Ash,now grumpy, sat at the edge of his bed, clearly annoyed at the turn of events. Dawn had stormed out of the ice cave, not even bothered to wait to see what Gary had found out. Could he even blame her? Wouldn't he feel conflicted when someone kissed him out of the blue?

Ash wanted to run after her but seeing Pikachu running after the crying girl, he discarded the idea. At least Dawn wouldn't ignore the rodent now. He felt betrayed as his best buddy abandoned him like it, but did he have any choice? Neither did Pikachu knew who the real Ash was. So he did what he had originally planned on doing, seeing around for the sick Pokémon though all he wanted was to curl and weep.

Gary had found something.. valuable and Ash had no freaking idea what the blue haired Pokémon was doing in an ice cave.

Gary had found a worn out Manaphy, looking heavily exhausted and showing signs of terrible health. The normally cheerful pokémon looked tired as if it had been under torture for a long time and suffered from malnutrition. The usual blue glow was now gone, replaced with pale, dull colour. Ash instantly knew that the Pokémon was suffering. Anyone who took a look at it could tell.

So when Gary had brought the Legendary Pokémon with him to the Pokémon centre, he didn't fight. Neither did Manaphy fight back on being handled by a stranger.

On the way back, Ash explained that 'Ash' and he were having a fight so 'Ash' had stormed off where as Gary plainly teased for their first fight as a couple, trying to soften the gloomy aura which was lurking over Ash.

But on seeing his still sullen expression, even after his pathetic try to cheer him up, Gary's voice changed to show how concerned he really was. He quickly asked,"Is everything okay Dawn?"

"Gary.."

"Hm?"

"I'm not Dawn."

Ash stopped walking as he felt Gary standing still on hearing it. A while later, Gary burst into laughter, the Pokémon in his arms shifting due to the sound.

"Nice one Dawn," Gary laughed more.

Ash sighed as he started walking again, shaking his head at his stupid idea,"Forget it." Getting out of the suffocating place was his second priority, the first was to clear his mind and think how he would make things all right again.

As soon as they had reached the pokemon centre, Dawn was fixed at her spot on a couch outside the Pokémon Centre Health Department, looking horrified and gloomy at the same time.

"Hey Ashy-boy!" Gary greeted the girl who looked horrified.

Ash halted in his steps. She loved him back, he was sure but why was she so scared? Why wasn't she allowing him? What was holding her back?

Had he destroyed their friendship somehow? Had it overdone it?

Gary placed the weak pokemon inside the operation theatre and Chansey began healing the sea Pokémon quickly. Ash was hesitating to approach her, she hadn't even looked at him for once since he had walked in. What was she thinking so deeply?

Nurse Joey who was quiet for a while, spoke up on seeing the sullen expression on everyone's faces,"I figured out what is wrong with Manaphy."

"You did?" Gary asked, his attention caught. Anything to deviate his mind from two sulking teens.

The pink haired beauty nodded, her expression serious,"This can be a problem. We might be unable to heal Manaphy without knowing who had been struck with the attack.''

Ash couldn't hold it any longer,"What do you mean?"

The nurse sighed, a soft curse leaving her lips,"Manaphy has been using Heart Swap for too long. And if it doesn't reverses back soon, the poor creature might die."

.

Ash had never imagined that talking to Dawn would be so hard. The conversations between them always flowed easily, there was never a dull moment between them, they could talk about everything and anything under the sky.

But now, it was like that they were strangers, who were never destined to meet.

Dawn was ignoring him, and to his dismay had switched back rooms. She even left Pikachu with Nurse Joey to have privacy.

He didn't want to lose what they had between them, he would pick being her friend forever if it meant that she would talk to him again. Ash was pretty sure that she wouldn't talk to him unless she was forced to. He was sure he would have to lock them in a room to make her talk.

He gave a defeated sigh at the thought. If he locks them up, there was a 99% chance that she would kill him, almost. An angry Dawn was almost equivalent to an angry Misty, if not more. And no way was he gonna bet on that 1% chance he had.

