Disclaimer: Don't own pokemon! A/N: Hey there guys! Well, the moment you've all been waiting for is finally here. After months of thinking and writing, I have finally wrapped this thing up. I hope it is all to your liking. Enjoy! One more thing, I don't own the song in this fic, but I do encourage all of you to download it. All rights reserved. School Days Chapter 12 As the dust began to settle, two forms could be made out. They were that of a young teenager and a horned pokemon. "Are you okay?" Ash asked Misty, who was just getting over the shock of what was happening. "Yeah, I'm fine. What was that?" She asked. "I don't know." He replied, looking towards the entrance. Just then, Ash saw the cause of all the commotion. A Rhydon was standing at the entrance, roaring loudly. Next to the pokemon, was a young teenage boy. Finally, Ash was able to get a solid good look at the kid and realized who it was. "Oh no…" He whispered. "Misty!" Yelled Melissa, as she ran up to the couple. "Are you guys okay?" "Yeah, we're fine." Replied Misty, hugging her friend. "Where's everyone else?" "They're all over there. Everyone's okay." She reported. "Thank goodness." Misty sighed. "What do you think is happening?" "Someone said that some guy is over at the entrance and he won't let anyone out until he finds someone." Explained Melissa. "I wonder who it is." Said Misty, looking to Ash. Ash sighed and shook his head. It was then that Misty realized what he was trying to say. She shook her head in shock, not wanting to believe what Ash had confirmed. "Misty, what's wrong?" Asked Melissa, seeing the horrified look on her friend's face. "J-Jared…" She whispered. "What are you talking about?" Asked Melissa. Misty motioned to the entrance of the auditorium. Melissa gasped, unable to believe it. "Jared?" Gasped Melissa. Ash and Misty both nodded simultaneously. "I bet I can guess who he's looking for." Sighed Ash, as he started off in the direction of the entrance. "Hold it." Commanded Misty, causing Ash to turn around. "You're not leaving without me." "But Misty…" "I'm coming with you." She said, interrupting him. "Fine, come on." He sighed, knowing that he would never convince her to stay. "Mel, you stay here. Call the police if someone hasn't already done so." Misty told her. Melissa nodded in confirmation and sighed. "Be careful. I don't want a repeat of last time." Misty smiled comfortingly at her and then headed off towards the entrance. Once they were there, they could hear Jared speaking and threatening to send his Rhydon on anyone who came too close. "Now Jared, just calm down." Said Mr. B slowly. "What is it you want?" "I want Ketchum. Where is he?" Hissed Jared, looking around the auditorium. "Ash Ketchum?" Asked Mr. B, confused. "Yeah, where is he?" Jared repeated. "Right here." Ash announced, as he made his way through the crowd and up to where Jared was standing. "What do you want with me?" "Ash, what's going on here?" Asked Mr. B. "Nothing, everything's fine." Answered Ash. "Just taking care of some business." "Business? Hardly…" Sneered Jared, turning to his Rhydon. "There's your kill, Rhydon. Get him!" The Rhydon roared out in response and stared at Ash maliciously. 'Not good.' Thought Ash as he frantically tried to think of a way out. "Jared, stop this!" Yelled Misty as she stood in-between Ash and the massive pokemon. "M-Misty…" Stated Jared. "Get out of the way! Let Rhydon do its job." Misty shook her head and continued to glare at Jared. She looked deep into his eyes and tried to find any type of innocence that still lingered. "Jared, I won't let you do this…not again." Declared Misty. "Misty, get out of here before you get hurt." Demanded Ash. "No, he won't attack me." Stated Misty calmly. "I don't want to risk that. We don't know what he's capable of." Warned Ash. "But I do. I know him a lot better than you do." Countered Misty. "Don't think I won't send my Rhydon on you Misty!" Screamed Jared, who was now shaking. "You won't…I know you won't." Misty stated. "And what makes you so confident?" Jared asked. "Jared, I know why you're doing this." Started Misty. "Look, I know it hurts. Trust me; I've been there numerous times before in my life. But can't you see that my heart belongs to someone else? I love him, Jared. Please…stop this…" Finished Misty as a few silent tears started to roll down her cheeks. Jared looked on at the crying girl and it was then that he realized that she was right. He couldn't force her to love him just for the sole purpose of pleasing himself. "This person that you speak of…do you really love him as much as you say you do?" Misty nodded in response. "Yes…I do." "Then I guess there's nothing I can do to change your mind." Stated Jared. "I thought I could win your heart back, but I