Within Attraction

by selh

When you fall for your best friend, things not always end up being as you desire...

21. Chapter 21 Alternate Ending

Within Attraction

Chapter 21

Alternate Ending

Well people, here it is, the so delayed (and hopefully awaited) alternate ending, I have not enough words to apologize for the horrible 3 months delay. School, work and social labor (working for free to say "thanks" to the government for your education) kept me busy so, I barely had time to write this, I hope you like this extra-long last chapter. Thanks to the readers, reviewers, haters and everyone who spent a little of his/her time reading this little personal proyect, thanks for your attention and... Read, Review and Enjoy!

I don't own Pokémon at all

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"I told you to LEAVE MY GIRLFRIEND ALONE!" –After those words, everyone remained silent, even Ash was shocked by his own words.

"Ash" –May blushed and bit her lips

"Ash" –Dawn couldn't believe those words

"You bastard!" –Drew yelled at him

Ash tried to get closer to May but Drew kicked him in the face, Ash fell to the ground. In that moment Aerodactyl gained enough height and flew away.

"Aaash!" –May shouted

"Maaay! – Ash slowly got on his feet again but, unfortunately, Aerodactyl was already too far in the distance –"I have to go, Latias come on" –Ash tried to run but was stopped in the middle of his track. –"Dawn?"

Dawn didn't say a word, she just held Ash's hand with all her strength.

"Dawn let me go!"

"…"

"Dawn!"

Dawn jumped into Ash's arms and put her arms around his neck

"No Ash, I won't let you go" –She was crying

"Dawn!"

"NO!"

Ash could only see how Aerodactyl became smaller and smaller, he needed to go but Dawn didn't have any intention of letting him leave.

"Dawn please, stop this"

"No, I told you, I won't let you go, never!"

"But Dawn, can't you see Drew just kidnapped May?"

"I don't care!"

"But Dawn! Let me go!" –Ash used all his strength to escape from Dawn's embrace, the girl fell to the ground.

"Why Ash?" –Her tears increased –"Why is it always May? Why her? Why not me?"

"Dawn, I just… I just can't let Drew do that, it's common sense" –You could notice Ash wasn't telling the entire truth.

"No! You want to go after her because you still have feelings for her!"

"That's not true Dawn, I… I…" –Ash couldn't find any words.

"Tell me, tell me the truth, why do you do this? Why are you so worried about her? Why did you say she is your girlfriend?"

"I don't know why I said that…" –Ash had a sad expression.

"Liar! Tell me, tell me you still love her, tell me you are stupid enough as to love someone who betrayed you and hurt you." –Dawn might be crying, but her heart was covered with anger, too.

"I'm not lying to you! I'm telling the truth, I don't know where those words came from." –Ash sighed –"I'm as confused as you are"

"No Ash, you don't understand, you don't say those words for no reason at all, let alone the way you said them, your mind might be confused but your heart already made his choice."

"No Dawn I…"

"Ash, I love you, you know it, I'm totally sure my words are true and sincere."

"Dawn…" –Ash didn't have the courage to look her in the eyes.

"Why Ash? I love you, I would do anything for you, why can't you look at me? What does she have that I don't?"

"Dawn I…" –Silence.

"Stop it! Tell me!"

"Dawn, please don't compare yourself with May"

"Why? Because I don't have any chances against her?"

"No Dawn, it's not that!"

"What is it?"

"You and May are totally different! Understand that! You have some things in common but you can't compare with each other! You are totally different!" –Ash finally looked Dawn in the eyes.

"Totally different?"

"Yes Dawn, you are two different people, and you know what? I like the both of you the way you are"

"Don't say that Ash, those words, I can't resist to them. I fell for you because you kept being so nice to me. When you say something like that, when you smile to me, when you are yourself, I can't help but feel happy Ash… How do you want me to not fall for you when you act like that? Why? Why did you make me feel like that when you loved May?"

"Dawn, I didn't know I was hurting you… I was just being… myself, I treated you the way I did because that's the way I am, all those smiles, all those words, all those moments are true Dawn, I never lied to you."

"You were being yourself? So, you are a player? You played with my heart, Drew was right, you wanted us for yourself!" –When Ash heard those words he clenched his fists, and tried to contain his anger.

"Never! I would never be such an asshole like Drew! I…"

"You just wanted a stupid girl like me to waste some time until May returned!" –Dawn interrupted Ash.

"I would never do such a thing! I would never, never dare to play with someone's heart, let alone with the heart of the most important person for me Dawn!"

"Most important?"

"Well" –Ash blushed a little –"You are very important for me, I can't think of any other girl in my life like you"

"B-but, what about May?" –Dawn struggled to say those words

"She is important but, I don't know" –He sighed –"After what happened between us, I just don't know what to think anymore"

"Ash…"

"But Dawn, I owe you so much, I would have never recovered from my breakup with May if it hadn't been for you!"

