Disclaimer: Y'know the drill. Pokémon belongs to Nintendo, Creatures Inc, and Game Freak. Only Slade is mine. ^_^

Note: This fanfic takes place about four years into Ash's journey. Ash is 15, Misty is 16, Brock is 19. Also, Ash has already earned the volcano badge.

PROLOGUE...

A bittersweet silence looms over the forest of Route #15. A lone figure is sitting by the campfire, keeping his hands warm. With a sigh he looks up, seeing the starlit sky poking through the tapestry of the forest.

"Hmmmm... Another day gone, another day closer," says the young man as he picks up a notebook and begins to write...

Jan 23rd:

Today was my 17th birthday. It was 'bout as fun as my last eight birthdays, so you get the idea. With Pyre by my side from the very start, he's been my family. I'm glad I turned it down all those years ago. No one woulda understood, 'cept Pyre. If I'd only knew then what I know now. Oh well, what's past is past. But... there's a promise I have to keep. It's my destiny, and heaven help those whose paths cross mine...

After putting his journal away, he lays back against the tree and pulls up the blanket.

"G'nite, Pyre. See ya in the morning."

"Arf! Ruff-aruff" (Night, Slade. You too.)

PART 1:

"I can't believe it, Jessie! We FINALLY got the best of those twerps and caught their Pikachu," said an ecstatic James, dancing around their captured quarry: Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu.

"Hmph... neither can I..." muttered Misty. "And who's the one who was s'posed to wake up early this morning!?!" Luckily for Ash, Misty's tied up along with Brock and himself. Thank goodness, Ash thought.

A beaming Jessie just laughs at the bound trio hanging from a tree limb. "Ha ha ha hm... And to think, all WE had to do was fly over you buffoons and sprinkle stun-spores all over you. It was perfectly beautiful. But that's what one would expect from someone as--"

"--vile and underhanded as scum like Team Rocket..." came from nowhere.

James, wide-eyed and jaw gaping open, just looks everywhere around him. "Wha? Wha-Who goes there!?" He just whimpers over to Jessie. "Jessie! Who was that!?" Her first response came by bashing him over the head.

"How should I know?" she says angrily. After a minute of waiting, a rustling in the bushes is heard. "Show yourself, for you have to deal with Team Rocket!" she boasts as she releases Arbok.

"Char-bok!" (Ready, master!)

A dark figure comes out of the bushes. The wind blows back the dark trenchcoat that he wears, and sways his wild greenish-black hair in front of his emerald green eyes. Other than that, he looks like a normal teenage kid, with black jeans and a white T-shirt.

"Ha ha ha!! It's just a kid!" Jessie laughs, pointing at the young man.

"Well, little twerp, prepare to suffer our wrath," James exclaims with his Weezing already out and set to battle.

The young man just reaches in his coat and pulls out what looks like a throwing knife.

"That's it?" James chuckled, "and I thought it'd be a Pokéball." Expecting a voice of a pre-teen male, they were surprised by the deepness.

"All I need..." The man flashes a quick grin before spinning around, throwing the knife between both Pokémon and both Jessie and James.

Jessie just chuckles. "Ha! Missed! You couldn't hit the broadside of--"

SCHRIIIIP!!

"Pika piKA!! PIKAAAAAAAAACHUUUUUUUUU!!!!" (You all HAD it!! THUNDERRRRRRRR BLASSSST!!!)

The smell of fried Rocket was awful. "Let's get outta here!" they both screamed as they scrambled onto they're balloon. They both sighed in relief for both not waking Meowth, and for getting away. At least until they hear:

"Pyre! Flamethrower, maximum power!!" yelled the now-obvious trainer, releasing his Pokémon. Team Rocket's eye's widen in fear as an Arcanine materializes and sets aim.

"Arf! Grrrrrr-rrrrooowwwrrrrr!!!!" (Got it! You'rrrrrrre toooaaassssst!!!!) A huge column of fire surges towards the balloon, resulting in an expected explosion.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off againnnnnnnnnnn.....!" as they disappear in their almost trademark starlike glimmer.

Meanwhile, Pikachu's chewing through the rope holding the trio up. In a resounding snap and thud, they're back on terra firma, a lil bit to their dismay.

"Owwww... Pikachu!!" Ash groaned while still trying to free himself.

