Disclaimer: Don’t own Pokemon! 

A/N: Thanks for the reviews for the last chapter. I tried to get this one up as soon as 
possible. I hope this fic is meeting everyone’s expectations. By the way, this chapter, it 
would seem, is a very heartfelt one, truly showing the relationship between Ash and 
Misty. This may sound kind of stupid, but I kind of got goose bumps while I was typing it. 
Maybe I’m just weird, or a typical romantic, choose one, but either way I hope you all 
like it. Also, just to let everyone know, I am not up to date with the pokemon series, as in 
I haven’t seen an episode since this 6th season started. I don’t know any of the new 
pokemon, so don’t expect me to use any of the newer ones that Ash may have captured in 
this fic. Sorry about that, but I’m sticking to the old school ones. Anyway enjoy!

Chapter 3

The sun shone brightly, the birds chirped happily, and the breeze that whisked throughout 
the household felt heavenly. 

Awakening to the sounds of the bird pokemon outside, Misty rolled to her side, but found 
something small blocking her path. She groggily opened her eyes and attempted to rub 
the sleep out of them. Their dinner last night had completely drained her remaining 
energy and, to top it off, she still had to help Ash pack for his big day. As her vision 
finally began to focus, her gaze landed on the object that was sitting on the bed. It was a 
small box, no bigger than a book, with oddly wrapped paper around it. Misty lifted it up 
to eye level and examined it. She squinted her eyes to try and make out the figures on the 
wrapping. Her eyes widened as she realized who the figures were.

‘What is this?’ she thought, searching the room for Ash, but he was no where in sight. 

“They’re pictures of us, all of us,” she said aloud, “Ash!”

Upon hearing approaching footsteps, Misty stood up and put her robe on. When the door 
opened, she looked up to see Ash’s smiling face. He seemed bright and cheery, as always, 
and he was already fully dressed and ready to go, from the looks of it. 

“I see you found my gift,” he said, approaching her. 

He took the gift from her hands and examined it himself.

“Pretty cool, huh?” he admired, taking another look at the pictures.

“What is this?” 

“Can’t you tell, they’re pictures of us,” smirked Ash.

“You know what I mean,” argued Misty.

Ash smiled and kissed her on the forehead. 

“You know I’m going to miss you this coming month, right?” he asked, pulling her into 
his chest.

“Yeah, I know, but that still doesn’t explain the gift,” she smiled, looking up from her 
position.

“I know, I’m getting there,” said Ash, releasing the embrace, “Like I was saying, I’m 
going to miss you and I know you’ll miss me too, hopefully,” he smirked, “I just wanted 
to give this to you as an early birthday present. I want you to think of us every time you 
wear it, promise me?”

Ash’s words were heartfelt and sincere, almost as if he had rehearsed them previously, 
but Misty, of course, knew that was not the case. He gave a pleading look that made 
Misty want to melt into his embrace. 

“I promise,” she said, smiling up at him, “What is it?”

“Well, you’ll just have to open it and find out,” countered Ash, taking a seat on the bed.

Misty followed suit and sat in Ash’s lap, holding the present upright. She started to 
carefully unwrap the present, not wanting to rip it. Peeling each piece of tape seemed like 
surgery to Misty. The pictures were all so wonderful that she’d hate to ruin them. She 
would treasure them always and keep them in her treasure box she used to keep under her 
bed as a child. All her treasured things were in there; pictures, trinkets, lucky pennies, 
anything you could possibly think of, and now she was going to add this to the collection. 

Finally, removing the last piece of paper from the box, Misty breathed a sigh of relief, 
happy that she did not rip any part of the pictures.  

“I was half expecting you to just rip the present open, that’s why they aren’t the real 
copies,” smiled Ash.

“I’m going to treasure this forever. I’ve never had anyone put so much thought into a 
present for me before,” sighed Misty, staring at the floor.