"For me? Then, why did you…?"

"Dawn, what's happening with you? You are not acting like yourself! Where is that joyful and strong girl I met in the forest? You are acting like crazy!" – Ash kneeled and grabbed Dawn by her shoulders, they were facing each other.

"Ash, I… I…"

"Tell me Dawn, tell me everything you need to tell me" –Ash said with a calm tone, he had a comforting look in his eyes and a sweet smile on his face.

"I… I am jealous of May! Is that what you wanted to hear?" –Dawn burst into tears and found her place into Ash's arms..

"Jealous? Of May?"

"Who else I would be jealous of?"

"But why Dawn? I don't think there is a reason for you to be jealous of May"

"What? What are you saying? She has everything I want!"

"Dawn" –Ash sounded surprised.

"She has the looks, the coordinator skills, the fame…"

"Dawn but, you are very, very pretty, you are a great coordinator and you are very well-known here in Sinnoh" –Ash tried to comfort her.

"I'm pretty, she is beautiful, I'm a great coordinator, she beats me easily in the final rounds, I'm well-known in Sinnoh, and she is a celebrity in many regions…"

"Dawn, please, that's nonsense"

"But, you know what? I can live without all those things and it's ok. I may not be the most beautiful girl on earth, I may not be the most powerful coordinator ever, and I may not be the greatest celebrity ever and it's ok."

"So, why? Why are you jealous of May?"

"Because she has the only thing I can't live without"

"The only thing?"

"You Ash, all I need is you…"

"Me? B-but…"

"Ash, we met not very long ago but in this time we've been together, you became the center of my life, all I did I did it for you. I didn't care about what the press said, what my rivals said, what anyone said, the only opinion I cared about was yours! If I could bring a smile to your face, if I could make you feel proud of me, I was happy Ash." –Dawn looked Ash in his eyes and sadly smiled, her eyes were filled with tears. –"Ash, you are my everything, I owe you so much that the only thing I can give you is my heart, but it seems it's Not Enough"

"Dawn… I don't know what to say… I feel like the most horrible person now. I didn't have idea that your feelings were this strong"

"Ash… I'm a stupid"

"No Dawn, I am the stupid here, for not realizing your feelings, for not knowing you were suffering, for making you believe I had feelings for you when I wasn't sure of anything."

"Ash, I love you and that won't change" –Dawn hugged Ash.

"Dawn, you are too good for me"

"I know it" –She giggled in the middle of her suffering –"But I love you so much, I don't care if I'm too cool for you."

"Dawn, if there is something important here in Sinnoh for me, that's you"

"Ash…"

"Thanks to you, to your smile and your sweet words, thanks to everything you have done for me, I was able to recover from the pain I felt."

"Ash, you don't need to thank me"

"Of course I do need to thank you. You saved me Dawn. I couldn't break that prison on my own. But, you know what? I'm useless"

"Don't say that Ash"

"You tried so hard to make me forget that horrible feeling and I couldn't forget that girl, May"

"Yes Ash, you are useless" –She rested her head on his shoulder. Sigh

"And that's why I need to go for her"

"You made your choice?"

"No, I must decide, but there are so many things I need to talk with her, so many things I need to know. I have to go for her and finally clear mi mind"

"Ash, don't leave me" –Dawn started to cry again.

"I won't, I'll be here"

"But if you chose her… I'm afraid Ash. That time when you left me in the forest was a nightmare, I'm not going to be able to do it without you, I need you."

"Dawn…"

"Stay with me Ash"

"Dawn…" –Ash took a deep breath –"Well, I have to be here for the Sinnoh League so, I don't have many choices…"

"But Ash I…" –Dawn was kind of confused with that answer

"But of course I can't miss your Grand Festival, you are my student and I have to be there to see your performance so, I'll stay here" –Ash grinned.

"And I'll cheer for you in the Sinnoh League"

"I wouldn't like it other way"

"Then, go Ash"

"Are you going to let me go?"

"Yes"

"Drew is insane, it might be a little dangerous"

"But that won't stop you"

"You know me very well"

"Of course, you are what I like the most, I know you well"

"Dawn…"

"Ash, I'll wait for you"

"Don't worry, I'll come back"

"Ash, one last thing"

"Tell me"

"I wanted to do this for a long time and I want you to help me with it, it's also my way to wish you luck"

"Just tell me"

Dawn stared at Ash for some seconds. She took a deep breath and slowly, began to get closer to the boy. Dawn's nose touched Ash's and sweetly smiled.

"Ash"

Dawn gathered all her courage and kissed Ash on his lips. At the beginning she was afraid, afraid of the rejection and disgust but, after some seconds, Ash put his arms around her waist and returned the kiss. Dawn put her hands around his neck and enjoyed the bliss that the encounter of their lips was producing. After what seemed like an eternity for Dawn, they broke the kiss, the need for air forced them.

