and Guildmaster Wigglytuff are far beyond the rest. If I had to choose a Partner, no matter what Species, it would go like this: Hikari, Pikachu, Mom, Guildmaster Wigglytuff, Brock, My other Pokemon, no one, then everyone else."

"Please tell me that it's at least a close call between Hikari and Me."

"It is. It's hard to choose between her and you, but... if I were in a Pinch, and I could only choose one of you to bring with me... I'd probably take her if I were in Pokemon form, but I'd take you if I were in Human form. It could easily go either way between you two. It's that close."

"Then why haven't you told me about her before?"

"Because I didn't want you to worry over something I didn't think you could've helped with. I know you'd try, but at the time I thought it was pointless to find help on this end." Ash explained. "I'm sorry mom. You're close, but not as close as her. You don't get trust like Hikari and I have in each other even in a Life time. It takes a long time, and back to back Life Threatening situations with no one but the other person to count on. Pikachu went through it with me, and so did Hikari. Most of my other Pokemon have as well, but... you've only been in one, and it didn't threaten your life."

Delia shook her head. "At least you have a chance to find someone that can make you happy." She sent him a sad smile. "I hope you can find her. I'll let Professor Oak know."

Ash shook his head. "Just tell him I saw a small Blue Penguin Pokemon and was wondering where to find one, since I didn't see one in Kanto, Hoenn, or Johto. I've only got a few other places to look in the other world, and I can probably search them tonight while I sleep. And if there's anyone that can tell me if she's in that one or not, it's Palkia. Luckily for me, I haven't searched his area yet."

"How long do you think it'll take?"

"I'll probably be asleep for a while, but when I wake up, I'll have the answer. I'll see you in the morning mom." He got up, but Delia grabbed his wrist.

"Ash..."

"Mom, I won't be able to stop worrying until I know for sure. Dialga may not have Answers, but Palkia would most likely have at least one." Ash told her. "I promise you. I won't die. There's nothing there that can do that. Primal Dialga couldn't do it, Darkrai couldn't do it, Palkia, though confused as to our reasons there, couldn't do it, and none of them were from a Lack of trying, either. I can handle it."

"Just... be careful, Ash. I know you want to find her, but..."

"I know, Mom. I know what I'm doing. Trust me." Ash told her softly.

She let go and he went up to his bed, and fell asleep.

-elsewhere-

Here, we have a Blue haired female that looked depressed. 'Ash... I know you're out there, and I know Satoshi isn't your real name, but I miss you.' She was staring at the ceiling, wide awake. She sighed "Knowing you, you're probably searching all over the place to find me. It took me this long to convince my own mother I'd be fine. Especially after that Long Coma in which I grew while I was out of it. I'm sure I confused the hell out of the doctors when I woke up, though. If I wasn't worried about you, I'd have laughed at their faces."

She sighed again. She didn't know her mother was watching her, though. "Satoshi... I know you're out there. I'll find a way back to you. I know you're worried about me, but I'm more worried about you." She started to cry. "Even if my mom would never let me out of her sight, I still wanted to see you again. I wish I knew how to get back... I wish I could see you again..."

Her mother was confused. 'Who is this Satoshi?'

"I don't know if you've talked to Palkia, but if you have... Know that I'm here in Sinnoh. I finally managed to convince my mother to let me go on a Journey. She doesn't know it, but the Contests are only Second Priority for me. Finding you... is the biggest one I have. This, I solemnly swear as Dawn Berlitz... or as you know me, Hikari." She sighed wistfully. "I just wish I could go back and forth like you."

'Dawn...' Her mother thought.

"If only you could hear me, Satoshi. If only you could know what I really am. You may have told me, but I never told you... I thought I had died back then, but I didn't." Her sobs increased. "When I finally woke up, I wanted to go back. I don't want to think it was just a dream."

Just then, a glow emanated from the foot of her bed, causing her to sit up. "Who are you?"

