Memories It has been over two years since Ash Ketchum's last battle. As such ending the grand journey he had laid before him once upon a time. Now 16, the young champion seeks another challenge. Yet he misses something very dear to him. Something that helped his life move along slowly but happily…. The dirt road stretched far and wide to the once again challenger "it has been a long time since my last battle" he chatted with his only friend he had with him. His trusty Pikachu "I don't know why I'm doing this, Pikachu. You think we should go back" the mouse looked up at his sad trainer and chipped some words "I know. Perhaps if I think of her, my spirits will rise once more" his voice trembled seeing that it had been long since their last seeing…… It was a celebration party dedicated to one of the most important Pokemon trainers alive "congrats dear boy. I knew you could do it" Ash scratch the back of his head "well you helped me along Prof. Oak" the old man took something out of his pocket "hear me good Ash. Your adventure is just beginning" Ash looked at the small box then at him with steady eyes "what do you mean" the man gave him the small box "see for yourself" Ash's hands trembled as he took the box and began to open it "no not yet. Wait till the party is over" he then walked into the crowd losing himself in the loud music. Ash slowly walked towards his table "hey Ash" he looked up at a very familiar face "Duplica!" he stood up and gave the girl a welcoming hug "its good to see you again" she smiled as she looked around "where's Brock?" Ash looked around as well "I think he was with officer Jenny" her face showed a mint gloomy look "but I'll look for him" she stopped him "no its ok. You enjoy the party I'll seek him out. Its good to see you again Ash, have fun" she waved at him as she too lost herself in the crowd "that Brock. Hasn't lost his girl crazy disease" he chuckled to himself as he sat once more "don't I get a hug?" He jumped up at the voice "Misty! What are you doing here? Thought you were supposed to be with your sis--" she took him into her arms "how about. Its good to see you again Misty. How have you been" he blushed feeling her so near him "I'm sorry. Its just this is a sudden surprise" she released him to see his face "I only came to congratulate you and tell you something very important" his heart crawled with such emotions he felt he was going to pass out "so do I" he said staring at her aqua eyes "Ash…I'm leaving to another region" The sudden news plunged a knife deep into his heart "you're leaving? Why Misty?" she felt bad about having to tell him this, but it was necessary "my parents…they have called for us. I don't know if I'll come back ever. I just don't know what's going to happen to us" she made it sound as if they had a beautiful relationship which they really didn't "I'm very sorry A--" he took her into his arms "I'm going to miss you Misty. I wish there had been more time in our friendship" she felt tears from his face drip on her neck "Ash…" he let go of her and began to walk away "Ash wait!" he shook his head tears falling around "I…have to go" he turned around and ran out the door… Now older he knew his mistake. He knew it was his fault for letting her go "still what could I have done? We wore both young and couldn't really do anything about her leaving" the yellow mouse talked some more "you're right Pikachu. Let's forget about the past" his walk began to slow "I don't think I can do this. Not without her" the mouse jumped off his shoulder and onto a rock "yes. Let's rest some" he sat besides him and gave a sigh "well, well, well. If it isn't the champ" he didn't bother to raise his gaze from the ground "why so gloomy buddy. You feeling ok?" Gary sat beside him pushing Pikachu farther down the rock "I'm ok. I'm just thinking of someone" Gary leaned forward to see his face "its Misty, huh? Why you worry so much Ash. Just go look for the girl" he chuckled softly at his comment "if I knew where she was I would, Gary. Yet I have no clue about her beings" Gary smiled coolly "guess you're in luck then, old chum" Ash straightened up his position and looked at his friend "what do you mean, Gary? Do you know something about her?" Gary placed his hand on his shoulder "I do, Ash. Recently my grandpa received a letter from her. About two days after you left" Ash wanted to smile but he hold it in "what she say?" he asked more curious about the sudden news "she said she was coming back to visit us…especially you" Ash half smiled "why aren't you cheering up?" asked Gary confused about his friends reaction to the great news "cheer about what. If I couldn't tell her then how can I now" he stood up from the rock "let's go Pikachu…" Gary stood up "what if you're wrong Ash? What if she loves you" Ash stopped and shook his head "she wouldn't Gary. Why would she be interested in me in any case. We were always fighting or arguing about something. Something like love would never be a chance between her and me" Gary blinked twice still recapping about Ash's small speech " Ash--" he raised his