"Go" –Dawn smiled

"I'm leaving, are you going to be ok?"

"No need to worry"

"Don't say that, that's when I worry the most"–Ash was about to leave but then he heard Dawn was sobbing, no, she was crying. Ash stopped and turned to see the girl. –"Dawn…"

"What are you doing here? Go!" –Dawn yelled, her crying prevented her from sounding menacing.

"But Dawn I can't…" –Ash couldn't leave and let Dawn like this. –"Dawn I can't…"

"Go! I'll be fine, it's just tears, it's nothing I can't handle"

"Ok, then I'll…" –Ash's mind was telling him to go and rescue May but his body wasn't responding. –"I have to go but Dawn…" –Ash thought.

"Ash, I'll be ok, go, she is in danger, and you have to rescue her" –The tears didn't stop flowing.

"Then, I'm leaving, wait for me"

"Yes Ash, I'll be here for you"

Ash got closer to Dawn and put her lips near her ear and whispered –"That kiss was awesome."

"What?" –Dawn blushed like mad.

"I'm leaving!"

"Promise me you will be safe!" –She shouted to the boy in the distance.

"No need to worry!"

…

…

…

In the distance, in the middle of the sky, a prehistoric creature was flying, it was carrying two people on his back, the first was a green-haired boy, it seemed like he was the one commanding Aerodactyl. The second person was a girl, for her look, she was being forced to be there, kidnapped maybe, she was full of fear and her eyes were screaming for help.

"There they are! I'm going to kill you Drew, you are going to pay this time" –The voice of the boy reflected the anger in his heart. Ash noticed the angst in the eyes of the girl, that only made him feel more hurried. –"Latias, is there something you can do?" –The Eon Pokémon shook his head, indicating an attack was impossible now. –"Well, don't lose them, I'll be there soon" –Latias nodded.

But, how was Ash able to know May and Drew's location? Simple, it was Latias' job. She was sharing what she saw with Ash, they could communicate telepathically. That way, Latias became invisible and followed Aerodactyl without calling attention.

"Hurry please" –Ash was waiting for something, for his expression, he needed it right now.

Up in the distance, a black shape appeared. Little by little it started to show its real appearance. A red winged dragon appeared roaring in anger and spitting fire. Charizard.

"Charizard you are finally here" –Ash sighed in relief. The fire creature landed and, without wasting any second, Ash got on his back. –"Charizard, Drew took May with him, we must rescue her." –Charizard nodded and started to fly. –"I'll guide you, Latias will be my eyes" –Charizard gained speed and started the chase.

Once in midair, Charizard was flying at top speed trying to catch up with Aerodactyl, unfortunately, the prehistoric Pokémon was too fast for them and even Latias was having a difficult time keeping its pace.

"Latias, can you hear me? Attack Aerodactyl but be careful, I just want you to slow it down, don't use all of your power." –Latias nodded –"Use Mist Ball, that way Aerodactyl will reduce its speed and won't be able to see." –Latias charged and attacked, the orb of energy hit Aerodactyl in one of his paws, causing it to slow down.

"What the hell was that?" –Drew yelled.

"Ash?" –May asked to the wind.

"But there is no one here! Aerodactyl accelerate!" –Drew commanded

"Don't let him go! Keep attacking!" –Ash ordered to Latias

The psychic dragon did as his trainer said and kept firing Mist Balls. Aerodactyl couldn't do anything to defend itself. Meanwhile, Ash was making his way to reach the spot.

"That's got to be Latias, damn Ketchum!" –Drew was angry

"Ash! Is that really you?" –May smiled with hope.

Ash, who could hear everything Latias heard, heard May's words, her voice made his heart burn and filled the boy with determination.

"Don't worry May, I'll be there" –Ash said to May. Even when May couldn't hear those words, his feelings were strong enough to reach her.

"Ash, I know you'll save me." –May said to herself.

"Shut up! I will never let you go!" –Drew yelled at May

"This is risky but Latias, use Psychic!" Ash yelled. Latias focused her energy and attacked Aerodactyl. Aerodactyl roared in pain and started to fall. –"Now, use Confusion, don't let it go!" –Latias used her powers to prevent Aerodactyl from falling and escaping again.

"Aerodactyl, Stone Edge! Shoot in all directions!" –Drew ordered. Aerodactyl shot the sharp rocks in all directions, one of them hit Latias directly. Latias screamed in pain and stopped the Confusion attack. –"There you are little pest, Aerodactyl, Stone Edge with full force, aim for Latias!"

"Latias, escape!" –Ash shouted

Latias tried to move but the attack hit her, she started to fall to the ground.