He knew that she wouldn't talk unless he would force a conversation out of her.

Ash hated seeing her like that, so broken and lonely. It was like that time she wasn't able to pass the appeal's round back in their Sinnoh days. She looked so lost and shattered, no one could even imagine the strong girl they know now was so vulnerable. He hated seeing her like that, he himself felt useless as he could do nothing to cheer her up, to make her smile.

He saw Dawn leaving her room and silently decided to follow her. He found her entering the cafeteria and ordering some food. He quickly made his way over to her as she was picking up the food's packet.

"Dawn.." He slowly called her. She stiffened in her tracks and quickly turned, her face looking horrified and scared. She squeaked out,"Hey Ash. I.."

"We need to talk," Ash quickly breathed out, scared that she would run and ignore him again. He saw how she was thinking something to say, biting her lip to deviate the topic. He was sure that he was going to get rejected again.

Her brown orbs flickered in worry as she softly spoke up,"I'm not feeling too well. I'll talk to you later."

And once again, Ash wanted to cry his heart out when she dashed toward her room, away from him.

.

Ash was silently watching Manaphy through the glass panel, seeing Chansey using her eggbomb to heal him. Nurse Joey was examining the poor pokémon too.

He felt bad. It was his entire fault that Manaphy was this way. If he would have controlled his curiosity and stayed in place, then the whole dilemma would never have happened. He would still be travelling, oblivious to everything and Dawn would still talk to him.

"You look worried," Gary spoke up as he saw 'Dawn' silently watching the pokemon.

"Because I'm."

"Is Ash still angry?" Gary asked as they were heading to the cafeteria to sit and talk about it.

Gary ordered hot chocolate to liften the blunette's mood but when the girl in front of him still didn't reply to his previous question, he softly asked,"Having your first fight as a couple?"

Ash stopped stiring the hot chocolate as he slowly pushed it away, sighing sadly as he accepted,"Yeah."

Gary gave a little smile, unknown to Ash, as he advised,"Sighing and grunting and thinking won't take you anywhere Dawn. You must talk and solve your issues."

Ash bit the inside of his lips at his words. The last time he tried solving his issues hadn't ended well.

Seeing him silent again, Gary again spoke up,"You know Dawn, Leaf is so much like Ash. She loves travelling, loves to eat, always puts her pokemon before her own health. She hates my stuck up attitude, we fight and ignore each other, but, we don't give up on each other. You should not give up on whom you love too."

Ash nodded silently as he spoke up, purposely slipping up,"I'm not giving up on her, I'm not giving up on Dawn."

"What do you mean?" Gary was now irritated,"You said the same while we were in that Ice Cave."

Ash had enough. He needed to speak everything out. Brock would have been a much better choice, but he was no where in sight. He wanted to be heard. Dawn was refusing to even look at him, talking was on another league.

Taking a deep breath, he looked up at Gary, understanding the confusion in his voice as he confessed,"Manaphy used heart swap on me and Dawn. We have unconsciously swapped bodies. The whole dating thing is false too."

As Ash said that, he was waiting for a response from Gary. The brunette was staring at him as if he was dancing around naked. Ash immediately pushed away the thought, since he was in her body and had no intention of allowing other men to see her like that.

A full minute passed and Ash still hadn't heard a word from his childhood rival. Gary was eyeing him in disbelief and Ash rolled his eyes, asking,"You don't trust me?"

Gary nodded.

"Come on Gary, only I know that you cried after losing to me in the Johto League!"

Gary's face immediately flushed as he requested Ash to shut up.

"So.." Gary began.

"So what?"

"When did it happen?"

"A month ago, when I visited Pallet Town."

"Holy crap! I had no freaking idea!"

"Shut up Garebear! People are staring."

Clearing his throat to ignore the stupid nickname Ash had come up with to annoy him, Gary asked,"That meant the day you went on a date with Serena wasn't the real you, it was Dawn and I was having movie date with a moron like you?"