hand "if you see her….tell her I'm happy for her success as a water PKMN champion…I'll see you around" he began walking once more as his feet dragged behind him. He turned around and went the opposite direction "Ash is wrong about Misty. I know she loves him as he does her. Yet he thinks opposite" he looked back one last time barely making out a figure in the far distance "I know what to do!" he began to run back to pallet town "I know how to get Ash to tell her!" he smiled as he many places began to go through his mind "Ash's first battle will be in two days. that's enough time for my plan" his smiled closed as he saw two faces very familiar to him and more to Ash "hey its that kid" He slowed down as he made out the new faces "oh its you guys. What do you want" they looked at him and smiled "don't worry squirt…err, I mean Gary. We just want to say hi" he gazed hard at their faces "alright. I'll trust you" they smiled as she took out a small wrapped gift "its for Ash. Have you seen him?" Gary first thought was Ash's PKMN "I know what you're up to Team R--" James waved his hand "not anymore kid. That stage of our life is way behind us" Gary tried not to believe what he was hearing "but I thought no one could leave that organization" they laughed coolly "well we actually just didn't walk out the door. We had to fake something out" Gary raised his eyebrow "like what?" the two ex members looked at each other then at him "we pretended to die in an accident last year" Gary understood them now "you guys hid for an entire year to get out of that place" they nodded remembering how hard it had been for them. He looked at their new clothes "I guess I could believe you" they smiled at their accomplishment "thanks Gary" he stretched his hand out to them "I hope I know what I'm doing" James shook his hand "but we want your full trust, Gary. So if you don't mind" James gave him the box "take a look yourself to see what we want to give Ash" he looked at the box and slowly opened it "it's a platinum poke ball. These are extremely rare!" he looked back at James with a stinging look "no we didn't steal it. We bought it with our savings. Its like our apologies for all the things we did to him" Jessie looked behind Gary and saw someone heading their way "look! I think its him" The two of them turned to see who she was talking about "no, that not Ash. Its just Brock" their smiles faded "huh?! Team Rocket! Hold on Gary. I'm coming" Gary turned around once more to see a now running Brock "no Brock Stop" it was too late, Brock had already tackled them down "freeze scum" he pointed a silver gun at them "Brock! Put the weapon down. there are not here to take my PKMN" he looked at Gary under his dark sunglasses "their not?" he slowly got off of the duet "oh my sincere apologies then" he took out his glasses to reveal two green eyes. Gary stared at the two Ex Rockets who were looking at Brock in aw "um you guys" they turned to Gary with their jaws still dropped "oh sorry" they straightened their mouths closed again "its just amazing to believe that all this time he had those two beautiful green eyes" complemented Jessie "that's what all the officers Jenny say" James laughed "so that's how you became the supreme agent in the CTTA" they all looked at him "how you know that?" asked Jessie surprised at her partner "um well…I studied a career you know" they all fell back "you had a career all this time and still joined team Rocket!" yelled an angry Jessie They all laughed "what you studied any way, James?" asked Brock now into him fully "well you know something simple…CIA Academic Department or most know as CIAAD" They were now all impressed especially Brock "isn't that where they hold the big cases like drugs and mafia purposes?" James nodded shyly "man you have been missing on all the fun then" Jessie gazed at him disappointed "why didn't you tell me James?" she asked softly "I'll tell you later. Right now we have to find Ash" Gary remembered what his plan was "well I'll see you guys around" he waved at them as he continued towards Pallet town. Two hours since he had arrived and still no sign of the train "where is she?" he stood up from the bench "who you looking for bro?" he turned around "oh its you" the older girl walked to his side "who's not here yet?" she asked as she looked both ways of the railway "Misty…she was supposed to be here two hours ago" the girl laughed "didn't you know? She arrived on time but not on train" Gary looked at her awkwardly "where is she then?" the girl turned around and waved her hand at him follow me" he raised his eyebrow at her "ok…I'll trust you on this one, sis" It wasn't long before they saw the crowd around the car parked in front of Ketchum's residence "there she is" he began to walk faster "Gary wait up!" he turned back to her "sorry May. I have to tell her something" she began to ran after her brother now several steps of her. They had some trouble reaching the door "where all this people come from?" she shrugged "beats me" they knocked on the door "oh hi you guys. Please come in" they quickly got