"Excellent, that way Ketchum will learn" –Drew thought he had won.

"Latias, Recover!" –While falling, Latias heard Ash's voice and obeyed, she started to glow and, in an instant, she recovered her full health. –"Show Drew we are not done yet, Confusion!" –Latias recovered from the hit and prepared her attack. Aerodactyl was stopped again. –"Great Latias, we will be there in one moment"

Aerodactyl was struggling to move and Latias wasn't in sight to attack her.

"Show yourself Ketchum, fight like a man!" –Drew yelled.

"You are not the most appropriate person to say that" –Ash finally had reached them.

"Ketchum" –Drew said with despise

"Ash!" –May's eyes were shinning again.

"Accelerate Aerodactyl, let's get rid of the garbage" –Drew ordered but Aerodactyl couldn't do much due to Latias Confusion.

"Oh no, not this time, give May back" –Ash said with a serious tone

"Never!"

"You don't have any Pokémon able to fight, you can't do anything"

"Butterfree, Shadow Ball!" –Butterfree had found Latias.

"What? Where?" –Ash was surprised. Latias was busy using Confusion so she couldn't defend herself from the attack. Aerodactyl was freed from his chains.

"Now, let's get out of here!" –Aerodactyl started to prepare to accelerate.

"Charizard! Dragon Pulse!" –Charizard prepared his attack and shot, direct hit.

"Don't stop, go!" –Aerodactyl ignored the pain and kept flying.

"Let's go Charizard!" –The red dragon nodded and chased Aerodactyl.

Aerodactyl was hurt so he couldn't use all of his speed but even so, it was faster than Charizard.

"We are losing them, Aerodactyl, start using Stone Edge, keep shooting" –Drew ordered. Aerodactyl started to shoot countless stones at Charizard, which was having a hard time evading them.

"Charizard, Fire Blast! Let's burn those stones" –Charizard charged and fired, the fire attack could do little against the rain of knives.

"Aerodactyl, let's finish them, Hyper Beam!" –Aerodactyl stopped and turned to see Charizard. –"Fire!"

"Evade it!" –Ash shouted. Charizard tried to turn to evade it but the Hyper Beam hit him on his wing. Ash and his loyal Pokémon started to fall.

"AAASH!" –May screamed.

"Finally" –Drew said calmly.

Ash was holding to Charizard, if they were going to fall, they were going to fall together. Just when Ash thought he was doomed, Latias appeared and put herself under Charizard, helping him to regain altitude. Too bad all of Ash's Pokéballs didn't have the same luck, they precipitated to the ground.

"Latias!" –Ash was amazed. –"You are awesome!" –But there was one problem, Charizard's wing was hurt so badly, he couldn't fly any longer –"Charizard, land, we will rescue May" –Charizard didn't have other choice but agree. Ash carefully jumped onto Latias' back, the Eon Pokémon had difficulties carrying the boy. –"Sorry Latias, but this won't last long" –Ash knew Latias wouldn't be able to carry two people on her back at the same time.

With all her willpower, Latias accelerated with Ash on his back, he interfered with her aerodynamic shape, but there was no other choice.

"Drew!" –Ash shouted

"Again?" –Drew refused to believe.

"Latias, fly higher, I will jump from your back, attack, and then catch me, ok?" –Latias didn't want to risk his trainer that way, but she knew Ash would do anything to save May. Latias soared even higher. –"With all your power, Dragon Pulse!"

Drew understood Ash's intentions and tried to hit him instead of hitting Latias.

"Aerodactyl, use Hyper Beam, kill Ketchum!" – Aerodactyl charged the beam and was about to fire.–"Now!" –Drew ordered, the attack hit the trainer with full force, creating a huge explosion.

"AAASH" –May screamed, terrified.

"That's what you get when you interfere with my plans Ketchum!" –Drew started laughing like a maniac.

"And this is what you get for kidnapping May" –Ash suddenly appeared with Latias, flying over Aerodactyl.

"B-but how? It was a direct hit!" –Drew couldn't believe Ash was there without even a scratch.

"Does the word Substitute sound familiar to you?" –In that instant, Ash jumped and landed on Aerodactyl's back, the prehistoric creature lost its balance. –"Latias, take May with you, I have some things to discuss with Drew" –Latias obeyed and put May on her back, after that, they left, leaving Ash with Drew.

"Ash wait!" –May shouted.

"Now Drew, it's only you and me" –Ash didn't waste any second and punched Drew in the face, the trainer got over Drew and kept hitting him in the face. "Tell me! Why did you do this? Why did you come here? Why did you destroy my relationship with May?"

"Do you want to know?" –Drew was breathing heavily, his face had some blood and bruises. "I did it because you kept May from shinning"

"Don't tell me that bullshit! You didn't do that because you were worried about May's career"

"If you already know why I did it so, why do you keep asking?" –Drew had a very annoying smirk on his face.