Ash's eyebrows twitched at the insult as he said,"Yes."

"And I made you see a dream instead of Dawn and Ash was the one who came up with the date idea and kissed Dawn! Oh my god! What the hell! How could have I not noticed?" Ash was pretty sure that the man in front of him was talking to himself rather than telling him anything.

"What dream?" Ash asked, confused.

Gary quickly changed the topic as he saw Ash's face lighting up with realization,"Oh man! How could have I not noticed?"

Ash snorted, unable to scold Gary for using Umbreon to alter his dreams as he replied,"Gary, we are getting offtrack."

Gary regained his composure as he softly asked,"What do you want now?"

"I just wanna talk to her, she is ignoring me for nothing.."

Gary smacked his forehead,"Ash, I was talking about Manaphy."

A look of panic crossed Ash's face as he breathed out,"We need to swap back!"

"And for that you'll need Manaphy and of course, Dawn."

Ash nodded, not understanding where Gary was heading to with the information. Gary, npw waiting for him to pick up his unsaid words facepalmed when Ash hadn't caught up with the idea. Gary shook his head, muttering dense and idiot under his breath. Ash looked at him, totally oblivious to why he was being called an idiot this time. Was Gary giving him some hidden advice? His face scrunched up, thinking deeply at what Gary meant. Can't people be more straightforward?

Gary suddenly spoke up, shaking the 'girl' out of his thoughts,"Well, Dawn is ignoring you but she knows that you both have to talk for swapping back. What are you waiting for Ashy-boy, go get your girl."

Ash's face lit up at the idea as he agreed,"Thanks. And Leaf sounds pretty cool."

Gary shoved the blunette out of the cafeteria,"My girlfriend isn't your concern."

"Fine, fine. Whatever Garebear."

"Shut up Ashy-boy."

Ash sighed as he began playing with his fingers, a habit he had picked up from her when he was nervous as he asked,"Gary, I know I like her and she likes me too but why isn't she giving us a chance?"

Gary had come across many awkward situations in his life, like having a date with Dawn only to realize it was Ash. But never had he imagined that his childhood friend and rival would ask for his help.

"Girls are like that, they are insecure and tense. They need attention and care. They will rather stay alone than having their heart broken by someone who is so special and close to them. At least this is what Leaf is. I don't know about Dawn though."

Ash watched as Gary spoke. He was understanding his every word. Dawn was a lot like Leaf too, she was scared too. She was scared that she would lose the friendship she had built over such a long time. Her fear was making her stop.

"Dawn is just scared," Ash silently admitted, Gary nodding his head in understanding.

"Then make her believe that there is nothing to be scared of, gain her trust, give her hope. After all the Ash I know never gives up till he reaches his goal," Gary teased. Ash gave him a thankful smile,"I guess I needed a morale boost. Thanks Gary. Well, at least Leaf isn't dating a complete moron.''

Gary was going to smack the senses out of the cocky boy in front of him but instead, just laughed,"I'm not that bad Ashy-boy."

"Yeah, yeah," Ash rolled his eyes at his cockiness.

"And," Gary seriously started, getting Ash's full attention,"We never had this emotional conversation, got that?''

"Whatever!" Ash chuckled, failing as he was trying to roll his eyes at Gary's comment. Same, old, typical Gary.

As Gary watched Ash walking away with new found confidence, he smirked to himself,"Well, get your girl Ash."

Talking with Ash was the most wishful thing Dawn could think of at the moment.

She squeezed his palm and almost melted into the kiss, she couldn't push him away even when she wanted to because she liked how she was the only thing in his mind. Her mind was screaming at her to move away, to shout at him yet all she did was run away.

He was the best thing that ever happened to her. She got her strength from him, got inspiration from him and understood that there is really no need to worry when he was with her.