"Aaaash! Stop moving!" yelled Misty. Ash's struggling was getting uncomfortable. "I said quit it!" Brock just sighs and lowers his head in disbelief.

Pikachu just looks at the two strangers heading slowly towards Ash and the others. "Pika pi!! Pika pika pi!!!" (Stay there!! Don't make me hurt you!!!)

"Rrrrrr arf." (It's okay, we're on the same side)

"Pi?" (huh?) mutters a bewildered Pikachu, watching the human pull out a knife.

As if on cue, he turns to Pikachu. "Don't zap me. I'm just letting yer friends free." Pikachu nods and watches as the man sets Misty free first. "There ya go, miss..." he says with a gentle grin, and helps her up.

"*^_^* Gee, uhhh, thanks" muttered Misty through her blushed shyness. He carefully frees Ash and Brock as well.

"Thanks, mister...uh...what is your name?" a befuddled Brock wonders.

"Yea," Ash concurs. "thanks uhhhh..."

"The name's Slade," he replies. "And you're all welcome. Especially you..." He takes Misty's hand and softly kisses it. And who says romance is dead, thought an even redder Misty.

Brock saw from Ash's scowling that he didn't like Slade already, even with him saving all of them...

PART 2:

After a few hours of "damage control," mainly our heroes sizing up this newcomer, Ash finally broke the silence. "Hey, since it's near noon, how about lunch? We missed breakfast cuz of Team Rocket."

Misty agreed. "Yea, Brock. Can we break for some lunch or maybe brunch?" She can hear her tummy grumble a bit.

Pikachu was tugging at Brock's pantleg. "Pika! Pikapi... Chu pikapi pickchu (Yea! Ash... I want my bottle of ketchup.)" But before Ash could decide, Pikachu had already gone and fished out a bottle. "Pii!" (Alright!)

Brock started preparing lunch while the other prepared a spot and then sat and started to talk. Ash broke the ice with "Hey, Slade, so what made you want to be a trainer?"

He pondered a moment, then "Hm... Let's just say that I have a promise to keep." Realizing the warmth of the near-noon sun, he removed his coat and stuffed it into his backpack.

Taken slightly aback, Ash and Misty just blinked a couple of times before Misty said, "So it's not your goal to be a trainer? I want to be the world's best Water Pokémon Trainer."

"Pii? (Is that true?)" Pikachu asked, looking at Slade. Slade slowly shook his head.

"No-no... It's not like that. I love being with Pyre and the other pokémon. I've even released all the pokémon I caught back into the their natural habitats. Pyre's my first pokémon." With that, he pets his now-snoozing friend. "Besides, he's strong enough to be the only one I have with me."

"You're skipping the subject," Misty points out. Slade scratches the back of his head, then runs his hand through his hair. "Sorry... Yea, I like being a Trainer. It's a great big adventure. I love journeys like this." Geez, I can't tell them the whole story, he thought.

Brock proved to be his saving grace. "Lunch is ready." Brock joined them with the food. Slade got up.

"Guess I'll go. Don't wanna be a spare tire and all..."

"Not at all Slade. Think of this as thanks for saving us. Beside, you wouldn't want to insult Brock's cooking by leaving," chuckled Misty.

"Uhh... alright." He sat back down and started to eat. "Hmmmm... good stuff, Brock. Better than the fish-fries Pyre and I have, but not by much." Slade gives a thumbs-up at Brock. "Hey, Brock... HEY!! You wouldn't happen to be the Brock from Pewter City... Are ya?"

Brock nods. "Yup, sure am. Say, now that you mention it, you do look familiar. Now I know... Pyre was still a Growlithe when we fought there. Didn't recognize ya for a while. That was what... over 7 years ago."

"SEVEN YEARS?!?" both Ash and Misty yelled, nearly choking on their riceballs. Ash felt a lil down-hearted. "Seven years and you're not a master?"

"A master? Uhh... Geez you guys you're making me feel ancient for travelling for seven years." A somewhat worried Slade just eyes everyone. Pikachu's the only one not too worried about the seven year journey. Slade stands up and stretches a bit. "What's wrong with travelling for eight years? Oops..."

All fell back, literally. "EIGHT YEARS?!?!?" Misty's the first to calm down again. "Hey, now I remember. My sisters and I battled you back at Cerulean City." She got up and mussed up Slade's hair with a chuckle. "Daisy thought you were cute with your hair and Pyre."