inside before anyone else did "hey Gary" he turned to a beautiful girl on the sofa "Misty?" The girl stood up "it is you" he took her hand and shook it "I can't believe its you" Misty giggled "hey Misty. Remember me" she looked at the girl behind Gary "hey May. What's going on" she stretched her hand to her as well "its good your back Gary. Did you fetch him" Gary turned to Mrs. Ketchum "oh…I'm sorry. I couldn't" Misty's face saddened "I promised Misty he would be here" Gary felt bad for not bringing him back with him. Though he knew how he would "but I did talk with him" Misty came back to herself again "what he say?" she asked rather fast "well…he said he was happy for your accomplishments and hoped he could see you one of this days" he half lied. Misty felt happy "did he say when exactly?" Gary shrugged "not really. But I know where he will be this Friday. If you want I could take you there if you like" Misty smiled "that would be great, you guys coming?" Mrs. Ketchum looked at May then at her "yea why not" they all walked outside and through the crowd "hey!" they all turned around "where are you going?" asked a familiar figure "hey grandpa. We are going to see Ash. Want to come" the old man stared at them then nodded "I would love to" He looked at the many trainers both young and old though mostly young "look at them Pikachu" so full of joy and wisdom "hey mister. want to fight?" he looked down at a perhaps seven year old kid "I really shouldn't. your PKMN could get hurt" the young child smiled at him "ok" he continued along his freeway journey "they are all full of that special thing you need to win" he looked once more towards the ground "hey Ash!" he looked up to see someone he had not long seen "Brock?" Indeed it was his friend "hey buddy. What's up" Brock smiled at his friend "I want to present some old friends of ours" he stepped aside to show the two persons Ash could never forget "them?! They are not my friends. They always tried to hurt my PKMN!" Brock raised his hands "no Ash. They left Rocket headquarters and are looking to apologize for their wrongdoing towards you" Ash felt really confused "ok. If you say so" the couple walked forwards "here Ash. We want to give you this as a token of our apologies. He took the small box "wow! Thanks you guys" he opened it and took out the shiny object "is this a…" they both nodded "this is so wonderful! I've always wanted one of this" they both smiled "well its time for us to leave" Ash looked at them "wait!" they turned around "I want to apologize for all the things we did to you" they smiled once more "don't worry about it Ash…well, hope to see you around" they waved goodbye to them as the slowly faded in the distance. Now together, Ash and Brock were heading towards the big fight "so tell me why this battle is so important, Ash?" he looked at Brock remembering the times he had helped him in his journey "Prof. Oak said it was the main Champion coronation. You see, after a trainer defeats the PKMN champion he only becomes a PKMN master. So its required that two years pass before he takes his duty as the champion" Brock scratched his head "so why battle?" Ash smiled "that's the best part, Brock. The champion has to battle several chosen trainers to demonstrate his PKMN and battling skills" Brock nodded though he still didn't exactly get it. Finally the lights of the city arose their arrival "it seems most of the people here already know you, Ash. How's that?" Ash smiled "after I defeated Steven, a special news report was given all around the world" Brock stared at all the girls staring making signs at his friend "wonder what Misty would do if she saw all this girls trying to get your attention" Ash stopped and Brock bumped into him "Misty…" his friend came around to see him "you ok?" Ash stared at the ground "I had forgotten about Misty. Maybe I shouldn't really do this Brock" his friend shook his head "don't worry, pal. I'm still here for you" Ash smiled and tried to erase the thought of her from his mind "well then. Shall we find a hotel?" The trees rapidly flew across his eyes "you drive pretty fast Misty. Why the hurry?" asked Mrs. Ketchum who was holding to Prof. Oak with all her strength "yes dear girl. Your driving is very…unique as to say" Misty smiled "I need to find Ash as soon as possible" they all stared at her but didn't ask why. It had been a relief for her to stop "I need some air" said Mrs. Ketchum "um yea me too" in an instant everyone was out and into the small store "maybe you should slow down a bit Misty. We still have a day to get there you know" she looked at Gary who was already filling up the gas tank "I know. But I can't help it, I need to see him as soon as possible" Gary knew why but he still wanted to hear it from her "and why is that?" She looked at him "you know perfectly why, Gary Oak. And if you say something I'm going to say what has been under secret from all about that girl" Gary's eyes widened "ok…I won't say anything. I just want to see you and him happy together" Misty smiled "thanks Gary. Now let's get going" she