Hero
Part 3

Inside Ash's room...
Ash throws his hat across his room, knocking some things down. He throws his bag on the floor and sits on his bed and begins to cry.
"Misty..."

('Hero' by Mariah Carey)

There's a hero,
if you look inside your heart.
You don't have to be afraid
of what you are.

Ash thinks back to all the adventures they shared together.

There's an answer if you reach into your soul.
And the sorrow that you know will melt away.

He remembers the loving look Misty gave him when she took her last breath.

And then a hero comes along,
with the strength to carry on.
And you cast your fears aside,
and you know you can survive.
So when you feel like hope is gone,
look inside you and be strong.
And you'll finally see the truth,
that a hero lies in you.

It's a long road,
and you face the world alone.
No one reaches out a hand for you to hold.

He remembers all the times that Misty cheered him on during all his matches and how she was always there to encourage him.

You can find love,
if you search within yourself.
And the emptiness you felt will disappear.

Ash picks up a picture that was taken not too long ago of him, Misty, and Brock. They were all so happy. What would become of their happiness?

And then a hero comes along,
with the strength to carry on.
And you cast your fears aside,
and you know you can survive.
So when you feel like hope is gone,
look inside you and be strong.
And you'll finally see the truth,
that a hero lies in you.

Ash lifts up his tear-stained face to look out over the horizon.

Love knows two wings are hard to follow,
but don't let anyone tear them away.
Hold on,
there will be tomorrow.
In time you'll find the way.

He looks at the picture once again and can't help but smile. He gently caresses Misty's picture.

And then a hero comes along,
with the strength to carry on.
And you cast your fears aside,
and you know you can survive.
So when you feel like hope is gone,
look inside you and be strong.
And you'll finally see the truth,
that a hero lies in you.

That a hero lies in you...
That a hero lies in...you...

Ash lays back in his bed. He begins to whisper to himself.
"I'm sorry Mist."
He experiences many flashbacks, then finally sits up.
"What do you want me to do Mist? I'm lost without you."
Ash looks at the nearby ocean as the waves gently roll onto the sand. He nods.
"This is for you."
He gathers his stuff and prepares to leave. Adjusting his hat, he looks back over the horizon and mouths 3 words.
"I love you..."
He leaves.

Back in the lobby...
Brock, Hikara, Pikachu, and Togepi look up to see Ash emerging from his room.
"Pikapi!"
It jumps into Ash's arms. He smiles at the amount of affection shown by his first pokemon. Ash hugs it back in comfort.
"Thanks Pikachu. I needed that."
"Ash..."
Brock looks at him in hope.
"Let's stop Aki."
Brock puts his hand on Ash's shoulder and nods.
"I know Misty wouldn't want me to quit. I'm not gonna give up. I failed her once and I'm not gonna do it again."
Hikara smiles at him.
"Ash, your father knows you can do it. He's very proud of you."
"Are you talking to him now?"
"Yes, I am."
"Tell him that I love him and that I won't allow Aki to win."
"Trust me, he knows."
Ash nods.
"Let's go guys."
They leave.

Meanwhile...
We see Aki and Marissa discussing something in the vortex, while something, or should I say, someone dangles above them.
"My plan worked perfectly."
"It was flawless master."
"We shall see how the chosen one reacts to seeing his treasure...alive."
"Put me down!"
Misty is floating in a black swirl. Marissa smiles at her predicament.
"The circle of darkness should do the trick. He won't dare fight against his loved one. Now hush up brat! There's no escape."
"There will be plenty of time to talk once the chosen one gets here."
"Huh? What do you want with Ash?
"That is for me to know."
"Don't you dare lay a finger on him or I'll--"
"You'll be singing a different tune once the conversion takes place."
Misty looks at her, a little scared and a little confused.
"Conversion?"
Aki smirks.
"Yes. In a mere matter of moments you will find yourself turning against the one's you love...including the chosen one. We'll just see how strong his will is."
"No...you can't do that!"
"I can and I will."
"Please, don't..."
Tears start to trickle down her face. Marissa begins to taunt her.
"Aww...look at this. The treasure's crying."
'Why do they keep calling me his treasure?'
"You forget my dear that I am pure evil, and nothing is going to stop me..."