"I am not surprised you do not recognize me, Hikari. After all, I last saw you in the Dark Crater." A surprisingly female voice stated.

"Cresselia?"

"One and the same, Hikari." The glowing figure answered. "Listen carefully. I am not from that world, either. You and Satoshi were both called to it."

"Could you... Could you let him know where I am? And that I never thought I could return?" Dawn asked.

"I have no need to. Palkia already knows, and Satoshi is heading to the Sky Rift as we speak."

"Then will he know where I am?"

"Palkia does not know exactly where you are. I only found out recently." Cresselia admitted. "I know you are worried about him, but you don't need to. I didn't bring either of you there, but rather Palkia did. Celebi brought Satoshi, but he probably never told you his real name."

Dawn shook her head. "He didn't... I figured it out on my own. I matched his stories of what he had done to a single trainer record. I figured it out on my own. I understand why he didn't tell me his real name. It was the Amnesia when we met. It gave him a name, but it wasn't his. I have to tell him the truth, but I don't even know where to begin."

"Listen, you were brought back here because he is needed in Sinnoh soon. You know his true name, and you know more about his journeys than anyone else. You even know of Mewtwo, which no one else knows of. It's only his experience with Aura as a Riolu and a Lucario that he knows. Not even his Starter Pokemon knows about that." Cresselia explained. "He's also able to shift his forms here. He is still a Lucario, and should be coming here soon. I will do what I can, but I cannot guarantee much."

Dawn shook her head. "What you've told me is enough. What Mesprit told me about staying here in Twinleaf was a good idea, I guess. Thank you, Cresselia."

"Do not worry. He will be here soon. You should also start your own Journey soon. Events are in motion now, and you'll need to start soon."

"I know. I finally have the go from my mother. I'd tell her not to worry, but that only makes it worse."

"I see. You told him that often, didn't you?"

"About as often as he told me Momentai."

"Ah, his famous Catchphrase."

"They essentially mean the same thing, I know, but he uses that one, and I use Daijoubu. Although, there's one that he only let me hear. That one would be my proof. It's a code we came up with in case we ever had to deal with a fake version of ourselves. We haven't had to yet, but maybe we can now."

"I see. I wish you luck, Hikari. Farewell." The glowing figure left, and Dawn fell back onto her bed. "Mesprit... Thank you for bringing him to me." Her eyes closed, and she didn't know that her mother Johanna, had heard it.

And she'd keep it that way, as she walked off.

-3 days later, Pallet Town-

Ash had gotten up. A few days ago, Ash had talked to Professor Oak, and described the Pokemon in great detail. Greater than he should have known, but also wasn't everything he knew.

Professor Oak nodded and said he'd contact some of the farther Regions if he could.

Ash and Pikachu had eaten breakfast, alongside May and Max. He didn't tell anyone, but remembered his talk with Palkia.

-Flashback-

A Lucario was staring at a Giant Dinosaur Pokemon with a Pearl in its shoulders.

"Palkia, I have a question I think only you can answer. It's about my friend..."

"I am already aware of why you are here. I have known for some time, actually." Palkia replied.

"Then is she here?"

"No, Ashton Ketchum." The Lucario stilled. "Hikari is not here. In the Sky Rift, or even this world."

"Then... where is she?"

"She is with her mother back in your world. I have received word from Mesprit. You shall find her mother near the Village of Leaf Twins in your world. I hear she talks with Mesprit often. Mesprit is her Guardian there."

"Thank you, Lord Palkia."

"You are needed in her home region, Ash. The reason will become clear to you soon. As she would say: Do not worry. Now, get going. You won't find her here."

-Flashback over-

Since then, Ash had only gone back to lead his Explorer Team. He wasn't looking for her, but he had gone to the Pallet Library the next day.

This surprised Max, who saw him exit it.