“You deserve it, now, don’t leave me in suspense,” he said, wrapping his arms around her, 
“Go ahead and open it.”

Misty nodded her head and lifted the top of the box. She gasped when she saw the 
glistening of the diamond and almost dropped the box out of shock. The locket shone 
brilliantly, the diamond sparkled in the morning sunlight that was pouring through the 
open window. 

“Ash…” Misty gasped.

She lifted it out of the box and just stared at it, awestruck at its beauty. Every part of it 
sparkled; from the chain to the diamond that adorned it. She opened the locket and saw 
the words that she had heard everyday Ash had been with her. ‘I Love You.’ That made 
her smile and, surprisingly, a single tear fell from Misty’s eyes. 

“Don’t leave me hanging,” smiled Ash hopefully, “Do you like it?”

Misty smiled and tried to speak, but found that no words would come, so she did the only 
thing that seemed natural to her. She turned around and held his face in her hands. She 
brought her lips down to his, teary eyed, but happy nonetheless. Ash’s arms tightened 
around her tiny frame as he returned the kiss she had bestowed upon him. Misty gently 
placed her arms around Ash’s neck and held his head in her hands, relishing in one of 
their last moments together before Ash’s departure. As soon as it had started, Misty 
released the kiss, overcome by how much love she felt for the man she was with.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” whispered Ash as Misty threw her arms around him once again, 
“I love you.”

Misty smiled and hugged him even tighter.

“I love you too,” she sniffed, feeling her tears return.

Never, from her recollection, had she ever cried out of happiness. Ash made her so happy, 
that it brought her to tears. How many people in her life had she known to possess that 
kind of power? Not many, that was for sure. 

Ash pulled her away from him and turned her around on his lap. 

“Come on Mist, don’t cry,” smiled Ash.

He pulled the necklace from out of its case, placed it around her neck, and clipped it into 
place. He pulled the locket forward and then stood up, moving her in front of his mirror. 
He wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear.

“Beautiful…” he soothed, “Happy birthday.”

“Th-thank you Ash,” stuttered Misty, still shocked by Ash’s kindness, “I-I don’t know 
what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” smiled Ash, “All I want to hear is that you’ll love me 
until however long we’re together…until fate separates us.”

Misty was caught off guard by that remark. Fate was something that neither of them 
could control and it seemed, to Misty at least, that Ash understood that, but something 
still bothered her about the way he said it. 

“That won’t ever happen,” she countered, turning to face him, “I can’t bare the thought of 
being separated from you.”

Ash just nodded his head without a word. He held her at arms distance and gave her a 
gentle smile.  
 
”I will always be with you, do you understand me? Always, no matter how far apart we 
are. I’ll always be in here,” he whispered, pointing to her heart, “Just as long as you love 
me.”

“I will always love you, Ash…always,” she replied, breaking into quiet sobs once again. 

He brought her into his arms and hugged her tightly.

“I know…I know,” he repeated, letting out a sigh.

“I fall in love with you more and more everyday,” Misty responded, lifting her head up 
from his chest, “I don’t know how…I don’t know what it is that makes me feel this way, 
but I never want it stop. I’ve never known true happiness until you came into my life. I 
can’t imagine where I would be without you,” she smiled, “Words can’t express how or 
what I’m feeling right now, I just wish it would last forever.”

Upon hearing Misty’s confession, several tears found their way down Ash’s cheeks. He 
had never, in his life, had anyone tell him anything like that before. The sheer sincerity in 
her voice made Ash want to whisk her away and never look back. He felt the urge to take 
her away from everything, make her his forever, but he knew that wasn’t possible, not 
now anyway. He would promise to protect her from anything that would threaten to harm 
her, even if it meant risking his own life. 

“You are so precious to me. I’d be lost without you too. Don’t you ever leave me, you 
hear?” whispered Ash. 