Later...
"We have to get back to that gym."
"It's no use. The vortex is gone. I can no longer feel Aki, but trust me...he'll be back."
Ash is lagging behind, not really paying attention. Brock notices him.
"We'll find him."
"It hurts..."
Brock just nods.
"I really loved her Brock, but the worse part is...I never got to tell her. Why did this have to happen to Misty? I would have gladly given up my life for her. I miss her Brock."
"So do I."
"Pikachu."
"Choki prii."
Hikara walks up to them.
"I assure you, your pain will go away once we defeat Aki."
Ash shakes his head.
"My pain will never go away. It's gonna haunt me for the rest of my life."
"You can't let this one event affect how you lead the rest of your life. Trust me...I know. I did the same thing."
Brock and Ash look at her, confused.
"Before I became your father's protector,I too had a problem similar to yours. It was late at night and I wasn't supposed to be out, but I convinced my boyfriend to take a walk with me. We were walking back to my house when all of a sudden, there was a gang of about 10 surrounding us. They grabbed us and held us apart. I remember the gang leader holding a gun up to my boyfriend's head and saying 'Any last words?' Then...he shot him. After that, I believed that it was all my fault and that I caused his death. I was never able to get over it...until I met your father. He told me that it couldn't have been helped because he would've been killed anyway. The gang leader turned out to be a Team Rocket member. My boyfriend was a spy for a special organization that he never told me about."
Ash and Brock are speechless.
"After my conversation with your father, he asked me to be his protector and he told me all about himself. That's when I obtained knowledge of Aki and Marissa. After he taught me all I needed to know, I gained the powers that I have today. Even though I lead a much different life now, I still think of my boyfriend every single day. But the point is, you can't let a tragedy like this destroy you, no matter how much you loved Misty. You know her better than anyone and I think you know that she would never want you to blame yourself for her death. She'd want you to be happy, not mourn over her."
"Your right..."
He drops to his knees.
"But I just can't do this without her."
"Ash..."
Brock looks up.
"Huh? Did you hear that?"
The wind starts to blow lightly.
"Ash..."
Ash looks up, scared.
"Who's there!?"
The unknown voice speaks again.
"Ash..."
'Pikachupi?'
Hikara's eyes widen.
"Impossible...I don't believe it."
Brock looks at her, confused.
"Who is that?"
She smiles.
"You guys aren't gonna believe me, but--"
Just then, the wind starts to blow more fiercely.
"Hold that thought!"
They're sucked into another vortex. Ash, Brock, Hikara, and Pikachu land in an arena. Ash's father is behind them.
"They're here somewhere."
All of a sudden, someone speaks.
"The almighty chosen one looks so weak and insignificant, especially without his treasure."
Aki and Marissa appear in a flash. Ash tries to lunge at them, but is stopped by his father.
"Let me go!"
"No. Your gonna get yourself killed."
"I don't care!"
Marissa mocks him.
"Very persistant, isn't he?"
"Extremely. His anger has reached its peak. Don't you see chosen one? It was you that killed your beloved treasure, not me. You were the one that couldn't reach her in time and you did nothing to try and save her."
"No...no. That's not true. I-I tried."
"Ash, don't listen to him. He's only trying to confuse you."
"She's right."
Hikara steos up to the duo.
"And that reminds me, where is she?"
Marissa smiles wickedly.
"Whoever are you talking about?"
"You know very well who I'm talking about! Misty's alive, isn't she?"
Everyone gasps, including Satoshi.
"I must admit Hikara, your powers are becoming much stronger."
Aki snaps his fingers. They all look up to see a black swirl with Misty floating inside of it. She has her eyes closed. Ash takes a step closer.
"Misty...is it really you?"
Aki smirks.
"As you can see, she is very much alive."
Hikara then realizes something.
"The circle of darkness...Ash! Don't take another step closer!"