Slade just grins. "So that's where I know you from. The four Sensational Sisters of Cerulean. Hmmm... Now I don't feel so bad having to battle there twice."

"Cha? (Twice?)" asked Pikachu. Ash kinda chuckled and then wondered, "Why twice?"

"Well... it went like this..." Slade started...

flashback a lil over seven years...

"Hah... you managed to get by Daisy and the others, but you'll have to deal with me. Staryu, I choose you!" Misty cried as she released her first pokémon.

Great, he thought. Blitz (a Pidgeotto) is out cold, and Pyre's not good with water types. Just my luck...

"Alright Pyre, do it to it!" Pyre growled, then charged the Staryu. Pyre didn't know what hit him when Staryu used its Water Gun attack. In a daze, Pyre fell into the water. The entire Gym fell silent.

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!" was all Slade yelled before diving in after Pyre. Misty and the other sisters followed suit. Within seconds, Pyre was out of the pool. Yelping a bit, Pyre assured Slade that he'll be okay.

"Whew... don't scare me like that, ok buddy?" Slade just hugged his now towel-covered friend. Misty came over and apologized. "I didn't mean to have Staryu knock your Growlithe into the pool. I'm really sorry." They just looked at each other for a moment. Misty was ready have Slade just tell her off.

"No... it's my fault. I was at a major disadvantage. But it'll be different next time..." He just picked up Pyre and left the Gym. Misty just watched him leave in some disbelief. That was odd, she thought. He wasn't mad.

end flashback

Slade just smiles. "Y'know, Misty, if it weren't for yer Staryu knocking Pyre into the pool, I never woulda taught him how to swim and get him over his water problem." Misty looks at him, a little surprised. "What do you mean by 'over his water problem'?"

"I taught him to endure water attacks better, and a fire pokémon swimming in water would surprise most trainers as well. But I did it. Now with Pyre's level of experience, he does fine against water attacks. And now that he's at his final evolutionary form, he can charge through water gun attacks." He just winks at Misty, then gets up and looks around. "I'm headin' to the nearby town. It ain't no big city, but it's got the Pokémon Center there. 'Sides, I need a few supplies, AND there's movie theatre there." Slade says all this while packing his things. He turns and says, "unless you guys wanna stay here..."

Before he knew it, they're all packed and ready to go. At least someone knows his way around, Misty silently giggled. "Lead the way, monsieur."

Ash, Brock and Pikachu just look at Misty with puzzled expressions, then follow the two overly "chummy" people.

I don't like this at all, Ash thought, but why?... I can't be jealous or anything... can I? Can't believe she chose that punk Slade over... what am I saying...?

Part 3:

Before long, they reach the town. While it's not really on the map, it's far enough along to have a PokéCenter and a PokéMart. They all replenished their supplies before checking in at the local hotel.

Ash couldn't help but overhear what Slade and Misty were talking about. I can't just let those two hit it off, Ash kept telling himself, but what if that guy would really make her happy? He just sighs and listens in through the door joining Misty and Ash's room.

"Misty... uh, would like you to go to dinner and maybe a movie?" Slade just gives his best grin to try and woo her over.

"I dunno, Slade. It's a lil late. What about Ash and Brock?" "Well, I'd really like it to uh... be just the two of us, y'know?" A pause... then, "I promise to make it enjoyable." Before Misty could answer, he seems to produce a white rose out of nowhere and hands it to her.

With a smile, she nods. "Alright, Slade. You win. I don't really feel like changing, so let's go, ok?" Slade answers with a smile, then gently takes her hand as they leave the room.

Ash is so mad that one could almost see the steam coming out of his ears. But before that happens, Brock rushes into the room.

"Hey Ash!! I found some articles about Slade. You'll never guess!"

"Really? Great! Now I can show what kind of jerk Slade is." He just rubs his hands together.

"Well, not really. You see, Slade's actually a Pokémon Master."

"WHAT!!!???" Brock could've sworn Ash had a coronary by the way he looked.

"No foolin'. In this old news clipping, it reads that he won the Championship rounds and everything, but when it was time to accept the award, he had simply disappeared. So you see, Ash, even though most wouldn't say it, he really is a master."

"Chaaaa... (uh oh...)" was all Pikachu could muster. But before they knew it, Ash left the room.

"Ash? Where'd he go?"