Misty nodded her head and continued to hold Ash firmly. They stood there, in each 
others arms, content where they stood. Happy to be in each other’s presence, neither felt 
the urge to rush the moment, but both knew it would be over soon. 

“Mist,” Ash spoke quietly.

“Yes, Ash,” she whispered back.

Ash thought carefully about what he was going to say and sighed.

“If anything was to happen to me, and I mean anything, I want you to continue living,” he 
whispered.

Misty looked up and examined his face, not entirely sure where he was going with this. 

“What are you talking about?” 

“I mean, if one day, something caused me to not be by your side, I want you to move on,” 
he answered.

“Ash, why are you talking like this?” she asked with pleading eyes.

What had once started as words of love and passion had turned into words of confusion 
and fear. Misty had no idea what Ash was talking about, let alone even begin to 
comprehend a life without him. 

“You’re starting to scare me,” she sniffed.

Ash gave her his trademark smile and hugged her again.

“I’m sorry Mist, forget I said anything. I just love you, that’s all. I didn’t mean to make 
you worry,” he smiled, “Let’s just forget about it for now and show mom and Brock your 
new necklace.”

He started to head for the door, but was held back by Misty. Ash turned around and 
looked at her to see even more tears streaming down her face.

“Misty, I…” Ash started, but was cut off by Misty.

“You’d want me to move on…without you…” she interrupted.

Ash simply nodded, sorry he brought the subject up.

“Life’s not worth living if it’s not with the one I love,” she whispered.

Ash kneeled down, held both her hands in his, and looked up at her tear stained face.

“Misty, listen to me, I’m not going anywhere, well, except for the tournament,” he smiled 
before continuing, “I’ll be with you for as long as humanly possible and I will protect you 
from anything that threatens to harm you…that I can promise you.”

Misty nodded as Ash wiped the remaining tears away from her face and gave her a 
comforting hug.

“I promise you,” he whispered, “But for now, don’t think about it. Just as long as we 
continue to love, everything will be fine.”

Misty simply nodded, giving into Ash’s warm embrace once again. Ash was not one to 
break promises, nor was he the type to say things that he didn’t mean, but 
still…something didn’t feel right…but for now, at least, Misty would do as Ash said and 
not think about it. 

“Okay, I’ll try not to think about it too much,” she smiled, pulling Ash to his feet.

“That’s my girl,” Ash smiled, holding her hand, “Now come on, breakfast is ready.”

Ash began to pull Misty’s hand when she, all of a sudden withdrew. 

“What’s wrong?” he asked, cocking his head to the side.

“Nothing, I’ll catch up later. There’s something I need to do first,” she smiled.

“Misty,” started Ash.

“Don’t worry. I’m fine…I promise,” she comforted.

Ash smiled and nodded his head and then, without another word, walked out of the room. 
As soon as Ash had closed the door and it was safe to say that he was already making his 
way downstairs, Misty threw her purse on his desk and began to search. She sifted 
through various receipts, her wallet, until she found what she had been looking for. She 
pulled it out and examined it a moment. She flicked the lid open and smiled as it shone. It 
was true, Misty’s birthday was in about a month or so, but so was Ash’s. If Ash had 
given Misty her present early, then she had no problem as to why she shouldn’t give his 
early either. 

Upon quickly getting dressed and combing her hair, she stuffed the small box in her 
pocket and ran downstairs to join the others. When entering the kitchen, she saw, Mrs. 
Ketchum, Ash, Brock, Pikachu, and Togepi already inhaling their food. 

“Oh, good morning Misty,” greeted Mrs. Ketchum, “How did you sleep?”

“I slept well last night. I was exhausted after coming home from dinner last night,” 
replied Misty, taking a seat across from Ash, “Hi Pikachu, hey Togepi.”

“Pika!”

“Choki priii!”

“You get your packing done last night, Ash?” inquired Brock, who stuffed another piece 
of bacon into his already full mouth. 