"Huh?"
Satoshi tries to explain.
"The circle of darkness is filled with evil spirits that will try and corrupt her."
"That is correct my brother. And when she awakes, you'll no longer be happy to see her."
"No...Misty..."
Ash then realizes a white shimmering cape materialize around Misty.
"What's that?"
Hikara gets a closer look.
"I didn't think it was real..."
"Her will to live is strong, she must be holding onto her last bit of energy. Something or someone is giving her a reason to live."
Satoshi looks to Ash.
"She's holding on for you Ash. That is the cape of purity, no evil can penetrate it."
Brock throws a fist into the air.
"All right!"
Hikara smiles at the sight of Ash tearing up.
"And another good feature is that Aki and Marissa won't be able to see it."
"I knew Misty wouldn't leave me without a fight."
Marissa narrows her eyes at them.
"What are you fools mumbling about?"
"Your in for a very rude awakening."
"What are you talking about?!"
"Ignore her Marissa. She's just trying to confuse you. She knows very well that we have won."
"Master, my sources indicate that the girl has been converted."
"Excellent."
Ash gives a worried look.
"But how?"
HIs father puts a hand on his shoulder and smiles.
"It's time."
The circle of darkness descends and soon disappears.
"Good."
Misty begis to float a couple of inches away from the floor. Brock starts to get nervous.
"Well, this is it. Time to see if you guys were right."
"Ash?"
He looks to his father.
"Do hold her in your heart?"
Ash looks at him for awhile then answers.
"Yes, I do."
"Then everything will work out fine."
Misty is brought down. Aki snaps his fingers.
"Awaken!"
Misty's eyes open, her gaze meeting Ash's. He tries to speak but no words come.
"Mist..."
"Attack them!"
She remains still.
"I said attack them!"
Misty gives a weak smile to Ash before collapsing. Ash quickly runs over and catches her.
"No! How can this be!?"
"All right! The circle of darkness was useless. News flash! The cape of purity can't be penetrated! Thank you very much."
Hikara smiles proudly.
"Th-the cape of purity?"
"You heard me. Open up your eyes, look at those two. They aren't capable of commiting any evil...love rules over all."
"Love...that word disgusts me."
Ash gently caresses Misty's face, ignoring everything that was happening around him.
"She's weak. Stand back."
Satoshi places a hand on Misty's forehead. It starts to glow then dissipates. Soft groans are heard from Misty. She slowly opens her eyes. Ash starts to tear up once again.
"Misty..."
"Ash..."
He gently caresses her cheek.
"I thought I'd lost you."
Misty smiles weakly.
"You could never lose me Ash."
Ash looks into her sparkling blue eyes and says the one thing that he regret not saying before.
"Misty...I-I love you."
"I know. I just needed to hear you say it. I love you too Ash, I always have."
Marissa looks at them in disgust, talking in a sarcastic tone.
"Oh, this is so touching."
Ash glares at Marissa and Aki.
"You took her away from me once...it's not gonna happen again."
He turns to Misty.
"I promose I won't fail you this time."
She shakes her head.
"You've never failed me...never. When two people love each other, there's no such word as failure...only hope.
Misty wipes away his remaining tears with her finger.
"We're gonna do this together...just like we always have."
Ash smiles then nods.
"I missed you."
"I missed you too."
They hug. Aki interrupts.
"The chosen one and his treasure, together again...how sweet."
"My treasure?"
Ash looks to his father.
"Your treasure stands before you and means more to you than life itself."
He looks to his side and sees Misty smiling at him.
"I'm just as surprised as you are."
"We'll see just how strong you really are chosen one."
Marissa smirks.
"Be sure not to make the same mistake twice."
Ash cringes at the thought, but Misty puts a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't let her get to you."
Marissa glares at Misty.
"It would be a pity if anything else were to happen to her."
Hikara jumps in.
"And it would be even wors eif anything happened to you."