"Pikapi chu pika pikachu...chuuuuu... (Ash went after Slade and Misty. He must be upset... cuz Slade's after Misty...)"

"You think he's looking for someone? I thought Misty was asleep?"

Pikachu just falls backward onto the bed. "Pikaaaachuuu...chaaa... (If only I could speak human....sheesh...)"

Misty really seems to be enjoying the date. Hmmm..., she thought, he's not that bad. A nice dinner, well-mannered, and now a movie? This can't be any better. Sooo... why do I still feel empty? Wish it was Ash here inste--huh?

"Earth to Misty... Still with us?" Slade waves his hand in front of her. "Hey, you alright?"

"Yea, just zoned out."

"More like deep in thought. Penny for yer thoughts?"

"It's alright, Slade, really."

"It's him, ain't it?"

Bewildered, she looks right at him. "Him? Him who?"

"The guy with the cap. Ash." She just turns a shade paler. "I thought so. Why didn't you just tell me, Misty?"

"Cuz I....I--"

"He knows, right?" He's answered with silence. "I'll take that as a 'no'. Guess I'm not exactly your type."

Just more silence, until: "I'm sorry, Slade. I didn't mean to lead you on. I was leading myself on, too. You're really sweet and a real gentleman." She just kisses him on the cheek to ease the rejection.

And just in time for Ash to catch this scene. "HUH??" Misty heard this and saw the shocked expression on his face. She froze as Ash ran off towards the direction of the hotel. All Misty could do was cry. "Ash... no... It's not what you think..."

PART 4:

The night was just plain awful from then on out. Everyone went back to the hotel. Ash and Misty both mortified by the events that unfolded, and Slade rather depressed. He turns to one of two that can console him...

Jan 24:

It was a rollercoaster of a day. First off, had to stop Team Rocket from snatching this Pikachu from these people. They always underestimate me, but that won't last forever. After the fiasco, I went and freed the others. Their names were Ash Ketchum, Brock Slate, and Misty Waterflower. Interesting names to say the least. After spending some time with them, I figured out why Brock and Misty were so familiar. They were the Gym Leaders of Pewter City and Cerulean City. It brought back a few good memories, along with a few bad ones. That's okay. Took Misty out on a date, hoping there'd be more. Face it, Slade, she's beautiful. After dinner, we went to the movie theatre. That's when things got bad. I figured out Misty REALLY liked Ash. Yea, I just HAD to pry it out of her, huh? Oh well... But when Misty kissed me on the cheek to let me down easy, I guess that's when Ash saw us. I swear, I honestly coulda heard his heart shatter. He ran off, leaving me consoling a sweet sobbing redhead. If that don't beat all... I still like her, but I hate seeing her like this. I messed it up, so I gotta fix it.

But not now, he thought. It's almost 3 AM, and Pyre was sound asleep. Maybe in the morning...

Misty wasn't able to sleep. How could she? She had the person most dear to her see her kiss another guy. In her mind's eye, she could see the dagger she unintentionally plunged into Ash's heart. What brought her a bit out of her daze was the nudging from her egg pokémon, Togepi.

"Prriii...? (Mama...?)" cooed the little egg as Misty picked it up and hugged it gently.

"Oh Togepi, I really messed things up. Ash must think I'm awful now." She just returns to her crying, all while Togepi keeps trying to cheer her up.

Ash isn't doin' so hot either. He's angry. Angry at Slade, angry at Misty, and angry at himself. I shoulda battled him right then and there for her honor, he thought. That woulda showed her who's the better man. Yea, right... she cares for that doofus. What's he got that I don't got? Uh, better not answer that.

"Pika... (Don't be sad...)" was all Pikachu could figure to say. He just curls up in Ash's lap and falls asleep.

I'm running... running... I'm after someone... but who? Ash?... Ash!... Wait! Come back! then darkness... then Slade... Slade... where's Ash? where is he? ASH!? ASH?! ASH!!!!

Misty wakes up with a start, almost dropping Togepi. Just a dream, she thought. I can't face Ash. Not right now. Not just yet. She cries herself back to sleep.

"ASH!!" was what Ash was woken up to. Oh great, who could that be... it's 5 AM! Ash just covers himself with the covers. Next thing he knows, he hears the door open.

"Ash, it's Slade. We gotta talk, buddy."

"How'd you get in here?" Ash blinked at him a couple of times.