“Yeah, pretty much. I just have to assemble the team that I’m going to be taking with me 
to compete,” he replied, taking a bite out of his toast. 

“There won’t be any pokecenter for you to switch pokemon?” asked Brock.

“I don’t see why there wouldn’t be, but just to be on the safe side. I don’t want to risk it,” 
explained Ash as he took a sip of his orange juice. 

“What pokemon are you thinking of taking?” asked Mrs. Ketchum.

“Hmm…I think I’ll go with Noctowl, Bulbasaur, Cyndaquil, Kingler, Snorlax, and, of 
course, Pikachu,” finished Ash.

“Sounds like a good, solid team you have there,” nodded Brock, “Fire, water, grass, 
electricity…very nicely balanced.”

Just then, something caught Brock’s attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see 
something shimmering around Misty’s neck. She was not exactly the type to where 
extravagant jewelry, let alone anything with diamonds. 

“Where’d you get that?” he asked her suddenly pointing to the necklace.

Misty looked down to see her new present and smiled.

“Ash gave it to me as an early birthday present,” smiled Misty, remembering the events 
of ten minutes ago.

“My son gave this to you?” asked Mrs. Ketchum in complete shock, “It’s absolutely 
beautiful.”

Mrs. Ketchum held it in her hands and examined it a moment, taking in its beauty. 

“Oh Misty, it’s beautiful,” awed Mrs. Ketchum, still shocked that her son had such good 
taste in jewelry.

“Thanks,” blushed Misty.

“Not bad, Ash,” smiled Brock, also surprised that his long-time friend knew a thing or 
two about what women liked, “Maybe you could give me a few pointers.”

“Sure Brock, anytime,” laughed Ash.

From there on out, the breakfast went smoothly without any other distractions. Ash was 
deep in thought about the tournament and mentally thanked Misty for persuading him to 
participate. Misty, also deep in thought, prayed for the best. She knew Ash would be 
gone about a month, maybe even longer, but she had to stay strong, despite her worries of 
Aki and Marissa. Brock, on the other hand, was thinking about what he was going to do 
while Ash was away at Emerald Coliseum. Maybe he would go back home and visit his 
father and siblings, or perhaps he would stay in Pallet and give Mrs. Ketchum a hand 
with the chores. Either way, he always had a place to stay, and he was definitely grateful 
for that. 

Upon finishing breakfast, Ash and Pikachu ran upstairs to gather their belongings. About 
a minute later, Ash came rushing down the staircase with his backpack and pokeballs in 
tow. Mrs. Ketchum ushered them outside as they prepared to say their final goodbyes. 

Ash looked out over the horizon and sighed. This was it; he was really going alone this 
time around. No Misty, no Brock, just Pikachu and his pokemon to keep him company, 
not that he didn’t enjoy Pikachu’s company. He was excited, but at the same time, a bit 
nervous about going alone. He faced his mother, Brock, and Misty and prepared to say 
goodbye.

“Well, see you around Brock,” smiled Ash as he shook Brock’s hand.

“Likewise,” smiled Brock, returning the handshake, “Good luck up there and be careful.”

“Thanks, I will,” he responded, turning to his mother, “See you later mom,” he said, 
giving her a big hug.

“Oh, my boy is growing up so fast,” squealed Mrs. Ketchum as she returned the hug and 
kissed him on the cheek, “You be careful up there Ash, do you hear me?”

“Yeah, I will,” smiled Ash.

Finally, he turned to Misty, who was playing with something in her pocket. Ash gave her 
a strange look and approached her slowly. Misty, all of a sudden, pulled the object out of 
her pocket, much to Ash’s surprise. She flicked the lid open to reveal a silver ID bracelet. 
On the front, their names were engraved, as well as the year. On the back, in cursive, the 
words ‘I Love You’ were engraved. 

“This was your birthday present too, and since you gave me mine early, I decided to give 
yours early too,” she smiled as she removed the bracelet from the box. 