She loved him, since she was saved by him from Team Rocket, felt gratitude toward him when he saved her homeland from people like Cyrus, was indebted to him for cheering her after her contest loss. She couldn't even count how many times he risked his own life for her, like back in Alamos Town when she was almost knocked by the wind yet he didn't let go of her hand and when she was being sucked into the reverse world, how he jumped after her, not thinking about the consequences.

A sad smile made its way up on her lips as she remembered all this. He was so selfless and determined that it scared her, it made her worry that people will manipulate him due to his softness and kindness.

Boys like him were rare to find and Dawn couldn't thank Arceus enough that he was sent in her life.

And he even loved her.

Her smile dropped as she took in a slow, deep breath.

She didn't understand when he had fallen for her but it didn't lessen her worry. She knew she had her own dream to follow and he had his and she liked his determination in that matter but at the end of the day, they were still friends.

Who would guarantee that if they start dating, things would fall into places? Who would make sure that they remain the same?

She couldn't even imagine the pain of waking up and realize that they weren't even friends.

Friendship is a strong bond, built up on years of hardwork, dedication, love, care, affection and trust. The friendship she and Ash had built up was her inner strength, it always gave her hope in the deadliest of situations. It made her believe that there is one raven haired boy who would never give up on her.

Dawn laid down on her bed, using her right arm to cover her eyes as she silently let out a sob.

Love is like friendship set on fire. And she will not let anything else destroy their friendship.

She knows that the boy deserves happiness. He was so much like her. He grew up without a Dad, just like her, their starter pokemons hated them at the beginning, they were targeted by Team Galactic because the Mystic Pokémon reached out to them. He was a walking_trouble-attracting_magnet, always landing himself in between life and death situations. He was brave, more brave than any boy she has ever met.

But will she be able to live upto his expectations? Will they not change one they become a thing? Can they ever go back to what they were if things won't work out? Who knows, he might walk out of the relationship just like her Dad did with her Mom.

She hadn't realized that she had zoned out until a knock at the door broke her out of her daydream.

"Dawn?" Ash called out, unsure whether he should talk to her or not.

Dawn was now panicking. What did he want now? Was he here to talk about the kiss? She could still feel his soft sensation on her lips. Was he here to apologize that it was a mistake and to pretend that it never happened? She shook her head. No matter what the situations were, she would never forget the sensation of his lips on hers, the warmth it enveloped her with despite the surroundings, the urge to feel more of him, to pull him close and kiss him until they couldn't think straight. She could definitely not forget it even if he wants her to.

Hearing no reply, Ash felt his heart sinking in an bottomless abyss. Will he be able to voice out his opinions in forever?

Testing his luck, which was not going good at the moment, he knocked again,"Dawn? Are ya in there?"

Dawn shifted and groaned as she hit her toe while making her way to the door, opening the door with a small hiss on her lips.

"Come in."

Ash quickly acted, fearing that he would be thrown out if he doesn't act quick.

Once he was inside, Dawn closed the door behind him as he was standing awkwardly, not knowing how to approach her.

"Umm..." He started.

"Yeah?" She sat at the edge of the bed, signalling him to sit on a chair, opposite to her.

"I was..umm...you know.." Ash awkwardly started. He didn't know how to approach. Could he tell her how much she meant to him and the kiss wasn't just to make her realize it too? Should he tell her that he wanted the kiss too?

Dawn was panicking, he was sitting in front of her, looking lost in thoughts. Was he here to tell how much he regretted kissing her? Or to tell her to forget everything and start afresh. Probably both.

That was the reason she didn't want to become more than friends. Things would get awkward, they would not be able to talk freely like before. An air of being perfect will always loom over them. They would have to think and do things, making sure not to hurt or offend the other.

"Dawn, about what happened in the ice cave," Ash started,"I'm.."

"I understand," Dawn suddenly stopped him.

"You do?" His voice was hopeful.

"Yes. I do," she took in a deep breath as she continued,"Don't regret it. We will forget everything and start our friendship from the beginning. This will never effect our friendship."

It hurt. Ash's face clearly showed how much he disliked those words. He was shaking, his heart feeling extremely low as he asked,"Do you want that?"