"Because I want to hear it from you!" –Ash grabbed Drew by his shirt.

"I did it because I'm perfect for her! I'm popular with the ladies, I'm a great coordinator and… and I love her more than anything in this world!"

"Love?" –Ash started to chuckle at Drew's words

"What's so funny?" –Drew asked

"Drew, how can you talk about love when you are acting like this? You broke her heart, you hurt her, you threatened her life!"

"What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing, you should have done nothing!"

"And let my most precious person go away with someone else?"

"Yes, if you really love her, you should have let her be happy, happy with me!"

"No way, I wanted her for me!"

"You have to understand! What you did was horrible, you hurt her like you have no idea! And you keep saying you are perfect for her! I can understand you love her, I can understand you wanted her to be with you! But…"

"You don't understand! You don't know how it feels to lose someone you love! I fell in love with her since the first time I saw her! And each time we talked, each time I battled her in Contests, each time I saw her improving, that feeling of love increased more and more." –Drew had fire in his eyes –"But you, you ruined everything! You always interfered between us, she always preferred you! You even traveled together! What did you want me to do? You had everything and I had nothing! It wasn't fair!"

Ash hesitated a little with Drew's words, he had never thought about Drew's true feelings, but they were filled with truth. Ash had a lot more time to spend with her, they shared more experiences, their love wasn't a sudden thing, it flowed naturally, little by little, with each day that passed, with each training session, with each victory, with each defeat, they fell in love. But Drew, he never had the same chances, he fell for May but he never really had the opportunity to talk to her, to show her he was a good person, to make her fall for him.

"Drew, what you say is true, it wasn't on purpose but you never had the same chances with May, maybe if we had been in the same conditions, May would have fallen for you instead of me." –Ash sighed, he had a sad smile. –"But you're wrong when you say I don't know how it feels to lose someone loved, I lost May because of you, and my pain is greater than yours because, at least for a short time, we were happy, I thought it would last forever and that May would be with me from here to eternity but you destroyed everything. I'm not angry at you for loving her, I'm angry because you hurt her, because you deceived her, because you threatened her."

"Do you still love her? Why do you worry so much for her?" –Drew asked calmly

"I don't know but, I care for her because she is important that's all, my wounds are healed and I no longer have a grudge against her."

"That blue-haired girl, right?"

"This is over Drew"

"Yes, it's all over" –Drew sighed and then gave his final order –"Aerodactyl fly as high as you can!" –Aerodactyl rapidly started to gain height; both boys struggled not to fall.

"What are you doing?"

"It's over! We both lost!" –Drew shouted with tears on his eyes. When they reached a very high altitude Drew said his final words. –"Return Aerodactyl!" –Aerodactyl immediately returned to his Pokéball, both boys started to fall.

"What the hell are you doing? We are going to die!" –Ash screamed.

"It doesn't matter! I can't live without her!" –Drew said with a depressing tone.

"You are insane! Call Aerodactyl!" –In that moment, Drew threw Aerodactyl's Pokéball, sealing their fate.

"May deserves to be happy, and none of us is able to do that, it's better this way" –Drew said, he was lost within himself.

"Drew… I can't believe it…" –Ash sighed –"I can't believe I'm actually going to die for a girl, I wonder what Brock would say" –Ash giggled –"Well, I never had the chance to talk to May, I hope I don't become an errant ghost because I still have pending stuff oh and, sorry Dawn, I'm not coming back." –Ash was very calmed even when he knew his life would end soon. Memories from his past started to appear in his mind.

How he met Pikachu, when he was pulled out from the water by Misty, when he got his first badge from Brock, his defeat in the Indigo Plateau tournament, the first time he beat Gary, when he parted ways with Brock and Misty… when he met May.

A torrent of memories from the brunette girl appeared, when he taught her to catch her first Pokémon, her first lose, her first win, her first ribbon, the first blush, the first sweet smile, their first date, their first kiss, his first girlfriend, the happiness, the joy, the pain…

"I'm sorry…" –Ash couldn't finish his sentence, he was caught by some flying creature, the boy was totally shocked. –"What? Togekiss? What are you doing here?" –The white flying creature took Ash and landed. –"B-b- I… don't understand".

"Do you think I was going to let you go that easily?"

"Dawn! What are you doing here?"

"I had a bad feeling about this, so, I came to rescue you"

"B-but Togekiss…"

"I took all of my Pokémon to the Pokémon Center"

"Dawn, I…" –Ash was about to say something but Dawn jumped into his arms, they fell to the ground.

"Are you ok? Are you hurt?"

"I'm ok Dawn"

"You are an idiot, you were about to break the promise we made" –Dawn was crying.