"Lockpicks. Now before you call security, get dressed and come with me," he said as he thumbed towards the door.

"Why should I? It's not like we're friends."

"Cuz..." Slade just points towards Misty's room. "Let's go already."

Soon, they end up near the woods. "So what do you want, Slade? This better be important."

"It is, Ash. I think you know what it's about."

"............."

"That's what I thought. Good. I didn't know she meant that much to you. If I had known, we wouldn't be talking right now."

"So now what? She really likes you, and she's always yelling at me, even when I try to be nice to her." Ash is surprised by Slade's laughing.

"Now... lemme get this straight. Was it cuz you saw her kiss me, right?"

Ash's frown confirmed it. ".............."

"Just great... Listen close, cuz I think you've got that cap on too tight."

"Huh? What do you mean? Doesn't Misty like you? It sure seemed like it to me."

"Just listen... Nah, I shouldn't spoil it. But tell ya what I'm gonna do." Ash listens closely while Slade makes a plan...

With the way things are going, Misty thought, I might as well head back to Cerulean City. I'm pretty sure Ash wouldn't want me around. "You know what, Togepi?"

"Toge toge prriii? (no, what it is, mama?)"

"Before I do anything, I better go tell Ash what happened last night... and maybe how I feel as well..."

Before noon comes around, everyone's all together having lunch at the hotel restaurant. Brock is the one to break the errie silence.

"Y'know, I was surprised by all the breeding supplies and literary material that they have. I guess this place is to pokémon breeding as Pallet Town is to pokémon technology, right Ash?"

"Uh, yea Brock." Ash's attention was mostly on the brooding Misty. "Hey Misty, where's Slade?"

"Huh? Oh, he said he had some business to take care of. He'll be back." She justs plays with her food until one of the hotel clerks walks over to her.

"Ms. Waterflower, right?"

"Yes?" She looks up from her plate of food.

"A message for you came to the desk." The clerk hands her a folded note.

"Thank you." She looks at Brock, Ash, and Pikachu. They all just shrug. Shrugging as well, she opens up the note. It reads:

Misty:

Meet me at the hills north of town just before sunset. Look for the tree stump. I'll be there waiting.

--Someone who cares.

'Someone who cares'... she thought. It better not be Slade, cuz I told him how I felt about him. Now he's being pushy. I hate that. Hmph... Well, I better take care of this.

"Misty? What's wrong? What the note say?" Ash tried to look over her shoulder, but she just stuffed the note into her backpack.

"None of your business!! I gotta go take care of a few things, ok? Not that it matters to you, Ash Ketchum!" She storms off.

"It's working..."

"What's working, Ash?"

"Oh nothing. Heh heh..."

"Pika pika chu... (Wonder what's going on...) ponders the ketchup-drinking pokémon.

Slade uses the rear entrance of the hotel to get in, carrying a lil package. Hope she likes this, he thought. Yea, she'll like it. Time to get ready.

PART 5:

Misty's been in a daze, Brock thought. Something's wrong, and Ash is acting strange too. I better talk to them before--

"Brock."

"Slade?"

"I need your help."

"Sure, what can I do to--WAAHH!!" Brock disappears with Slade in a blink.

Four hours to sunset...

"Great!! That's what I'm looking for. How much?"

"It'll come to $1000, sir."

"What!?" Ash topples over then quickly gets up. "It'll be worth it. After beating Blaine, it's not that bad of a loss, right Pikachu?"

"Pika... Pikapi, pi pi pikachu? (Yea... Ash, what's that for anyway?)" Pikachu said as he looked at Ash's purchase.

"You'll see. But now we gotta change and head somewhere before the sun starts to set."

"Pika? (What for?)"

"Something important," Ash remarks as he dashes out of the store with Pikachu beside him.

Three hours...

"Slade, why do I have to wear this?"

"It's either that, or you can look absolutely ridiculous wearing yer apron. Just want you to at least look the part, ok?"

"*sigh* Okay, but zees ad better work."

"It will. I gave him two books of wisdom to help."

"What are they?"

"1001 Ways to be Romantic, and Men are From Mars Women are From Venus."

[author: yes I have these books for real. And like Brock, still single. *^_^*]

"You know where I can get those books?"

Two hours...

"You wanted to see me, Slade?" Ash was hoping things weren't falling apart.

"Yes, Ash. Everything's going according to plan. But there's just one thing."