pressed on the horn and everyone came out with lots of junk food in hands "what's all that stuff for?" ask Misty confused "well you know. Its to relax ourselves" Misty smiled "ok…now let's march ahead" once more the car sped into the speedway. Morning arrived bringing with it a promising day "get up. Breakfast is served" he opened his eyes "but I didn't pay for breakfast?" Brock smiled "complements of the hotel for its genuine guest" Ash laughed seeing how his friend gobbled down a plate. Brock looked at his friend "I know you miss her Ash. But remember all the times you had together with her…now eat up Monsieur. Soon we have to leave" he looked out the window "yes…soon" Brock turned the TV on "yes people. The day has arrived and as you can see many other champions and masters are arriving into the city as well as thousands of fans of PKMN and the new champ, Ash Ketchum. It is going to be a big day" Brock turned to Ash "we need to get you some clothes" They had decided for the moment to hide Ash for the sake of his famous identity "come on. Let's go in here" Brock opened the door and took Ash all the way into the back of the store "excuse me. May I he--" the girl opened his eyes completely "it's the--" Brock closed her mouth "please no. we just need to get him a suit. So please don't say anything" she nodded "ok. Let me just take your measurements" Ash stood up and Brock blocked the space where they had come through "got it. I'll be right back" Ash looked at Brock "its hard being a champ" he laughed at his friend "but you get lots of privileges" they both laughed as the girl quickly came back "here y-you go" she gave him a white and a black suit "I'll take the white one" They decided to go back to the hotel "its so hard to be out there. I wish this would be over already" Brock turned the TV on again and laid on the sofa when there was a knock on the door "aw and I was just relaxing" he stood up "wait!" he turned back to Ash oh yea…quickly hide" Ash jumped into the restroom as Brock opened the door "pardon my interruption sir. I'm looking for Ash Ketchum" Brock looked at the man's face and quickly recognized him "you're the ex-champion Steven" Ash poke his head out of the restroom "Steven?" Brock turned back to Ash as the man came "hey lad. How's it going" they shook each other's hand "its good to see you again Ash. You must be anxious to be announced as the new PKMN champion" Ash shrugged as he sat on the couch "it's a hard responsibility for a trainer" he said as he looked at the TV and saw the many famous people arriving "it's the first time I see so many people come for this event" acclaimed Brock Steven smiled "it is only because of Ash. You see, he is the youngest ever recorded trainer to become a champion" Brock walked into the balcony and looked down "oh great" Ash stood up and walked besides him to see the reason "Steven…take a look at this" the man walked into the balcony as well "it seems I was being followed. My apologies" Ash smiled "its ok. Still its good to see many people interested in PKMN" a sudden cheer roared in the street as more and more people came under his balcony "its going to be a very important event Ash. Try to get some rest" Ash nodded still looking down "you know Ste--" he stopped as he saw no one was there "I've always wanted him to show me how he suddenly disappears" Brock just looked at his friend and laughed. It had been a short while driving the big city. "well…that was entertaining" commented Mrs. Ketchum as she stepped out the car a little dizzy. "let's get a room you guys. Perhaps something not too conspicuous you know" they all looked at Gary and laughed "since when do you think we are conspicuous young boy?" asked Prof. Oak as the rest of them nodded "since I saw that people over there start running towards us" they turned around to see many fans of Ash come to them "it's the champion's mother!" screamed someone as Mrs. Ketchum and her friends were quickly surrounded by hundreds of persons that cherished her son "I wonder how Ash is keeping up with all of this" they all thought the same thing. It wasn't really any trouble at all for Ash. Since he was already in hotel surrounded by bodyguards from the PKMN League. "I can't wait till tomorrow. All those girls" Ash turned to Brock some confusion in his gaze "I thought you had gotten over your girl Disease?" Brock turned to his friend and smiled "technically I have. But after seeing how my eyes paralyzed them…there's just no stopping all the beauty I could be surrounded by" Ash raised his eyebrow and chuckled at the face his friend had on "technically huh? Well to me you're still the same old Brock" they both laughed together like they used to in old times. Finally the day had arrived for the young future champion. "ready Ash? Don't forget to brush your teeth" there was some mumbling from the restroom "yes of course you will get to eat breakfast" the door open as Brock had left the room "oh I'm going to get you Brock" he closed the restroom door once more. "that Ash. Always missing me" he continued walking until he reached