"I'm sorry Dawn, things got a little out of control"

"A little? You were going to die! Why are you so calmed and relaxed?"

"I don't know, I just… accepted the fact I think, furthermore, I wasn't planning to die, it was all Drew's maniac plan"

"You told me you were not going to leave me"

"Sorry but this thing got out of my hands" –Ash sighed –"What happened to Drew? Did he…?"

Dawn put a finger on Ash's lips, sealing them. –"No need to worry"

Dawn rested her head on Ash's chest and hugged him, she was making herself comfortable but then she heard something approaching very fast, Latias. The psychic dragon hugged his trainer, breaking Dawn's embrace.

"Latias! Wait! Stop!" –Ash was laughing. Latias slowly began to fall asleep, she had gone through a very exhausting day. –"Return to your Pokéball and rest, you deserve it."

"Ash!" –Said the voice from a girl.

"May! Are you…?" –Again, Ash was interrupted in the middle of his sentence. May jumped into the boy's embrace. Ash fell to the ground with a girl in his arms… again.

"Ash, Ash, Ash!" –May was crying like never before

"May, what's wrong?"

"Are you ok? Are you hurt?"

"I'm ok May" –Ash smiled at those words, sweet coincidence. –"Now, stop crying"

"But Ash you, you came to rescue me…"

"I didn't rescue you to see you crying, I'm ok May, everything is fine now"

"Sorry Ash but I-I just can't stop crying, the tears won't stop"

"Ok May" –Ash put his arms around May –"Cry all you want now but after that, I want you to smile, ok?"

May nodded, and tightened her grip. Dawn wasn't very happy with that scene but she decided not to disturb them this time.

"May…"

"Ash?" –May said with a tone so sweet, it could melt ice.

"Here I am May" –Ash smiled

"Ash I..." –May stood and turned to see Ash, she had something in her arms. A stuffed Pichu.

"May, is that…?"

"Ash" –May hugged the stuffed rodent with strength.

"You…" –Ash was surprised and speechless –"You still have that with you."

In the distance, Dawn had a jealous look in her eyes, she realized there were many things between Ash and May she ignored.

"This reminds me of you. This little thing has helped me survive all this time. It has given me strength, courage and hope when I most needed." –May's crying intensified.

Ash couldn't resist the image before his eyes, he hugged the girl again.

"May"

"Ash, I'm so sorry, I-I…"

"Don't say anything, I'm here"

"No Ash, this is not right! I don't deserve your affection!"

"May, why do you say that?"

"Ash! I did horrible things to you!" –May escaped form Ash's arms and tried to run"

"May!" –Ash, again, was forced to run. Fortunately for him, the chase didn't last long. He quickly got close to her and grabbed her wrist. –"Got you!"

"Let me go!"

"You are very troublesome. I've had to run after you so many times, please let me rest a little, I almost die here, give me a breath" –Ash giggled.

"Ash…"

"Are you going to tell me?"

"Tell you? What?"

"May, you didn't ask me to travel together for a while for nothing"

"You noticed it…"

"Of course, especially after Dawn's sudden mood changes"

"Dawn?" –In that instant May realized Dawn's presence –"Dawn! What are you two doing here!"

"After you joined us, Dawn started to act in a very unusual way"

"Ash! What are you saying?" –Dawn blushed

"What have I done?" –May said with regret.

"What do you mean?"

"Ash, why can't you see it? Why can't you see all the damage I've done? All the troubles I've caused, all the hearts I've broken."

"May…"

"I broke your heart, I destroyed our relationship, I got in the middle of you and Dawn, and I almost cause her not to get her last ribbon."

"May, don't be so rude with yourself"

"Understand! I'm not the girl you think I am!" –May fell on her knees.

"Yes May, you are not the girl I thought I knew"

"And, do you know what the worst part of it is?" –She looked Ash directly in his eyes –"That I'm so selfish and careless, that I still want to be with you no matter what"

"You are not the girl it thought. You broke my heart, you destroyed our relationship, you interfered with Dawn's intentions with me and you almost make her miss her Grand Festival…"

"Are you here to make me pay for what I have done?" –May asked with fear, Dawn also thought Ash's words were a little too harsh.

"You didn't let me finish. I'm here to ask you something, I need to know it… Why, why did you do that to me May? Why did you come here to Sinnoh?"

"I thought that would be the best for you and me"

"No May, that's not the real reason, at least not the entire reason" –Ash kneeled and grabbed the girl by her shoulders. –"Tell me"

"That's the only reason!"

"Tell me May"

"I'm telling you that's the only reason!"

"Tell me!"

"That's all!"

"MAY!" –Ash stared at May

"I…I…I was afraid! This was the first time I was in love! I wasn't sure if those feelings were real! I wasn't sure if you were going to be happy with me, if I was going to be able to meet your expectations, if I was only going to keep being a burden for you" –May couldn't keep talking, her crying didn't allowed her to.