Now, he was heading to Professor Oak's Lab, Pikachu on his shoulder. He reached the door, and knocked on it. "Professor Oak, you in there?"

"Ash?" An old voice questioned. "Come on in!"

Ash opened the door, and walked over to the old man in a lab coat. "Professor?"

"I have the answer to your question the other day."

Ash hid his smile. "So?"

"You want to head to the Sinnoh Region, if you're looking for a Piplup, which you described. I have a friend there by the name of Rowan. He should be able to help you in that regard."

Ash nodded, he'd assumed as much from his trip to the Library. 'Palkia's Clue helped out there. Hikari stays in Twinleaf Town. That much I know.' "Thanks for the Information Professor. I appreciate it. I'll get moving tomorrow."

"I take it you're only taking Pikachu like last time?" Oak asked.

Ash nodded. "Yeah, this will be a usual Journey. I'll have to tell my mother, so I'll make my way there tomorrow."

The Professor nodded. "Alright, I can get you a boat Ticket there tomorrow."

"Thanks Professor."

"It's my pleasure Ash."

Ash went home, and let his mother know. She nodded, but said to wait until the next day.

He already knew she would say that, so he told the Professor he'd leave tomorrow, and told her as such.

This time, he wasn't going to hide his true battling skills. He could recognize any Move that could possibly be used, by nearly any Pokemon. He also knew how to counter them.

He decided to rest up for another day, and get ready for anything.

-Twinleaf town-

Dawn and Johanna were eating. Dawn noticed that Johanna was much more lenient than before. She didn't know why, but didn't ask.

"Dawn, you have two days until you can start your own Journey." Johanna said.

"I know mom. I'm looking forward to it." Dawn sent her a smile, still glad that she's able to go at all.

"Dawn, I have a question." Her mother asked.

"Hmm?" She looked confused, but inside something told her that she didn't want to answer it.

"Last night I heard you mumble in your sleep, and, well, I'm curious."

'Danger!' A voice screamed in her mind. She knew this voice, and it always came when something that would probably screw over her plans was about to hit the field. Either that, or she was about to be struck, but that wasn't viable at the moment.

In response, she just blinked a few times in confusion.

"Who is Satoshi?" That made her stiffen. 'I know this is cruel, but I have to know.'

Dawn didn't even meet her mother's eyes. "A friend I haven't seen in almost a year." She mumbled.

"A friend?" She asked, inquisitively.

Dawn didn't even look at her mother. "Mom... I don't think it's a good idea to talk about him. At least... At least for now."

"Who is he?" She asked. She was entirely curious. "It's obvious that you think of him often if you're dreaming about him. So, what do you know about him?"

Dawn sighed. "He's a good person mom. An Aura user, too. He was very good, one of the best last time I saw him." This was news to Johanna. She thought that Satoshi was just a run of the mill guy that was just a simple crush. But an Aura Guardian?

"An Aura Guardian?" She asked.

Dawn shook her head. "Not a Guardian. He could be, but he isn't. He's an explorer at Heart. Always looking for something new. A new challenge, new friends, new places, and then some. He's always looking for something new. His adventurous spirit is one of the highest I've ever known." 'So much so that he managed to find a way into a different world.' She added as an afterthought.

"So, what's he like?"

"He's a Nice guy mom. He has his bad side too, but never turns it on his friends. Loyal, too. So much so that he'd worry about his friends and family even if he didn't have to. He also loves Pokemon. His top favorites are Pikachu, Lucario, and Piplup. He's more of a Gym Battler than a Contest Battler, but he's able to do both. Easily, in fact."

"I see." Johanna was impressed, though only slightly. 'This sounds a lot like a crush now.' "What else?"