guess I never had it to begin with. I'm sorry Misty. I never realized how much you meant to me until you were gone. Everyone kept telling me that you were in love with someone else, but I didn't want to believe it. I guess, in order for everything to click, I needed you to say it." Jared hung his head low as he returned his Rhydon. Several tears escaped his eyes as he slowly started to back away. Just then, Misty placed a hand on his shoulder. All of a sudden, two men in blue uniforms restrained Jared and walked him outside. Everyone, including Misty, followed the two officers. "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." Stated Officer Jenny. "We've got everything under control here." Said Jenny, as she spoke into the walkie talkie. The two men handcuffed Jared and shoved him in the back of their car. They were just about to shut the door when Misty's voice stopped them. "Wait!" She yelled as she made her way through the crowd. The officer turned around and looked at the young girl. "What do you want?" "Please…may I speak with him for a second?" Pleaded Misty. The officer sighed and let her through. "Make it quick." "Thank you." Smiled Misty, as she went over to the open door. "I finally understand now." Stated Jared with no emotion. "Its Ash…isn't it?" Misty nodded slowly and kneeled next to him. "I'm sorry Jared, but I love him." "I know you do, I just didn't want to admit it to myself." Sighed Jared. "I'm sorry I put you through all of this Misty. I really didn't mean to, but I couldn't control myself." "Its okay, Jared." Whispered Misty. "I know you two will be very happy together. You're a beautiful person Misty, both inside and out. Ash is a very lucky guy." Jared said, smiling weakly. "Thank you for understanding." Smiled Misty as she hugged him tightly. "Well, I'll see you in a few months." Jared concluded. "I guess so." She said. "Goodbye Jared." "See ya later Mist." He smiled as the door was shut. Misty backed away from the car slowly and accidentally backed into someone. She turned her head and saw Ash. He engulfed her in a tight hug and lightly kissed her cheek. "Are you okay?" He asked gently. "I'm fine." She replied, looking back at the car. "He finally let me go." Ash nodded and sighed as he noticed Chris walking up to the cop car. He looked in the back seat and gave Jared a thumbs up. Jared, not being able to do anything else, just smiled and nodded at his friend. Chris watched as Jared mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' to him. In response, Chris just nodded and smiled. "Okay, okay, break it up. Nothing to see here. Everyone back inside." Ordered Jenny as she got in the driver's seat. Just then, the engine roared on and the car was on its way to the station. Just before it had left, Misty caught a glimpse of Jared smiling at her. It wasn't a confident smile, like she had seen so many times before. It was a smile that instantly told her 'I'm happy for you and I love you.' Misty watched as the car drove away and slowly disappeared over the hills. "Come on. Let's get back inside." Whispered Ash. Misty nodded and slowly followed Ash inside of the auditorium. As soon as everyone was gathered back inside, Mr. B took the stage and made an announcement. "We apologize for the situation here tonight. We know that most of you are probably pretty shaken up about what just happened. But we are going to do our best to get this dance going again. Once again, we apologize for everything that's happened." Exclaimed Mr. B as he motioned for Melissa and her friends to take the stage again. "Sorry for the delay guys." Apologized Melissa. "As you know, a lot has been happening tonight that we weren't expecting. Some of you may think of this experience as a bad thing…but in my eyes, this was an example of someone in love. I think we can all learn a lesson from the events that took place here tonight…never take your life or the people in it for granted because one day, you might wake up and that person might not be there. So, before I continue with the crowning of the king and queen, I want everyone to know something and I hope it'll stay with you for the rest of your lives." Melissa paused, and then continued. "If you really and truly love someone, tell them. Don't go half-way, don't stop in the middle. Let that person know how you feel before your life passes you by." It was then that Misty noticed that Melissa was looking directly at her. Her gaze never faltered, never moved away. Misty looked back at her friend and thought about her words. As scary as her words sounded, they were true. No one lives forever and you can't just expect them to wait forever. You have to act on your feelings before it's too late. Smiling, Misty nodded at her friend. Melissa smiled back and