"You waste your time trying to protect them."
"Not once have I ever wasted my time doing anything...and this is no exception."
Aki interrupts their argument.
"Are you all ready to perish?"
"Aki, this must stop."
"Don't you see brother, I live off of seeing people suffer. The look on the chosen one's face when he thought he had lost his treasure...it was priceless. Now, rise my warriors!"
The same warriors from before rise from the ground. Brock sighs.
"Not these guys again. Now what?"
Ash steps up to face them.
"We have to fight. I'll fend them off for as long as I have to. You guys get out of here."
Pikachu jumsp on its master's shoulder.
"Pikachu!"
Misty steps up beside Ash.
"Pikachu's right. I'm with you too."
Brock steps up on the other side of Ash.
"So am I."
Hikara steps next to him.
"Don't forget about me."
Ash looks to his friends, then nods. He then looks to Misty.
"I guess you never thought that our meeting would lead us here."
"No, not really."
"Well, this is it."
"Wait! What about our pokemon?! They aren't healed yet!"
"They're fine. I took the privelage of healing them for you."
"Thanks Dad. Now, let's do this!"
"You're a foolish one, aren't you? You can't escape the inevitable! Attack!"
"Now! Go Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Noctowl! I choose you!"
"Go Staryu! Go Poliwhirl!"
"Go Onix, Geodude, Golbat, Pineco!"
Marissa gets into a battle stance.
"Your practically ordering them to die!"
"No, we trust our pokemon. I promised my pokemon that we'll always fight side by side."
"Promises are petty."
He looks at Misty.
"No, they aren't. I know they aren't."
"Have it your way. Destroy them!"
The warriors attack the pokemon.
"Guys, stay sharp! It's all about teamwork! Try a team tackle!"
They all attck but are thrown back.
"Are you all okay?"
They all nod.
"Ash, this isn't gonna work. The same thing's gonna happen. We have to think of a different strategy."
"Yeah, but what?"
"I don't know. Ash, I-I'm scared."
He grasps her shoudlers.
"Me too, but we'll be okay. Just stay close to me. You'll be fine."
'I have to face my fears. I can't let this bring me down.'
She nods at him.
"Let's beat them."
Ash smiles. Ash, Misty, and Brock command their pokemon to attack. Hikara helps them. As the pokemon battle rages on, our trio shout out commands and encourage them. In the end, the warriors prove too much for the pokemon and are victorious. The pokemon pant heavily.
"Well, my warriors made short work of them, didn't they?"
"They sure did master."
Aki raises his hands.
"Now, this will be the end of you!"
Everyone looks on in horror. Ash holds Misty close, scared of what might happen. One thing floats through everyone's mind. What will happen next? Everyone holds their breath, until...the doors fly open revealing 2 teenagers, standing back to back.
"Who are they?"
Satoshi smiles at them.
"Perfect timing."
"What's this?!"
The two forms become visible. One is a boy and the other is a girl, both about Ash and Misty's age. Ash gasps.
"It's them..."
"Who?"
"How dare you interrupt us! How did you find your way into this vortex?!"
The boy smirks.
"Answer me!"
"You think your the only ones with magic powers."
Aki gives them a confident look.
"I know who they are. They are the ones from the other dimension."
"Maybe..."
"This is all your doing, isn't it Satoshi!?"
"Perhaps."
"Well, two children aren't going to stop us from destroying you."
The two teens speak up.
"Oh really?"
"I wouldn't bet on it."
"You can't possibly be as powerful as me."
The gilr looks towards Ash and Misty.
"Maybe not by ourselves."
"Ash, do you know them?"
"I don't know. This is all so confusing. I could have swore I saw those two in my daydream."
"You did."
Ash looks to his father.
"Huh?"
"The legend is finally coming together."
"Do you guys see a pattern here?"
The look at Hikara in confusion until Brock says...
"Wait! I see it! Those two must be a team, just like you guys are. Get it?"
"Uh, yeah. I think so."
Aki forms an energy ball in his hand.
"Leave now, or my warriors will force you to leave."
"And why can't you do that yourself?"
"Very well."