"He's also Courageous to the point of Stupidity." Dawn admitted, causing her mother to blink. "Of course it looks like that, but really, he knows what's he's doing, long before he even realizes it. He realizes his plan, his friends would still be thinking he was an idiot, but he's already halfway through it. He's strong, mom. Really strong. Not to mention he's also a pretty good actor, but doesn't use those skills much. It's why he's not a great one. Even if he tried to, I can see through it. Always have. He knows when I feel down, when to make me laugh, and could even tell me what I'm thinking before I

can say anything on it. I could say what's on his mind before he does, too."

Now that was a surprise. "How close are you two?" Johanna asked. Now, she needed to know.

"About as close as two people can get. He got hit once and I felt it and I wasn't even looking at him." Dawn explained. "We're that close, mom. Probably closer."

'Now THAT is cause for some worry. For her to get this close to someone and I don't even see him?' "Where is he right now?"

Dawn shook her head. "I don't know."

"Then what makes you think that he's worth your time?" She didn't see Dawn move. She didn't see the look as she spoke. She didn't see the scowl. She didn't see the hand.

Not until said hand hit her cheek, causing her to look. "Never, and I mean never think he's not worth the time I've spent. He would save my life without hesitation, just like he would any of his friends and family." Her voice was hard, and cold, but Johanna knew the undercurrent.

It was the same one she had when her father said... Her eyes widened. 'Oh no! I can't believe I said that!' "I'm sorry Dawn, but..."

"I know what you're saying, and he would never let me down. It wasn't him that left without saying goodbye. I had no choice in the matter, and was taken from him, only to wake up in that hospital. We spent years together, and I thought that I had died as Dawn Berlitz. I never got to tell him the truth on who I was. He never gave me his real name either, but he gave me enough to find out on my own, and he knew that I would if I had the chance. I know everything he had done until I was taken up for a reason even I don't know. It's not his fault I don't know where he is. It's mine." Dawn turned around, huffed, and stomped off. She stopped at a door. "The only name he knows me by... is Hikari."

She then walked through the door, and went outside. "Meow..." A Dark purple cat nearby spoke.

"I know... It was my fault."

"Meow." The cat replied.

"Please... watch over her. That was my fault." She asked.

The cat nodded and jumped out the window, before going after the running girl.

-lake-

Dawn ran up to the nearby Lake, known as Lake Verity. A Glameow following close behind her. She stopped at the bank, knowing she couldn't walk on the water. She just hugged her knees, while looking at the lake, depressed. She knew Glameow followed her. Even though she hadn't been in her old Pokemon Body, she was able to do a few things she had learned how to do instinctively. Such as when a Pokemon was nearby. She still had the increased senses from back then, too.

Not to mention, the ability to speak to any Pokemon, no matter the species or type.

"Hey Glameow." She replied, not even crying. Her voice showed her depression, though.

"Your mother went too far, I know."

"I know she's only trying to protect me, but she doesn't have to." Dawn pointed out.

"If you would tell either of us why, then we'd know..."

"Glameow, I know that telling you would be okay to a point, but the problem is no one would believe me. Satoshi is the only one." Dawn retorted.

"What? Going to another world?" Dawn looked at the cat in surprise. "Dawn, I know more than you think. Not to mention I've actually been in another world before. It was before I met your mother, but I've been there. Your mother was the first Human I'd ever seen."

"Glameow..." Dawn sighed, as she released her legs. "What do you know about Mystery Dungeons?"

"Quite a bit, actually. I've been in a couple some time ago, but I haven't even heard of one nearby. Why?"

"Would you believe that I've been in one?" Dawn asked.

"Huh. Didn't see that coming." Glameow admitted. "But yeah, I could probably believe that."

"How about the fact that I've been in over twenty different Dungeons on multiple occasions?" Dawn asked.

"More surprising, but not impossible. Still... for that to have happened, I think it would have been while you were in that Coma." Dawn nodded. "I see. Am I to assume you met Satoshi at the same time?"

"Yeah..." Dawn sighed.

"Do you really think he'd come here?"

"Glameow, his home is in Pallet Town. I already know who he is on this side, and who he is on that side. He can go back and forth. I can't."