"Why did you come here?" –Ash seemed kind of furious.

"Wallace invited me!"

"No May! Why did you come here?"

"The Wallace Cup!" –May wanted to escape but Ash was stronger than her.

"You came to this distant region to participate of a competition as difficult as the Grand Festival just for a Ribbon? Don't try to fool me!" –Ash yelled, May was afraid and her tears weren't helping at all.

"I wanted to see if I had a chance to regain your heart! I wanted to see how you were doing by yourself!"

"And why did you think I was going to let you do that?"

"Because I wasn't thinking! And what I found? I found the boy I was so desperate to see with another girl!"

"I found the girl I loved with another boy"

"I love you Ash! I never stopped loving you! Because I needed you by my side. I was a total idiot when I did what I did!"

"Was it so difficult to say those words?"

"What? You wanted me to tell you that I love you?"

"No, I wanted you to tell me the real reason for your actions"

"I did all those things because I love you" –May had never cried that way before. –"I left you because I thought I would be a burden for you, I left you because I thought I was not going to be able to make you happy, I came here to see you again, I left without saying anything because saying goodbye to you again would be so painful, I wasn't going to be able to take that hit…"

"May, and how do you think I felt when you did all those things? When you left me, my world collapsed. When you came here I felt happy again."

"Ash…"

"You were so selfish and careless, you didn't see you were damaging the people around you…"

"I only wanted the best for you!"

"Then, you should have told me, you should have told me that you were not sure about our new adventure, you should have asked me for advice, I was there for you May, I was your boyfriend, I was supposed to be there to help you when you needed it!"

"But I thought you…"

"That I would get angry? That I would reject any suggestion of yours? That I would ignore your words and do as I wanted? No May! I would have been happy to hear you and help you, but you decided to act by yourself!"

"I'm sorry Ash! I was so afraid, you were my first boyfriend, I had no idea your feelings for me were so strong"

"If you didn't return my feelings then, why did you accept to be my girlfriend? Why did you make me believe?"

"Because I was sure of my feelings at that moment! How to be the perfect girlfriend for you! That's what I didn't know, and for the results, I guess I failed."

"May, who do you think I am?"

"You are Ash Ketchum, one of the top trainers in all the regions! You are a hero, a fantastic person, a celebrity, my first love..."

"May, I just a boy. I'm not a star, I'm not a hero, I am…me. I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town in Kanto, a simple stubborn trainer."

"Ash…"

"You thought I was going to be exigent? That I was going to ask you to be perfect? That I was going to ask you to make me happy at all cost? No May, that's not me. May, I never thought a girl would even like me! Let alone love me!"

"Ash, I ruined it all…"

"No May, it's all my fault, I didn't know how to be a good boyfriend, I couldn't realize you were suffering, I couldn't realize you needed help, I couldn't realize you needed me."

"No Ash, you were awesome, I never felt so happy, you were all I ever wanted" –May hugged Ash.

"May, you were all I ever wanted, too" –Tears started to flow from the boy's eyes. He returned the hug.

"Ash, forgive me, I didn't mean to make you cry, I didn't mean to break your heart, I didn't mean to make you suffer"

"Of course I was going to suffer, my beloved girl left me."

"Ash, I don't deserve you…"

"May, stop punishing yourself"

"But I have to pay for my mistakes"

"You have suffered enough May, this little friend has told me" –Ash patted the stuffed Pichu on the head.

"I'm the one who must pay, not you"

"It's true I have suffered, but I don't think there is a worst suffering than being alone. May, was it difficult for you?"

"It was horrible"

"I've had Dawn with me all this time but you, you had no one."

"Ash, how do you know that?"

"May, don't you think you've had enough?"

"What do you mean?"

"That you need to forgive yourself for the past, there is no use in punishing yourself with the guilt and remorse."

"But Ash, I just can't do that, that pain has been so deeply attached to my heart for so long that, I just can't get over it"

"May" –Ash smiled at the girl –"I don't have that horrible grudge against you anymore, I don't feel anger, rage or anything like that anymore. Now it's your turn to do that as well"

"Ash…" –May stared at the boy –"Is it true? Is it true that you don't hate me anymore?"

"I never hated you, I was angry and confused, that's all"

"Ash, how could I do those things to someone like you" –May smiled sadly.

"It's not important now, so May, stand, stop crying and move on" –Ash had a firm look in his eyes.

"Yes" –May nodded and smiled.

May was starting to stand when they heard the scream of a girl, and who else was there? Dawn.

"Dawn!" –Ash shouted.

"What's happening?"–May asked

"I just can't believe it! After everything has happened you are still ok with each other!" –A boy was behind Dawn, holding her neck, like trying to choke her.