He throws the energy blast at the two.
"Watch it!"
The girl and the boy dive to the side, unharmed.
"Good going big mouth."
The boy starts to whisper to the girl.
"We have to get him away from Ash and Misty."
"But don't you think we sho0uld explain it to them first?"
"We don't have time for introductions!"
"I suggest you move."
Aki fires another blast at them.
"Move it!"
The boy pushes the girl out of the way and they land in a heap with Aki and Marissa advancing on them.
"Go! They need your help!"
"But what can we do?"
"Use your Pikachu."
"Well, are you up for another one Pikachu?"
"Pikachu pika!"
"That's the spirit! Misty, bring out Staryu and see if its recovered."
"Right!"
Misty calls it out.
"Are you well enough to fight Staryu?"
"Hiya!"
"All right! Let's go Ash."
Aki prepares another blast.
"You'll be sorry you ever crossed me."
"Oh great. Now what?"
"Well, you have th cards with you, don't you?"
"Yeah."
"So use them!"
"Okay, okay."
"Staryu, water gun!"
"Pikachu, thunderbolt!"
As we all know by now, water conducts electricity, therefore, electrocuting Aki and Marissa. It stops them temporarily.
"You'll pay for that!"
"Come on, get up, get up."
The boy helps the girl up.
"I'm up."
Marissa gets up first, enraged.
"Now, who goes first?"
"Pikachu, use th--"
"Not so fast!"
She blows it away with a powerful blast of her own.
"Pikachu!"
"Staryu, hydro pump!"
She merely holds out her hand to it as it evaporates.
"Please, you can do better than that."
Marissa shoots a powerful beam of water out of her hand. It hits Staryu and faints.
"Oh no. Staryu..."
She returns it.
"You deserve a rest."
"Brock, come here and take PIkachu."
"And Togepi too."
"But you guys--"
"Just do it Brock, we'll be okay. If something happens, just get them out of here."
Brock just stares at his friend.
Come on Brock!"
He takes Pikachu and Togepi.
"Who wants to die first?"
Ash steps in front of Misty.
"Foolish boy. How can you possibly be the chosen one? You'll be sorry."
"That's what you think."
"Ash and Misty need our help."
"I know. Let's go."
"Oh, your not going anywhere."
Aki appears in front of them.
"Out of our way Aki!"
"Not this time. I'll make sure no one stands in my way of being the supreme ruler of this world."
"If you actually think we're gonna let you do that, your crazy!"
"What was that? 'Let me?' I do what I wish! No one is going to stop me! Not you two, not the chosen one, not his treasure...no one!"
He laughs evilly.
"Do it! Use a card!"
"Right!"
"Don't come one step closer Aki."
Hikara steps in front of the duo.
"Out of my way Hikara!"
"No way! You'll have to get past me first!"
"That can be arranged!"
Hikara whispers to the boy and girl.
"You have to craete the circle of light. Hurry!"
"Right!"
They run off to help Ash and Misty. Marissa is just about to attack them.
"You shall never see the light of day!"
"That's what you think!"
Before Marissa can react, lightening strikes her and she falls. Ash and Misty look to see sparks coming out of the boy's sword.
"Hurry, come with us before she wakes up."
'Let's go."
Misty nods. They run to the middle of the arena where there is a symbol on the floor, surrounded by a dark aura.
"What's going on here? Who are you guys?"
"We'll tell you our names once we're out of danger."
"We have to hold hands in order for this to work."
They obey. The boy chants some words then starts to recite the legend.
"The four warriors will come together and, with their powers combined, extinguish the evil and forever trap him in exile!"
A light shines in the middle of their circle. Their eyes are closed all the while. Marissa gets up shakily.
"No! Stop!"
She starts to run towards them but Hikara leaps on her.
"Hurry it up over there!"
"Now, everyone. Right hand in the middle."
They obey. The light becomes brighter than before. Aki shields his eyes.
"NO!"
The symbol in the middle changes and the dark aurs has been replaced with light. The light from the circle shoots straight up and hits each one of our heros in their extended right arm. Aki and Marissa begin to fade away.
"No!"
"You mustn't!"
The room fills with the bright light...