No! Dawn bit her lip harshly,"Yes."

"Okay then. We can't force our decisions on others, how naive of me."

Although it was suppose to come out as a whisper, Dawn heard that clearly. A sudden jolt of regret shoot through her veins as she asked,"Ash, but why did you kiss me?"

He looked up to her, for a time forgetting what he was going to say. When he saw her waiting for an answer, he simply said,"Because I wanted to."

"You didn't do it to prove your point?"

"I wanted to but that's not it. You are more important than proving anything Dawn."

Dawn could feel her heartbeat rising. Was he telling that he didn't regret kissing her? Or was he just telling it to make her feel better?

"I don't understand Ash."

Ash slowly got up, and placed his hand on her cheek, looking at her eyes. He avoided the hard thumping in his chest as she slowly parted her lips to take a deep breath.

"So beautiful, you're beautiful Dawn. You make my heart beat so fast, you give me strength. I kissed you because I love you."

Dawn felt tears forming in her eyes as she blinked it away,"Please Ash. I just don't want to ruin everything."

"But you're not!"

"It will get worse. Who knows what is gonna happen in the future? Who will tell that we won't change? Life happens," Dawn held back a sob as he continued,"I just don't want to throw away all that we have achieved."

As much as Ash wanted to say he would be there for her, he couldn't. It was her own insecurity and he knew no words could make her believe it.

"I'll just say that, I'll wait."

As Ash slowly got up to leave, Dawn held his shirt, getting his attention.

"We will always be friends, right?" She shakily asked, hiding her tears.

He nodded,"No matter what, you'll stay my best friend. We may change but that's a thing which won't change."

A tear escaped her eye and she wrapped her arms around his torso, not realizing she was now taller and more muscular than Ash for the swap. His back was pressed against her front, and he held back a sob by biting his lower lip. No matter how much his heart was beating at the first touch she made herself on him, he understood she didn't mean it in an intimate way.

She wanted to thank him, for always staying there. They could've highfived like before but both of them knew, they had passed the highfive stage a long time ago. He asked,"You okay there Dawn? I didn't say anything inappropriate, right?"

He felt her holding back a soft laugh. She finally gave a short laugh, amusement clear in her voice,"No Ash, its just.. a feeling. Thank you, Ash."

He didn't move as she shed a few tears. However, he slowly asked,"About Manaphy..."

She reluctantly broke the hug, wiping the tears off her flushed face,"We need to switch back soon.''

"I know. But, I don't want to."

Ash's word took her by surprise as she was looking at his broken expression. It hurt him to stay that. For whatever reason he was agreeing, it sure was important but that didn't mean he wasn't cursing himself for saying that. After all he always hated seeing pokemon hurt.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

''I know, once we will be normal again, you would leave. And I don't want to let you go," Ash took a deep breath, blinking away his tears. He was cursing himself for thinking that. He was embarrassed, not wanting to put and superimpose his obvious feelings upon her but he couldn't help it.

Dawn looked away, her tears coming back at his soft words. She knew it was killing him inside but she couldn't promise anything.

Afterall, promises are broken, feelings are hurt.

"But Manaphy.." She tried to reason.

He understood her unspoken words as he slowly shook his head, saying,"I don't want to but that doesn't mean I won't. I can't let a Pokémon suffer for my own gain. Especially when that Pokémon made me realize what you're to me."

Dawn wanted to wipe away those tears from his face but couldn't. She was frozen in place as she heard his words. She was hating everything about her, for hurting this innocent man in the worst way possible.

"I understand but how are we gonna tell Gary that we need to swap back?" She cleverly deviated the topic. He noticed how she was avoiding it but didn't say a thing. He was sure she needed and respected her personal space.

"Gary already knows."

Dawn gasped as Ash chuckled,"I told him today. He is making preparations."

Dawn nodded as she saw Ash walking away. She wanted to thank him, for sticking so long with her but the thought of being normal created another fear in her mind.