"What?" Ash sees Slade has a look of determination in his eyes.

"One-on-One battle, Ash Ketchum, right now."

"NOW!?! But the plan!!"

"There's time. Pyre!! Go!!" Pyre emerges from his PokéBall, growling and ready for action. Slade fixes his coat. "You see, Ash, I still care for Misty. I care for her deeply. I'm sure that you do as well, and probably for a long time, too. So I challenge you, as a gentleman and as a trainer, to a battle for the young lady's heart."

"You're no trainer!! You're a Master!!"

"So... You found out. Listen close, cuz this may be the last time I offer this kind of wisdom. Only certain people can become pokémon masters. It's not the strength of their pokémon, but the strength of their hearts and souls. It's this strength that makes both trainer and pokémon very powerful. I'm only a trainer. A powerful trainer, but only a trainer."

"That's nonsense." Ash shakes his head.

"Oh is it? Look at your Pikachu. By all accounts, most would say Pyre can defeat him easily, but I know better. It's about an even match."

"Really? Well then," Ash feels confident now. "For Misty's heart, and mine, I gladly accept your challenge. Pikachu, let's rumble!!"

"PIKA!! (YEA!!)" Electricity sparkling from his cheeks, Pikachu's ready for battle.

Thunderclouds seem to form over the battle. Hmmm, this Pikachu is stronger than I thought, Slade realized. He's the only Pikachu here, and he's already causing thunderclouds to form.

"Pikachu?" Ash was amazed at the sight. "Give it your all, Pikachu. This is for Misty!!"

"PIKA PIKA!! PIKACHU!! (C'MON PYRE!! IT'S SHOWTIME!!)

"Pyre!! Attack!!"

"Grrrrr... Rrrrrrowwwwrrrrr!! (This is it... Let's do it!!)

Pokémon collide, fire and lightning flying eveywhere.

Just before sunset...

I wonder where everyone went, Misty wondered. Their backpacks are still here, so where are they? "There's the spot," she said to herself. "Huh? Who's that?"

A man dressed in what looks like a tuxedo approach her. He must've been the one who sent the note.

"Slade?"

Then in a somewhat silly French accent, "Ah, ello and welcome to zee Café on Zee hill. Lemme see, now... ah! Waterflower, party of two. Right zees way, mademoiselle." She's led to a nice looking candlelit table, with someone already seated. A nicely dressed young man gets up and walks towards her. She almost didn't recognize him until she saw that somewhat goofy smile that she liked so much. "Ash?"

"Hi Misty. I'm glad you made it. Would you please join me for dinner?" Ash gently takes her hand and takes her the rest of the way to the table.

This is Ash's idea, Misty thought. I was expecting it to be Slade, but it really turned out even better than I hoped. She smiles at Ash as he helps her take her seat. So far, so good, thought Ash. I can see the sparkle in her eyes when she looks at me. It can only get better now.

"Ready Brock?"

"Mais oui, monsieur," said the now-French cook. They take the food up the hill to Ash and Misty.

"Brock? What are you doing here? Are you all in on this?" Misty can't help glance at everyone.

"All of zees is as per monsieur Ash's request," replies Brock as he gives Misty and Ash their dinner. "Enjoy mademoiselle, enjoy monsieur."

"*^_^* This was all your idea, Ash?"

"Yea, it was. You deserve to be treated like this. Shall we dine?" Misty smiled at her dinner partner, before beginning to eat the exquisite French meal.

"It's working Brock."

"Took them long enough. By what I've seen, you'd think they were already married."

"Like that, huh?"

"Yup. Sorry it didn't work out. So why did you plan all this?"

"Now remember, it's all Ash's idea. And cuz it's not right to mess with two people destined for each other."

"I hear ya. You're a big softie, y'know that?"

"Shut up, Brock." They just laugh and watch the two.

Before long, Pikachu goes up the hill carrying a boombox.

"Slade, what's with Pikachu?"

"He's bringing the next part of the night into action. Now you and I do our part. C'mon, and bring your Vulpix."

"Why? Something wrong with Pyre?"

"He... I mean, we were defeated by Ash and Pikachu," he says with a matter-of-fact tone.

"HUH!? But how? I mean, you're a pokémon Master!! HOW!?"

