She had to admit, he had matured over the years. Sure he was childish at times, but she quiet liked his new gallet personality. Now that she thought of it, it was probably the only thing that had changed. He still made rash decisions in Pokémon battles, still went by his gut feeling and of course, also relied of luck when the time was tough. Still, he wouldn't become a Pokémon Master if he wasn't skilled.

They were now heading to a new years party, and once again, Misty was last ready. When she finally came down stairs with she sighed. "All right let's go ya bunch of moaners." She said, heading for the door. Brock had been closest, she he exited. Misty reached the door an put her hand on the doorframe, looking back at Ash. "Ya coming?"

Ash was sitting on the one of the red chairs in the lobby, petting Pikachu lightly on the head. Pikachu looked up at his trainer with sad eyes, knowing how bad his trainer must feel.

"What’s the matter Ash?" Misty asked, walking over and standing beside him, looking down. He kept his head down but moved his eyes up to meet hers. "Oh, he's so cute when he does that!" Misty thought to herself.

"Well, it's just that..." Ash paused for a minute, looking at the floor he continued. "Well, my work at the Pokémon League as Pokémon Master starts tomorrow and... I may never see you again... I'm forbidden to call or make contact with anyone, something about a secret mission..."

Misty frowned and looked at the floor too, then looked up and smiled. "Well then... let's have a bit of fun!" She grabbed his wrists and pulled him to his feet, Pikachu clinging to his shirt so he wouldn't fall, then climbing onto his shoulder.

Ash smiled and followed Misty out the door. "She's always there for me..." He thought as they broke into a run to catch up with Brock, who was now flirting with a girl from a nearby sweet-store. After Ash dropped his Pokémon at the Pokémon Center, and Misty had dragged Brock away from the store, the headed off.

Misty sat nearby, shaking her head. "You're just lucky your mom's not here Ash..." She mumbled. Looking at the clock she frowned and stood up, walking over to Brock. "Brock, we should really get going."

"You and Ash go on ahead, I'll stay here a while longer." He said, having a seemingly normal conversation with some girls nearby.

Misty groaned, she was to tired to drag him off, so she decided to get Ash home instead. To bad he dropped his Pokémon off, they'd be quiet useful now.

"Misty..."

She stopped and looked back, Ash was lying on his stomach, arms hanging over the side of the bed. He beckoned her to come over to him, so she did. "What do you want?" She asked, folding her arms as she stood in front of him. He whispered something and she stood confused, bending down so they were eye level. He looked her straight in the eye and stared for a while, not a word spoken between them. Just as she was beginning to feel uneasy, she felt his lips press against hers. Shocked, her eyes grew wide, but she did not pull away. Instead, she returned it, closing her eyes slowly.

But then she began to think about it. Judging by how much alcohol he had had, he had a slim chance of remembering any of this. If he didn't then that was fine, she wouldn't tell him anything, and she wouldn't tell anyone. It was a secret.

Ash stood up, followed by Misty and Brock, and walked towards the gate. He turned and faced them. "Well... I guess... this is it..." He said, looking down slightly but keeping eye contact with his friends. They both mumbled a sad 'Ya.' and Ash closed his eyes tight, walking over to Brock and, much to Brocks surprise, he hugged him.

"You'll be ok." Brock said reassuringly, hugging Ash back. He smiled as Ash nodded, but remained silent.

Ash pulled away and then turned to Misty. He had to tell her... it may be his last chance. "Misty, I-" He was cut short as he heard the last call for his flight. He turned his attention to Misty he had to get it done and over with. "Misty... what I'm trying to say is...is..." He couldn't do it, he was stuck for words. Pikachu tugged at the leg of his pants and pointed at the gate. He clenched his hands in fists and did the only thing he could think. He gave her a kiss, savouring every second, as it may be his last. He pulled away and looked into Misty's shocked expression, but he turned and ran then, tears falling as he did so.

Misty was frozen. She couldn't believe it. She finally found that he love on her life loved her back, and now... he was gone. She wanted to run after him, but her feet were glued to the ground. She loved him, but she didn't want to ruin his dream. Tears brimmed in her eyes as Ash disappeared from view, probably never to be seen again. But one must look on the bright side when times are hard. At least now, he could live his dream.

Little did she know, she was his dream...

She walked up the stairs and along the hall, looking into Kandi's room. It had more Pokémon merchandise then she had ever seen, even more then Ash. She walked in and looked down at her daughter, who was sleeping peacefully. She pulled the blanket up her he and tucked her in, sitting down on the bed beside her, looking down at her. "Ash..."

A dark figure stood up from a desk, on which a belt of Pokéballs lay. "Don't they ever quit?" Ash asked in a frustrated, picking up the belt and putting it on. "Where to Lance?"

"Last I heard the were heading to the Fossil Museum in Pewter City, they must be trying to get those fossils again." Lance replied, following Ash as he walked out the door and down the corridor, Pikachu perched on his shoulder. He'd never expected it when Ash had first come, but Ash was the most respected Pokémon trainer in the League, as well as the most Powerful. He spent more training and perfecting his and his Pokémon's skills and was very critical of his abilities as a trainer, always trying to improve.

Ash took out a Pokéball as he reached the roof of the Pokémon League, releasing Charizard. He told Lance he'd be back and, mounting his Charizard, flew off.

As Ash and Charizard flew on, Ash began to think to himself. "Team Rocket, your plan will never succeed. I will not let you hurt my friend or family. I'll stop you if it take's my very life to do so..."