continued to speak. "Now, without further ado, your 2003 king and queen are…" She paused, and then smiled. "Ash Ketchum and Misty Waterflower." The auditorium erupted into a fit of applause as the two teens, completely shocked at what was happening, looked onto the stage and saw that Melissa, Chris, Anna, Sarah, and Lauren were all applauding them and smiling. "Congratulations you two." Smiled Melissa. "Come on up here." Chris said through the microphone. Both Ash and Misty made their way up the stage and smiled down at the applauding crowd. Misty then looked at Melissa and gave her a big hug. "You planned this, didn't you?" She asked. "Maybe." Replied Melissa, returning the hug. "Congratulations, Ash." Smiled Chris as the two boys shook hands. "Thanks…for everything." Ash smiled, giving out a sigh. "No problem, and besides, this is your night." Chris started. "Ya know, Melissa didn't give that speech for nothing." "I know." Nodded Ash. "I'll act on it." Just then, Melissa gently placed the diamond studded tiara on Misty's head. Chris followed her lead and placed the crown on Ash's head. "Let's have a big round of applause for your king and queen!" Announced Melissa through the mike. There was another burst of applause throughout the auditorium. "Now, if everyone would be so kind as to clear the floor. You're king and queen are now going to dance the first slow song of the night, compliments of Melissa." Announced Chris. Melissa smiled mischievously at her best friend as she walked over to the DJ. She whispered a few words into his ear and he nodded in response as he searched for the CD. "Well, go on you two." Smiled Melissa as she ushered them down the stage. Everyone cleared the floor and made way for the couple. The spotlight was directed at them as they stepped onto the floor. Misty took a deep breath, and then put her arms around Ash's neck. Ash, following Misty's lead, wrapped his arms around her tiny frame as the music began to play. 'Open up your heart to me, and say what's on your mind. I know that we have been through so much pain, but I still need you with my life this time. I need you tonight, I need you right now. I know deep within my heart, it doesn't matter if it's wrong or right. I see heaven in your eyes. I figured out what to say to you, sometimes the words come out so wrong. And I know in time that you will understand, that what we have is so right this time. I need you tonight, I need you right now. I know deep within my heart, it doesn't matter if it's wrong or right. All those endless times we tried to make it last forever more. And baby I know I need you. I know deep within my heart, it doesn't matter if it's wrong or right. Cause I see heaven… I need you tonight, I need you right now. I know deep within my heart, it doesn't matter if it's wrong or right. Cause I see heaven…in your eyes…' ('Heaven in your Eyes by Nick Carter) As the song ended, Ash looked into Misty cerulean blue eyes and whispered the three words that she had longed to hear for the past couple of months. "I love you…" Misty looked back at him and smiled. She gently caressed his cheek and whispered back to him. "I love you too." Just then, both teens leaned in and sealed the remaining space between their lips. All the emotion, all the love, and all the passion that one had for the other was released in that kiss. As they slowly broke away, a thunderous applause erupted throughout the building, but no one was louder than the combined voices of Melissa, Anna, Sarah, Lauren, Chris, and Brock. Misty looked to her friends on stage and smiled at them, knowing that she would have never made it this far had it not been for their help. "I think I speak for everyone when I say this…it's about damn time!" Yelled Melissa, who was smiling at her friends. Ash and Misty laughed at her antics as they, once again, made eye contact. Not being able to contain themselves any longer, their lips met for the second time that night, confirming what everyone else already knew…Ash and Misty were in love. A/N: Well? Well?! What did you guys think? I know a lot of you wanted a fight scene between Jared and Ash, but I thought this would be a little more practical. Did anyone catch the moral of the story through Melissa's speech? Anyway, go ahead, review, do whatever! Oh, I also want to take the time to thank some people for their reviews. To the following people, thanks so much for the reviews and your words of encouragement, they really helped. Here are those reviewers: Sullimike23, Etherelemental, Shadow Fox, smiley, ZetaBee, Seabeast, my friend Chris, and all you other people that reviewed my story. Thanks for everything and keep a look out for some up and coming chapters of my newest fic 'Where the Heart Is.' Thanks guys! AAML forever!!!