Will she be able to say goodbye?

To say Gary was surprised was an understatement.

Ash was waiting with Gary, waiting for Dawn to arrive.

"So.. Dawn is okay with swapping back?" Gary tried to pick up a conversation. Ash was lost in thought, and startled when Gary shook him wildly, shaking him out of his thoughts.

"Gary, that hurts!" Ash whined.

"Yeah, yeah," Gary teased back,"You're weak now, I forgot."

A frown appeared on Ash's forehead as he defended himself or her,"You won't say that if she kicks you. That girl is scary."

"You are calling Dawn scary?" Gary laughed.

Ash was serious,"She knows how to throw a punch."

"Gotcha!" Gary laughed harder.

Ash peeked toward the door again before running his hands softly on Manaphy's fur. Gary saw this and asked,"What are you waiting for?"

"Dawn. She should be here by now," he worriedly said.

Gary took a deep breath as he noticed rhythmic beating of Manaphy's heart, showing he was stabilising.

"She won't back out Ashy-boy."

Ash hid back a bitter laugh,"Yeah. She can't escape the opportunity to get rid of me."

Gary put a hand on the shaking boy. He knew Ash didn't mean it harshly but now he was having his own mental battle. Trying to give him hope, Gary spoke up,"She isn't going to run away. She was beside you till now, wasn't she?"

"Damn it Gary. I know she loves me but..."

"Ashy-boy, don't rush things. It will make things harder."

"Yeah. I'm just over thinking. Gotta have faith right?" Ash gave Gary a grateful smile. He knew the brunette will tease him, laugh at him but will never stop supporting him. He was Gary, his first friend and rival.

And he was glad he had someone to talk to, to keep his sanity.

After all Gary was telling him to keep faith. He had faith in his pokemons and they had faith in him.

He just have to put faith in her and his love too.

Dawn was fumbling with her fingers, her lips quivering as she was staring at the mirror. Her eyes were puffy, cheeks red due to all the crying she had done.

She was sorting out all their belongings, putting back Ash's pokeball in his bag as she took her pokeballs from him. She kissed Piplup's pokeball, murmuring how much she missed him.

Pikachu was with Nurse Joey, getting checked up due to building high static charge owing to the cold weather.

"Oh Ash... This journey was memorable in its own way..."

She was slowly walking toward the treatment room where Manaphy was, her lips constantly being tortured due to her anticipation.

Ash was reluctant to switch back and to some extent, she was too. She knew she wasn't ready for a relation now but that didn't suppress her desire from travelling with him. Those two years without him were the hardest and she knew that separating from him again will be more tough and painful.

"Hey Mr. Ketchum!" A soft, childish voice caught her attention and she turned to see a small kid of about ten looking at her with excited eyes.

She smiled a little at the light blue haired boy,"I'm Ash. Who are you?"

The boy's face visibly lit up as if he was given his favourite candy,"I'm Toni."

"Hey Toni!" Dawn scooped down to pat his head,"What do you need?"

The boy hid his blush behind his bangs as he pulled out a small copy from his bag pack, handing it over to her. Dawn raised an eyebrow.

"Can you.. umm.. give me your autograph?" Toni blushed as he asked,"I always wanted to be like you. One day I'm gonna defeat the Battle Frontier too."

Dawn nodded in understanding. Ash was Battle Pyramid Prince but had decided to keep travelling to become stronger. He was one of the strongest in Kanto, after defeating Battle Pyramid King, whose power was almost comparable to Elite Four. And that was a year ago. Ash had definitely improved more. She smiled at him,"Sure."

The boy couldn't be more happier as he wrapped his arms around her, earning a chuckle from Dawn.

"Thank you Ash! Now I've all autographs of the Kanto Battle Heads! Though I wish I could see you battle anyone of them.."

Dawn ruffled his hair as he softly pouted,"I wish I could too."

Unknown to her, a short beautiful girl who was just passing by caught the sight. Smiling to herself, she placed a hand on her thumping heart, whispering to herself,"Ash... That's really you. I missed you."