"So, you think he's worried about you?"

Dawn sighed and looked up. "Glameow, Satoshi and I were close. I know you heard me tell mom that. But I understated it. We were in love. Both of us. We both knew it. We had years to figure it out. We know what it is we felt. He's done more for me than I've ever imagined. More than mom would ever understand. He helped me find my own courage. He helped me build my Iron Will. Who I am today, is because of him."

"But is he worried about you?"

"If Palkia told him I was here, he'd be less worried about my safety, and more worried about getting here. He may act like it sometimes, but he isn't stupid. He's probably still worried about me, though. I know how to make sure its him, too. And even let him know who I am."

"How?"

"We have a code for when someone tries to impersonate one of us." Dawn explained. "He knows the code just as well as I do, and it's between us and only us."

"I see. So, how long you gonna stay out here? You mom is sorry about what she said. She knows she made a mistake."

"I'll be out here for a while. I can manage." She gave a sad smile.

"I'm staying too, then. Your mom wants me to make sure your safe." Glameow pointed out.

The two just sat there in silence for a few minutes. Dawn admired the sounds of the Nature. The waves against the shore, the rustling leaves, the whirlpool forming...

'Wait. Whirlpool?' Dawn blinked at the whirlpool, and narrowed her eyes at it. 'There's a Psychic Type coming out of...' She sighed in relief. 'Mesprit. Thank Arceus, it's just you.'

Glameow, however, was on guard. "Dawn..."

"It's alright, Glameow, she's a friend."

There was a giggle. "Right you are, Dawn." As she thought, it was Mesprit. "What's got you down?"

"My mother was being an idiot." Dawn admitted.

"Oh... I should probably let you know something Azelf told me. Apparently, Satoshi will be getting to Sandgem in about 2 days. Three if he takes too long." Mesprit giggled at the happy look on Dawn's Face. "Thought you'd like the news. Azelf likes him, and so do many other Legendaries. Especially Lugia in the Orange Islands. He has a lot of good favors built up."

"I figured. I mean, he told me about his adventures. All of them since I last saw him. His trip to New Island, even though he shouldn't remember it, he does, and I know about it, too." Dawn admitted.

"Dawn, you want to see him right?" Dawn nodded at the Psychic Type. "Word of advice. Don't bring

your bike."

"Huh? Why?" Dawn blinked.

"Did he tell you what happened to May and Misty?"

Glameow blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Well, he did mention Misty never letting up about a... bike... Come to think of it he never told me why it was such a problem to her."

"His partner Pikachu fried both of their bikes." Mesprit pointed out. "Misty took it harder than May."

"Oh... Good idea then." Dawn agreed. "I'd rather keep my bike intact, thank you very much. On the other hand..."

"Dawn. No." Glameow said. "Your mother would not agree."

"Do you really think that matters to me, Glameow?" Dawn asked. "Because I think it's kind of tradition. I'm also not supposed to know he's coming, so I should try going without him. I'm bringing the bike. If it gets fried, it gets fried."

"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you." Mesprit replied. "By the way, I'm also surprised you haven't shifted into your Pokemon form yet.."

Dawn blinked. "I can do that? I thought I had to go back to do it."

"No, just focus on your Pokemon form. It's a good idea to close your eyes first." Mesprit replied.

Dawn did so, and felt her form shift. It was weird, but about the same as Evolving from Piplup to Prinplup and then again to Empoleon. When she opened them, she felt the difference in her body. She glanced down. "Thank Arceus! I'm Empoleon again!" She looked at Glameow which was doing a very good impression of a Magikarp.

"Dawn?!"

"Yup! It's me!" Dawn replied. "When I'm like this, I'm just called Hikari, though. Don't tell mom?"

"Uh... I doubt she'd believe what I just saw, even if she saw it herself." Glameow admitted, still shocked.