the small bar "a Hawaiian drink please. And could I ask you something?" the girl leaned in never letting her gaze from his green eyes "y-yea, anything" he smiled "do you know anyplace around here to have some fun…" he winked at her making her blush "well there's the Malibu club downtown" Brock smiled "thank you very much. Who knows, if I'm not busy one of these days. I'll take you out" he winked once more and left "Elvis has left the building" grumbled the manager seeing how his employee had easily fell for him. The fan-attacked group slowly came out of the building "whoa! I had never been chase by so many girls before" laughed Gary "sure you have. Remember that time you destroyed the Ash-girl-fans-only club?" Gary scratched the back of his head "it was an accident" May laugh "well it wont be next time. That I can assure you" they all laughed except for Misty, she remembered that time they reached that club. How they treated Ash so gentle and her like any other typical girl "I hate that club" she mumbled to herself. The all went into the next hotel they saw before anyone else recognized them "let's get rooms quickly you guys" they all reached the check-in counter "we want three rooms, two beds on each except on one please" the attendant clicked on the keyboard then looked at the names "are you related to Ash Ketchum?" Ash sat on the small couch and turned the TV on once more "the day has finally arrived for the young Ash Ketchum" Ash frowned some "I hate it when I get mentioned" he turned the volume up as he recognized some of the gym leaders "it seems most of the people he battle through his adventure are here to celebrate his victory. And as always security is topped out max. only two companies of the press have been allowed to enter the celebration…and we are one--" he pressed the remote and walked out the door. Though he was dressed properly, he feared they may recognize him "sir. We are your loyal protectors" he turned to see two man wearing the league symbol on their shirts "ok…let's go then" they nodded as they escorted him down the hall "hey look its Ash!" many fans quickly began to run towards him "great. Just what I--" he looked up at his escort which was now holding back the fans "get out sir!" he nodded still gazing at the privileges he had "to the commemoration!" yelled two other new guards "this is going to be a piece of cake" he continued walking when he suddenly recognized someone "no…it can't be" Fear paralyzed him dead in his tracks "its Ash you guys!" the group ran to him but were stopped by the guards "you are not allowed near the champion. step away at once!" yelled one of them "its ok. I know this people" the bodyguards looked at him and nodded "very well sir. Still, we shall accompany you all the way to the stadium" Ash nodded and looked at the small group "what are you doing here" he acted more disappointed then surprise "we're here for you, Ash. And so is Misty" he looked at her who seem awkwardly shy "I can see that. Now let's go" he continued walking "but Ash.." he stopped "I'm glad you all came" he gave a gaze at Misty and continued. They finally reached the giant stadium forth where the festivity to be would soon begin "I'm happy for you Ash. We all are" Gary stepped in and shook his hand "you have proven yourself a great trainer Ash Ketchum. Now could I have a word with you alone…" he looked at the group then at the bodyguards "sure. Whatever" he took him some space away from them. "what is wrong with him professor Oak? He seems different" the Prof. Nodded "yes. I think--" Misty walked in "its my fault. I should have never come here" she turned around and began to leave them. "so you see Ash…" Gary's words faded from his mind as he saw Misty walk away "yea sure whatever Gary. I'll be right back" he began to run after her "perfect" thought Gary as a smile covered his face. Tears flew through the wind as she walked "I'm sorry" she stopped and turned around "sorry for what Ash. It has all been my fault ever since that day" Ash shook his head as he looked at her aqua eyes "no it was mine for leaving you Misty. I should have listened to you that night" she smiled at him "I really wanted to tell you something that day Ash. I wanted to say--" he grabbed her and pressed her lips on his "is that better?" he asked as he gave her her breath back "Ash. You kissed me" she blushed happily "yes Misty. I wanted to tell you that night, but the chance wasn't there" she smiled "well now it is" he took her into his arms "yes it is Misty…and its just the beginning" They began to walk towards their friends who had seen all their scene "finally! I knew my plan would work" everyone turned to Gary "you planned all of this?" Gary smiled wickedly "yep. I knew it was the only way to get them together" everyone stared at him then broke into laugh "what's so funny?" he asked confused at their reactions "you are. We can't believe you went through all of this just for them" he smiled "I did it for a friend" Ash walked over to him and stretched his hand "thanks Gary" he smiled "no prob. Now go and become the