"Simple. Ash loves Misty, and the power of his love gave Pikachu the power to beat me. Humans and pokémon share a symbiotic link in a way. Even pokémon have wishes and dreams. I'm sure that Pikachu's wish was to see those two finally share their love for each other. Geez, listen to me. I sound like the softie you said I am. Heh heh... Now let's go."

"Ummmm... yea." Brock just shakes his head with this thought: he's worse than I am!!

Ash and Misty watch in delight as Pikachu came up the hill, clad in a tuxedo jacket and a bow tie, carrying a boombox.

"Awwww... how cute! You look great, Pikachu." Misty seems to be beaming tonight with all that's happened so far.

"Pika (Thanks) o^_^o" Pikachu grinned then put down the boombox and hit the play button. In a flash, he's gone.

"Hey, where'd he go?"

"Don't worry, Misty. I'm sure he's okay. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes I am, Ash." Misty just looks straight into his eyes. Huh? His eyes... Are they sparkling?

"C'mon then..." Ash stands up and helps her out of her seat. "Ash Ketchum, what are you doing...?" Misty asked in mock anger. Ash mustered all his courage, then smiled his best smile at her.

"Well, actually, I was hoping that you'd have this dance with me." At that moment the music started playing. Misty knew the song.

"I know this song, Ash. 'From this Moment'" Misty starts to blush. He knew my favorite song.

"I know." With that, he held her close to him and began to slow dance with her, never once ceasing to gaze into her beautiful sparkling blue eyes.

"Misty?"

"Yes, Ash?"

"I'm sorry for all those times I yelled at you. I never meant to be a jerk to you."

"I know, Ash. And I'm sorry too. I should've been nicer to you."

"It's okay. This night more than makes up for everything."

"Yes, it does. I don't want this to end."

"It doesn't have to, Misty."

"Wha...? Wha-what do you mean?" Ash gently strokes her cheek, watching the blush that follows. "Misty, you mean the world to me. There's lots of things I want to say, but I'm all jumbled inside. I... I just know there's one thing that's clear... M--my feelings for you."

"I feel the exact same way, Ash," Misty whispered into his ear. She sees Ash's eyes light up. "Ash, what I'm saying is this... Ash Ketchum, I love you. Bet you never thought that I'd say th--" but she's interupted by Ash's finger on her lip.

"Shhhhhh... I--I love you too, Misty Waterflower." Ash slowly leans forward and gently kisses her on her soft lips. Misty returns the kiss in kind. After the longest and sweetest five minutes, fireworks launch and explode in the now-nighttime sky.

"Right on the money, Brock!" Slade and Brock hi-five. "Pikaaa! (Alright!)" Pikachu hops up and down in joy.

"So how's the two lovebirds?" Brock whips out a pair of binoculars and looks. "Perfect!"

"Cool. Now that our job's done, let's give them some time alone. They deserve it."

"Pika pikachu. (They sure do.)" Pikachu leads the way while undoing the bow tie.

"Got something for you, Misty." Ash reaches into his back pocket and produces a box. "Open it."

"Okay." She removes the wrapping and opens the box. "Oh Ash... it's beautiful!" She holds it up, on the verge of tears. A beautiful silver necklace, with an aquamarine pendant.

"Open the pendant." Ash smiles as she opens the pendant to hear simple yet beautiful notes play from it, and seeing a picture of him inside. She couldn't hold the tears back anymore.

"Oh Ash..." She cries tears of joy as he put the necklace on her. She rewards him with another passionate kiss that he returns with love.

EPILOGUE:

Jan 25:

Well, Slade, you finally set things right. Ash and Misty finally found the love they were searching for all of their young lives. They truly deserve one another. Destiny brought them together, and so I guess that's how it'll be. As for me, I think I'll go with them. Ash may still need someone who knows the road to be a Pokémon Master. He has the heart and soul of one already. Besides, one never abandons their friends. All I know now is this... Ash and Misty won the REAL battle... The battle against unloved loneliness.

The notebook gets enveloped by the bonfire Pyre made. "Good boy, Pyre." He just pats the fire pokémon on the head. "Now let's clean this place up before settin' off with the others." Boy and pokémon just smile at what they accomplish.

"Now all we need is a bow, and arrows with heart-shaped arrowheads." They both laugh during the clean-up.

finis

author's note: BTW, if you'd like to know what the tune in the pendant was, click here.

Hope you enjoyed my first Fanfic. ^_^