Dawn waved the boy good bye before running to the room where Manaphy was.

Gary exchanged glances between Ash and Dawn, sweatdropping at the tense atmosphere. Knowing his presence wasn't making anything better, he excused himself saying,"I'm gonna go and get Pikachu."

The two teens didn't say anything, just nodding at his understanding.

Once Gary was gone, Ash turned to Ash and sucked the inside of his cheek at seeing her watery eyes. He knew it was hard for her too.

"Dawn," Ash spoke up, slipping his fingers into hers. When she gripped it tighter instead of pushing him away, he continued,"You know, I never imagined coming back here would turn to be the greatest adventure of my life."

Dawn leaned into his touch, smiling despite the heavy situation,"Same here."

"I saw Ho-oh at the beginning of my journey. It is said that seeing a Ho-oh embarks beginning of a adventure and a blessed life. After winning a league after my fifth attempt, I was surely on cloud nine, I was happy. I was blessed. I couldn't ask for anything else unless I saw you again.."

"Ash..."

"I just want to tell you that I really love you. And because of that I am willing to wait. Take your time and always remember that I will be there, waiting. We may grow up, but, we will always stay the same. The old, childish Ash and Dawn will never die, the friendship they've build will never be ruined by Present Ash and Dawn. I know you love me and take your time to get over your insecurities."

Dawn squeezed his hand tighter, her tears flowing freely. This time she didn't stop before pulling him in a hug as Ash, who was almost crying too chuckled,"Hey! You're crushing me Dawn. Take it easy."

Dawn chuckled softly, thanking all gods for him. He was understanding, he was sweet and he was everything a girl could ask for. He wasn't rushing her, he was giving her time to cope up with her insecurities. "Thanks Ash."

Ash, without breaking the hug, pulled her closer, emersed in pure bliss. He knew he could stay like this for eternity.

"I know what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna challenge Kanto Elite Four. Then I'm gonna move to Sinnoh to travel and challenge Sinnoh Battle frontier. Although I would love it if you come with me, I know its your decision. Will you go to Sinnoh with me after we're done here in Kanto? After you finish your Grand Festival and I challenge Kanto Elite Four? Think about it."

Dawn wanted to say yes desperately but smiled saying,"I'll think."

He nodded in understanding,"Sure."

Breaking the hug, Ash and Dawn slowly and carefully placed their intertwined hands on Manaphy's torso, waking it up.

Hoping not to startle the weak pokémon, Dawn softly spoke up,"You can swap us back and then you'll be fine."

"Get well soon Manaphy."

As if understanding them, Manaphy gave a weak nod and soon a bright blue light engulfed them, and this time Ash and Dawn passed out with a smile on their faces.

"Thank you, Manaphy."

Their combined and in sync voices brought even a smile on the Pokemon's face.

And they swapped back! Isn't Gary the sweetest Matchmaker?

Who was waiting for it? I was surely waiting for it too! And don't forget to tell me what you liked and disliked. And I know it is asking for too much, but I would like it if you tell me how I can improve.

And the next chapter will be the last, except the epilogue!

And I would like to give all of you hugs! Really! It's the first time any of my stories crossed 100 reviews and you won't believe I worked extra hard to get this chapter up quickly!

Special thanks to glaxy, supermanx, pikacat83, mignonjoli, skeletonknight, AshXDawnaddicted, pearl shipper, macrotalelove, saaphireofdreams, sparklingpearl123, kingofclan, KakeruPB , epicgammesgdcritical, dontmindme1234, and all other reviewers for sticking with the story and contributing to reach 100 reviews!

And an early update for my little sis like person on Fanfiction, AshXDawnaddicted. So, dont forget to wish her! But I also have a depressing news. Since I'm in my Senior year of school, my biggest nightmare, exams, are starting in a week! So, this is goodbye, for at least a month. Pray for me!

Next update, 5th of April! Till then, stay tuned!

~ darkestlightofhope