champion" The stage was devastating getting him nervous "go for it Ash!" they yelled from the crowd as he looked at the thousands of persons that had come to see him a normal teenager become the next leading champion in the exciting world of PKMN. A young man came into the stage "welcome ladies and gentleman and of course, all fans of PKMN!" a loud roar came from the crowd making the ground tremble some. He stared at the man who nodded art him "now it's the moment you have been wanting to see…here is your to-be-champion…Ash Ketchum!" He felt a tingle ran back his spine "go Ash!" yelled Misty making him turn around "yea! I'm the new champion!" the crowd grew even more excited after hearing the inspirational words from the champion. The lights suddenly dimmed and a drum roll was heard "ladies and gentleman…Steve Aria your ex-champion!" the crowd cheered for their old leader "thanks you all!…as we all know, there is a point in every persons life where they give all the can to accomplish a certain task they dedicated their lives to. Today we see a young man by the name of Ash Ketchum. This amazing trainer has such a beautiful bond with his PKMN that it makes him look undefeatable. "so Ash would you come and do the honors" He stared at Steve as he began to move forward "I hope I don't mess up" he said to himself "look at him people! What do you see in this kid? Confidence, ability, talent, power, and a great hearty for PKMN!" they all clapped at him "Ash Ketchum…today we celebrate your amazing and glorious victory over me…" he took out a small box from his jacket "by placing this ring in your hand you are bout to agree to accept the duties of a PKMN champion" everyone clapped as he began for the box "but remember young one. Forward you accept your duties all must go" Ash stopped in his way "what do you mean, Steve?" he smiled at him "after you become the champion, Ash. Everything besides PKMN must be forgotten from your mind" Ash's eyes trembled "you mean after I become the champion I can't see any relatives?" Steve nodded "you will have to be in duty for 20 years before you can finally be able to see them again" Ash looked at all his closest friends and loved ones "I don't know what to do…" the people saw the fear within him and began to chatter among themselves "do it Ash! Be the new champion!" yelled someone "its your decision Ash Ketchum…I leave it up to you to choose your destiny. Become a PKMN champion…or continue your life like before" Ash's mind was very confused and betrayed "I just…can't decide. All my life it has been my dream to become a PKMN master and champion. But now I stand before you as you hold my destiny in the palm of your hand" Steve felt the pressure for him "a true PKMN master is wise and determined. Think twice before you choose" Ash stared at the box as he reached out for it "is this your Destiny?" he trembled before the him "I know what I must do" he slowly took the box and opened it "people…I've come here to become a champion. Thus I see my dream is not to be true. Now I see my life before me and my dream fly by. With sincere apologies I reject this duty laid before me…forgive me" Whispers roared among the crowd "you coward!" yelled someone as they threw thrash at him "stop all of you!" silence filled the air as a row of champions from other regions formed a line across the stage "don't you see this boy's dream has vanished. His dedication brought him here and yet he is forced not to accept. You shall show respect for such a person, respect and greatness. For with such a person as him, there is bound to be new hope in this world" Ash stared at the crowd as they stared at them. People began to chatter "Ash…" he turned towards the edge of the stage "Misty?" she smiled "I'm very proud of you" he blushed "thanks Misty. I think--" he felt a hand on his shoulder "mom!" she smiled as she gave him a hug "I'm happy for you, son. Now let's go home" He began to walk away when "Ash!" he turned around "will you please come. We want to give you something" he looked at his friends confused and began to head towards Steve "yea?" he smiled "even though you may not be able to become the champion, we want to give you this" a shiny blue ring appeared in his hand "it's the royal league symbol. Any person with this is entitled to be a champion though outside of duty" Ash smiled at his new accomplishment but asked "who will be the new champion?" Steve smiled "since you didn't accept, I have to remain in the title" Ash felt some happy "you know Steve. All my life I have wanted to be a PKMN master and I have earned it. Though it could have been more, I'm still happy for myself" they both shook hands "remember Ash. it's a big world out there, your adventure is not over…its just beginning" Ash felt those words deep inside "the box!" he searched inside his coat and found the same small box the Prof. Had given him the night of the party "I never opened it…" his words faded as he saw what was inside "life's rewards come when you least expect it…" he closed the small box with the note inside "when you least expect it…"