When Ash opens his eyes, all he sees is white. He looks around for any trace of Brock and Misty but finds none.
"Your friends are safe."
He turns to see his father.
"Dad..."
"Ash..."
Satoshi puts his hands on Ahs's shoulders.
"It's over. I'm very proud of you son. You've become just as strong as I knew you would be. You are the chosen one."
Ash nods.
"I'm gonna try my best not to let you down Dad."
"Ash, just remember that you always have your friends by your side. In the end, they will see you through. Have I ever been wrong before?"
"Not that I know of."
"Afterall, you met the girl of your dreams, didn't you?"
"That's true. I just wish that could have been formally introduced."
Satoshi smiles.
"That can be arranged."
He snaps his fingers and Misty appears.
"Do not be afraid young lady."
Ash laughs.
"Misty, afraid? Yeah right."
"Ash, what's going on here?"
"An introduction. Mist, this is my Dad, Satoshi. Dad, this is Misty."
"Its nice to finally meet you Misty."
"Its nice to meet you too Mr. Kethcum."
"There's no need for formalities. You may call me Satoshi."
"Oh, okay."
Ash smiles at her.
"Isn't she great dad?"
"I love her already."
"I knew you would."
Misty stands there with a big smile on her face.
"I guess that means that I've been excepted, right?"
"You don't have to prove yourself to me or my dad, you know that. He somehow predicted that I was gonna meet you."
"That's right. Well Ash, as much as I'd love to stay and talk some more, I have to go."
Ash looks down sadly.
"Yeah, I know."
"Don't look so down Ash. We'll see each other again, I promise. But until that time, I want you to know that I will always be watching over you and your mother. I love you very much Ash."
"I love you too Dad."
They hug.
"Tell your mother that I love her."
"I will."
"One more thing. Watch over each other, I know that won't be a problem for you two. Your love will only continue to grow just as long as you believe in it. Misty, it was a pleasure meeting you. I feel that you will keep Ash out of harm's way."
"Of course."
Satoshi takes Ash and Misty's hands and brings them together.
"It was meant to be like this. Just continue to love each other, that's all I ask."
"That won't be a problem, right?"
"Not at all."
"Glad to hear it. Ash, someday we will all be together, but until then, I want you to live your life to the fullest. Goodbye son."
"Bye Dad."
He slowly fades away. Misty places a hand on his shoulder.
"I know its hard."
"At least I got the chance to see him again. I'll miss him though..."
"Ash! Misty!"
Ash and Misty both awaken to find themselves in front of the pokemon center. They look up to see Brock in front of them. He holds outhis hands, offering to help them up.
"Good work you guys."
"Thanks Brock."
"Yeah thank you."
"Pikapi!"
"Pikachu!"
"Choki prii!"
"Togepi!"
"Oh, by the way, I had Nurse Joy heal your pokemon."
"Thanks again Brock."
"No problem. It was the least I could do."
They smile then look to their right to see Hikara talking to the unknown boy and girl.
"Hikara?"
"Oh! Ash, Misty, your awake! You guys did great against Aki and Marissa. You really showed them."
"Thanks, but what are you still doing here?"
"Well, I am human ya know."
They all give her a confused look.
"You are?"
"Of course I am! What did you think?"
Brock begins to studder.
"Well, uh..."
"Let me explain. I can choose to be here, with normal people, or to be with your father Ash."
Hikara turns back to the boy and girl and then realizes that they haven't net ash and Misty yet.
"Oh my gosh! How could I be so stupid?! Let me introduce you to the two people who helped to save our lives."
She motions to the boy and girl.
"This is Li and Sakura. A friend of your father sent them here to help you."
She directs her attention to Li and Sakura.
"Guys, as you already know, this is Ash, Misty, and Brock."
"It's nice to meet you."
Ash extends his hand to Li.
"Nice to meet you too."
Misty chimes in.
"Thank you so much for helping us out back there."
Sakura smiles knidly.
"Oh, it was no problem. You guys helped us too."
Li carries a serious tone.
"We've heard a lot about you two. Your both very strong, you have powers that you don't even know you have."
"What do you mean?"
Sakura shoves Li in the stomach.
