The red head sprinted down the sandy dunes beside the pier untill sea water was up to her knees, There she stood and waited for Ash to catch up. Once he did he kicked off his shoes and socks and sloshed into the ocean with her. Pikachu sat on the shore dejectedly, not wanting to wet his fur. "Look," she whispered, as if fearfull that her voice would scare away the stars, " Isnt it beautiful?" Ash kept his eyes locked on his water queen. "Yes." He replied and she looked up at him, her face growing red with the realization of what he was complimenting. "I've missed you a lot you know," She said, "It's been really lonely without you...atleast...I mean...the first few years were hard." "I understand," He shushed," Me too. I missed you too." Misty smiled and pranced down the shore, kicking up sprays of water with every step. Like a puppy he followed her, wherever her whims led her to go. Pikachu raced along the shore excitedly with them. Finally Ash broke her speed and passed her up, which led her to pounce on him to slow him down. He crashed into the water and Misty rolled off of him. "I'm sorry!" She whimpered, "I'm sorry I didnt mean to knock you down!" Ash pulled himself out of the water and coughed out the salty fluid. "yes you did!" He laughed and looked at her, and she sighed in relief, "It's ok." Sitting down, the water rose to her breasts and she leaned back to let her hair soak in the moisture. Ash sat down too, and just stared at her. All her glory seemed to unfold in the ocean when the moon hit her. She so captivated him that he could not help but whisper, "You are so beautiful." "Did you say something?" She asked, sitting back up. At that moment Ash leaned foreward, and pressed his lips to hers once she rose. His lips spread apart and they lost themselves in a kiss that had longed to be released for many many years. His hands became tangled in her red hair that cascaded down her back. After only a moment, Misty pulled away. Her eyes were sad and glimmered in the moonlight. It was hard to tell whether the droplets on her cheeks were salty tears or sea water," Ash..." "Misty..." His hair was plastered to his face, and his chocolatey eyes gazed down at her from between locks colored raven black. "Ash I'm engaged," She said slowly, as if having to remind herself of that very fact. "I love you," He said stubbornly yet sadly. "I loved you," She said quietly, touching his now mature face, "Once upon a time I loved you Ash Ketchum. But that time has passed." Her voice cracked and she stood up, her clothing sticking to her wet frame, " I'm sorry." She walked away briskly, and Pikachu looked up at her as she passed him. "Pikaaaa... (Misty...)" "If you dont come to the wedding... I would understand," She dared not look back at him, "But I would still like for you to come." "I love you Misty," He repeated. Misty's shoulders slouched and she began to walk away, then broke into a run. "Pikachu chu chu...(This isn't good)" Pikachus cheeks began to spark in mourning at the negative feeling floating in the air. Ash pulled himself out of the water and trudged back onto the dry shore,"pi pi pi..." Pikachu tugged on his wet pants and he picked his beloved pokemon up. "Come on Pikachu," He murmered, "Lets go." He pulled himself back up the sand dunes and slowly walked back to the gym. ~~~~ Brock, usually the first to awake, was suprised to find Ash was already packed up and changed into his normal attire. "You're up early," Brock yawned, scratching his head. "I'm just eager to get moving," Ash replied quietly, Pikachu looking pathetically sad for his trainer. "Did something happen last night?" He asked worridly, getting out of bed and crossing the room to his friend, "When you and Misty went for that walk?" "No,nothing happened," He lied, staring blankly at his packed things, " We should head out now." "Well I was gonna take a shower. But if you think we could make better time-" "Oh, no. Go take your shower. I'll go scrounge up something to eat for breakfast. Im sure M...the gym leaders wont mind." Brock shook his head, knowing something involving Misty was upsetting him this morning. Chocking it all up to the fact she was to be married, he left his companion and headed to the mens locker room. Pikachu patted Ash's hand and scurried up his arm to his shoulder where he could always be found. The trainer and his pokemon went down the stairs and to the cafeteria where the four owners of the gym were eating their breakfasts. As soon as he entered Misty looked down. "Good morning sunshine," Daisy teased, "Sleep ok?" "Like a baby," Ash smiled, "Do you ladies mind if me and the guys steal some of your food for breakfast?" "Yes we do mind,"Lily said seriously, "Stealing is bad. You can take something with our permission though." The three sisters laughed and Misty forced a smile. Ash laughed as well but it was fake. "Help yourself," Daisy encouraged with a wave of her hand,"We're going grocery shopping today anyways." "Thanks ladies." With that, Ash went into the kitchen and got some bread and fruit for his friends. Spying a pitcher of coffee he turned to call out the door to the girls but found Misty in the doorway. "Finding everything ok?" She asked shyly, edging around the large island in the center of the kitchen. "Yeah," he replied quietly, "Do you mind if I get some coffee?" "No no, help yourself," With that she reached into a cupboard and produced a thermose with the Cerulean Gym logo on it,"Here, take some with you." "Thanks," He smiled and took the object handed to him. Pouring the hot black liquid into the thermos he added, "I'll give the thermos back when I come to the wedding." Misty's head shot up and with a glimmer in her eye replied. "That would be great!" ~~~ "I'm so sad you guys are leaving!" Misty joined the three men in a large group hug, "But I'll see you guys soon, ok?" "It was great seeing you," Brock smiled, "Be good ok?" "I'm always good!" The sun was bright but the weather was cool and it was a perfect day to travel. "Feel free to send the wedding invitations to Professor Oaks lab," Ash added, "Address it to Me, Brock, and Tracey. Proffesor Oak sends all my important mail to my pokedex." Misty nodded. After long goodbyes the guys headed back on their path to Pallet Town and Pewter City.