Chapter 6

Good-Bye Ain't Forever, Is It?

Ash stood by the window at the Ever Grande City Airport. He was holding hands with Misty. She was dressed up, which wasn't that unusual nowadays. Brock was standing with them. Pikachu was perched on Ash's shoulder, although he would have to go into his Poké Ball later, when they got on the private plane. They were waiting for Ash's flight to a secret place. He had won the Hoenn Championship Tournament, and was now the Champion. The Elite Trainers, the best trainers in the Pokémon World, liked Ash's style and strategy, so they had asked him to do a special job. He had a hard time deciding whether or not to leave his friends and family behind for a few years. He also didn't want to leave Misty behind, for various reasons. Norman's kids (May and Max) had decided to continue traveling, not wanting to miss any training that they could get in. They did say their good-byes before they left though.

"Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, your flight is here, sir." A young man had approached the three teens and held out his hand. "My name is Porter, and it fits my job." He laughed at his own joke. The others smiled. "You will have ten minutes until you are to board. I'll let you say your farewells to your friends." The young man walked off a ways and sat on one of the nearby chairs.

Brock walked over to Ash and gave him a hug. Ash hugged back. Then, after they let go, they gave each other a high-five. "Well, I guess this is it kiddo, at least for a while. Take care of yourself and Pikachu. See ya buddy." The older teen ruffled Ash's hair, and the raven-haired boy laughed. Brock left to let Ash and Misty say good-bye. He knew this would be hard for the two of them. They had always been within calling distance. Ash couldn't call anyone he knew, it was 'one of the rules' as he was told. After a few years however, he would be free to do whatever he wanted. And he would have full protection with the Elite Trainers' bodyguards, so if he ended up in trouble, he could be easily helped. He hoped that nothing like that would ever happen though.

"Ash, are you okay?" Misty took both of Ash's hands in hers. She knew that he was going to have a hard time without her. He smiled solemnly.

"Yeah Misty, I'll be fine." Ash looked into Misty's blue-green eyes. They were a sad shade of blue, not the usual sea-green or indigo-blue shades that told everyone her feelings or attitude. "Promise me you'll stay outta trouble and be good."

"I promise." Misty smiled. She never got anyone into trouble unless she was fighting with Ash. Ash always was the one to get them into trouble, every time. "Besides, aren't you the one who always gets us into some kind of trouble?" Misty joked.

"Sometimes, yeah. But I'll try to stay outta trouble too." Ash took a quick glance to Porter, and was told that he had a couple more minutes 'til he had to go. 'I'd better do this now, and quickly.' Ash thought. He leaned closer to Misty and hugged her, as well as gave her a long kiss. Misty was a little bit surprised. Finally, they broke the kiss. Misty was blushing slightly. "I'm gonna miss you, Mist." Ash whispered into Misty's ear. He tucked a strand of red-orange hair behind her ear.

"I'll miss you too, Ash." Misty didn't want to, but she pulled away, and reached into her bag that was sitting on the floor. She pulled out one of her blue hair-scrunchies and another handkerchief, this time it was blue and had 'Misty Williams' embroidered in pink thread on one corner. There was a note folded up in the handkerchief. "Here." Misty placed them into Ash's hands.

Ash looked at them for a second, then placed them into his jacket pocket and reached into his bag too. He pulled out a really pretty ring. It was silver and had a diamond in the center, with four smaller sapphire stones surrounding it. "Just so you'll have something to remember our promise."

Misty put the ring on her finger. "It's really beautiful, Ash. Thank you." They shared a quick kiss this time, and then Ash picked up his stuff. He walked over to Porter and they went to the gate. Ash turned around and waved to Misty, who was waving back. Then he left.

2 years later…

"What do you mean Misty's not there? She has to be!" A fist pounded the stand on which the videophone sat. Ash had called the Cerulean City Gym, where Misty and her three older sisters lived.

"Sorry Ash, but Misty didn't make it back from her last visit with you guys. We've searched everywhere that we thought that she'd be. We think that maybe she's somewhere, being held against her will. We haven't heard any word from or about her for a little over two years." Lilly was upset.

"Two years? I am not gonna let this continue. I made a promise to Mist long ago when we were little kids living in Lilycove that I'd do anything to protect her from harm. I am not gonna break that promise!"

"Be careful Ash. And bring her back safely, please." The connection was cut.