“You didn’t have to,” started Ash, examining the bracelet as she held it in her hands. 

“Of course I did. What kind of person would I be if I didn’t get the person I loved a 
present for their birthday?” she asked, placing it around his wrist. 

“It’s beautiful. Thanks Mist,” smiled Ash, admiring his new gift and giving her a hug, It 
kind of matches the ring you gave me last Christmas,” he said, pulling out a silver ring 
and placing it on his finger. He kept it with him at all times, even though sometimes, he 
refrained from wearing it. It had his full name, in cursive, as well as the date they first 
started dating. He cherished it and couldn’t bare the thought of losing it. It had an 
emerald green stone signifying his birth month, which was May, “I’ll keep these gifts 
with me everyday that we’re apart, I promise,” whispered Ash, “Thanks again.”

“Your welcome, but its still nothing compared to the gift you gave me,” she sighed, 
falling into his embrace.

“The necklace wasn’t that big of a deal,” he said, holding her tightly.

“I wasn’t talking about the necklace,” she smiled. 

Ash just smiled. He knew exactly what she was talking about now. She was referring to 
the gift of love, as sappy as it sounded. Without him even knowing it, Ash had given 
Misty more than just a present, but more along the lines of his heart. Misty had never 
known true love, let alone, compassion until she crossed paths with Ash that fateful 
morning. Their hearts had become intertwined, and that was something, Misty knew, 
would never change.  

Ash lowered his head down and gently bestowed a kiss upon Misty’s delicate lips. She 
took in every moment, every scent, and every touch that she would be missing this 
coming month. She didn’t know how she would be able to survive, but, for Ash’s sake, 
she would try. She lifted her hand and ran it through his thick, black hair, relishing in the 
moment that they were currently sharing, but all too soon, both of them knew it would 
end. 

Ash released the kiss and took a long look at Misty, as it would be one of the last times 
he would see her until he returned. He smiled at her and then stared at his two friends and 
his mother. 

“So, what are you guys going to do while I’m gone?” asked Ash.

“Well, I gave it a long hard thought, and I decided that I’d like to stay here, if that’s all 
right with you Mrs. K,” said Brock with pleading eyes. 

“Of course it’s all right Brock, I could use the company,” she smiled, and then turned to 
Misty, “You’re welcome to stay too Misty if you’d like.”

“No, that’s okay, thanks for the offer though,” smiled Misty.

“What are you going to do then?” Ash asked.

“I was thinking of heading back to Cerulean City tonight to visit my sisters and just sort 
of relax until you get back. When you do return, you’ll know where to look me up,” she 
finished.

“Sounds good,” he replied, “Well, I guess this is it guys.”

Both Brock and Misty nodded knowingly and gave their friend one last hug and words of 
encouragement for the road.

“Take care of him for us Pikachu,” reminded Misty.

“Pikachu!”

“Okay, I guess I’ll see you guys later then,” he said, backing away in the direction of the 
main road out of Pallet, “See you in a month.”

‘I look forward to it,’ thought Misty, gripping onto her precious locket.

As Ash headed in the direction of the next town, a million thoughts seemed to pass 
through his mind. He had wanted to put Misty’s mind at ease concerning her dreams, but 
the more he thought about them, the more he worried about what they could mean. Sure, 
it could’ve been just a regular old nightmare, but what if it was something more. It wasn’t 
his own safety he was worried about, it was Misty’s. Would she be okay without him? 
Ash sighed to himself, not really knowing the answer. They had made many promises the 
night before, and Ash had no intent on breaking any of them, he just hoped fate would 
see things his way for once. 

He had promised her the night before that he would protect her from anything that would 
threaten to harm her…but little did he know that the one that would cause her 
suffering…would be himself.   

A/N: Well??? How did you guys like that one? I got this updated in like record time. 
Anyway, hope you all liked it! Review away! Thanks guys! AAML forever!