Hikari then turned too Mesprit. "Thanks Mesprit! I SO owe you one! I'm gonna swim in the lake. See ya, Glameow!"

"Wait!" Glameow stopped her.

"What?"

"What happened to your clothes?" Glameow pointed out.

"They melded to your body. They'll come back when you change back. Oh, almost forgot." A small winged badge appeared and fell in front of the Empoleon. "There's your Explorer's Badge. Good luck!"

Hikari nodded. "Good to know. Glameow can you watch over my badge for me? I really want to get back to swimming."

"I guess. I'm supposed to watch you, though."

"Yeah, but right now, I'm in a form that I've taken on a Darkrai in a volcano and won. I don't think you have to worry about me while I'm like this."

Glameow blinked. "Volcano?"

"Dark Crater. I'll explain later." Hikari then jumped into the lake, and began to swim around.

She kept this up for well over an hour, when Glameow had to hide, due to some thieves nearby trying to mug another man nearby.

She noticed this, but didn't recognize the person. 'What would Ash do in this situation? He'd knock out the thieves, obviously. But how?' Then a thought hit her. 'That'll work.' She fired a hydro Pump from her Trident Face mask, and sent the thieves flying.

The man looked around in surprise. "Who's there?"

She was already back underwater swimming away. 'If I used Hydro Cannon, then I wouldn't be able to get away. I already know I'm going to get Piplup as my starter. It'll be an advantage as I'll know everything it can learn from the beginning. Not to mention I'll know how to use it.'

Hikari went back to Glameow who looked to be asleep. She got out of the water, and shook the excess liquid off her body, waking the Cat Pokemon. "Hikari?" It asked.

Hikari then glowed and changed back into Dawn, who had a big smile on her face. "Yeah, it's me. Someone was mugging an old man nearby. Used Hydro Pump on the thieves from the lake."

"Hello out there?" Apparently, the old man was coming up to them. Dawn looked. "That's him." She whispered, so only Glameow could hear.

Dawn put the Badge on her vest. She looked out. The old man walked up to them. "Excuse me, young miss. I was wondering if you saw a Trainer around here."

"No, but I did see an Empoleon nearby. Why?"

"I see." The old man stated. "Say, how old are you?"

Dawn's eyes narrowed. "Who wants to know?"

The old man blinked a few times. "Oh... I see. Well, I am Professor Rowan. I have a Lab in Sandgem Town, and I use it to study Pokemon Evolution."

Dawn blinked. "Oh. I didn't know that's who you were. I'm Dawn Berlitz. I live in Twinleaf. I came out here for some fresh air."

"It can be dangerous without a Pokemon, though."

"I have my mother's Glameow with me. Plus the Water Pokemon of this lake tend to like me. They'd help if they had to."

"Ah, I see. A Water Trainer, I presume?"

Dawn shook her head. "Not a trainer at all. I was planning to go to Sandgem in two days, though. Starting a Journey then."

"Ah, I see. Well then, I'll see you then Dawn?"

She nodded in reply, and he walked off. "Oh, and if you see whatever launched that Hydro Pump, then please thank them for me."

Dawn nodded. "I will."

"Farewell." He then left sight.

Dawn blinked. "Didn't think he was that important when I did that." She mused, before looking at Glameow. "Let's go back. It's getting late."

"Good idea. I figure I should leave the Empoleon bit out?"

"Please do. As for Professor Rowan, if she doesn't ask, she won't know. Deal?" Dawn asked.

"Alright. Let's get you home, Dawn." Glameow replied. The two just walked home. One thought on Dawn's Mind. 'Ash Satoshi Ketchum, I will see you again... and if you fry my bike then you won't have to pay for it.'

She smiled as she reached her front door.

-with Ash-

Ash stared at the ceiling of his room with a smile on his face. 'Hikari, I'll see you again. Real soon. Count on it.'

00000x00000

Chapter complete!

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE INSANITY! ALL HAIL THE LOG!