"Oh, uh, don't mind Li. You guys will see someday. We'll we better be going. Don't be afraid to call us if you ever run into any trouble."
Misty gives her a confused look.
"But, how will we know where to find you?"
"Trust me, we'll find you."
Li points to the mark on his arm that wa left by the circle of light. Ash and Misty also look at thjeir arms to see the same mark. We're all connected. We'll be able to sense whenyour in danger, but hopefully we won't have to deal with anyone like Aki for awhile."
"Well, until next time."
"Hope to see you two again."
"Bye Li, Sakura. And thank you so much."
They both walk away, waving their hands at their new battling partners. Li yawns aloud.
"I could use a nap right about now."
"Yeah, so could I. I think we deserve one."
"Tell that to your stuffed animal."
Sakura sighs. She chants some words and all of a sudden her staff sprouts wings.
"Hop on."
He hesitates.
"Oh, come on Li. Are we gonna go through this everytime we come here?"
He goes reluctantly and they fly off. Ash, Misty, and Brock watch them fly off.
"Wow, they really do have magic powers, don't they? Are they human too?"
"Of course they are Brock."
Ash looks at the symbol on his arm.
"So, what is this thing?"
"Its a symbol of light, kind of like a protection against the evil. Ash, your father fears that this isn't over yet. Sooner or later, you'll have to meet up with Li and Sakura again. Hopefully, it won't happen for quite some time. When it does, I'll be sure to alert you."
Ash sighs.
"Great, just great."
"But for now, just enjoy your journey. Try to forget any of this ever happened. I didn't tell you so that you could get all stressed out about it. I'm just preparing you."
"Thanks."
"Well, I better be going. I'll see you guys later. I'll be keeping my eye out for you in case you get into any more trouble."
"Thank you for all your help Hikara."
"Yeah, we really appreciate it."
"We don't know how we would have done this without you."
"Hey, I don't deserve that much thanks. Anyways, I'll see you guys later. Oh, and Misty?"
"Yes?"
"Its good to have you back."
"Thanks."
"Don't thank me, thank the guy next to you."
She looks to Ash and he smiles.
"Bye."
She leaves then sighs aloud.
"When this new eveil comes, you guys better be ready."
Ash sighs.
"I never knew my journey would take us this far."
"Me neither."
He looks to Misty.
"And what are your thoughts on this?"
"Well, I think we should stick to Hikara's advice and just continue on your journey. We just have to forget about the recent events."
"Yeah, I guess your right. There's no need to worry guys!"
"It'll be just like it always was!"
"Right! First thing tomorrow we head off into the next town!"
"Sounds good to me."
"Me too."
"Pikachu!"
"Choki!"
"Well, I'm gonna go check and see of our pokemon are ready yet."
Brock leaves. Ash and Misty sit on a nearby bench.
"Its been a long day, huh?"
"Just a little longer than I would've liked it to be."
He puts his arm around her.
"I'm really glad your okay."
Misty looks up into his eyes to see that they were welling up with tears.
"Me too."
"You had me worried, I thought I'd never see you again."
"Well, I guess I showed you."
"You sure did."
He hugs her lightly as she nuzzles her cheek into Ash's chest.
"I could never leave you Ash. You mean too much to me."
"Ya know, I could've lost more than just a fight. I could've lost everything today."
She caresses his cheek.
"You'll never lose me, no matter what. Now, do you promise that you'll never leave me?"
"I promise. I have a question though."
"What is it?"
"How did you find out that--"
"You loved me? It was just a feeling I had inside of me, and I just hoped that it was right."
Ash caresses her cheek softly.
"I love you Misty."
"I love you too Ash."
They both smile then lean towards each other. The remaining air inbetween them becomes closed as they share a passionate kiss. A rainbow glows behind them, almost as if it were smiling. How strange that there was no rain today...

Ash has shown, through his love for his friends, that he has matured and has become the young man in which his father wanted him to become. Where do they go from here? And what has this new found love brought Ash and Misty? We'll just have to wait and see...




* Well, that's it! I finally finished it. Hope you guys liked it. All reviews and questions welcome. *