"Drew" –Ash said seriously. –"Do you still want more? Let her go!"

"I realized trying to take May away from you is useless"

"Let Dawn go!" –Ash was angry.

"This girl, this stupid girl ruined my plan!"

"Your plan? Killing us was your brilliant plan?"

"If I can't take May with me, then I'll take this girl and punish her for what she has done" –The evil maniac smirk appeared on Drew's face.

"You bastard!" –The tone Drew used when saying punish her just made Ash feel angrier than never before. –"Let her go now!"

"Or what? What are you going to do Ketchum? What are you going to do if I do this?" –In that instant Drew licked Dawn's neck.

"Ash! Help me!" –Dawn's voice was full of fear and disgust. Ash didn't wait for Dawn to finish her sentence to go and help her.

"Stop there Ketchum! If you move an inch closer this little girl is going to pay for that" –Drew tightened his grip on Dawn.

"Let Dawn out of this, she has nothing to do with you!"

"Of course she has something to do with me, if it wasn't for her, I would have got rid of you, and none of us would get May, but no, this idiot girl had to save you"

"And how the hell did you manage to save yourself from that?"

"When I saw this girl was going to save you, I called out Flygon, he saved me with his last remaining energy"

"So, if Dawn hadn't saved me, you would have chosen death?"

"I'd sooner take my life away than live with losing you" –Drew said with sorrow to May

"What do you want with this, don't you see it's all over?" –May yelled

"Yes, it's over, I'm never going to be able to have you May but, I just can't stand Ketchum having everything I can't. All I wanted was a girl for me, nothing else, and what I get? Nothing!"

"Drew..." –Ash wasn't sure about what to feel right now, anger or pity.

"But no, Ketchum gets all the glory for everything he does so, I'm going to make him taste a little of that bitter feeling called disappointment" –In that instant Drew loosened his grip and Dawn got a little chance to escape. –"Oh no girl, you are not going anywhere" – Dawn quickly got behind Ash looking for protection

"Are you ok Dawn?" –Ash asked while keeping his eyes on Drew

"Yes, I'm just disgusted" –Dawn said with fear

"Drew, you have to end with this, you are not ok, you need to look for help" –May said with a little of fear.

"Shut up! I know I reached rock-bottom but, I'm not going to fall alone. Ketchum is the reason behind all my disgraces and misfortunes and I'm going to take away something precious for him, and that thing is that girl!" –Drew took out a Pokéball and called out a creature –"Flygon! Go!"

"What do you want with this Drew?" –Ash said in a defying tone

"I told you, I'm going to erase that annoying happiness of yours! Flygon, Dragon Pulse, on Ketchum!" –In that instant, Ash took Dawn and pushed her away from the attack's way, Ash barely had time to evade the attack by jumping to one side.

"Ash!" –May screamed

"Are you ok?" –Dawn asked with fear.

"Don't worry, I'm ok"

"Don't think this is over yet, Flygon, keep shooting! Get rid of the garbage!" –Flygon was afraid of his own master, but he had no other choice than obeying

"Dawn, May, get away from me, I'm his target!"

"But Ash..." –May hesitated

"Now!" –Ash yelled

Both girls did as the trainer said and took a different way away from Ash. Meanwhile, Ash was having a difficult time avoiding the attacks from the Dragon Pokémon, he didn't have enough time to take out one of his Pokéballs to counter attack, not that he had them with him, and Pikachu had gone to look for them. The girls had to be careful with the missing attacks, too.

"I guess we are safe here, now we can help Ash" –Dawn said, both girls nodded –"Go, Togekiss!"

"Togekiss, Aura Sphere!"

"Dawn!" –Ash was surprised.

"Flygon, evade it, fly higher don't stop your attacks!" –Flygon evaded every attack and gained more altitude.

"Don't let it go Togekiss!" –Dawn ordered, Togekiss started the chase

"Dont' let it escape!" –Ash shouted

In that moment, an evil smirk appeared on Drew's face, it was like everything had gone according to his plan.

"You fools!" –Drew started to laugh.

"What's so funny?" –May asked

"Roserade, Sludge Bomb!"

"Roserade?" –Ash was expecting an attack from any direction.

Suddenly, a big mass of poison was quickly launched but it was not aiming for Ash, in a move Ash didn't see coming, the attack was launched towards the girls, Dawn to be more precise. May could hear when Roserade launched her attack so, she had a second to jump away from the attack's way but Dawn wasn't so lucky, she received the hit with full force.

"DAWN!" –Ash screamed.

Dawn immediately fell to the ground fainted, or it seemed so. Ash immediately ran to her side and kneeled, the boy took the girl on his arms.

"Dawn! Dawn! DAWN!" –Ash was desperate. No response. –"Dawn please, say something!"

"Dawn!" –May tried to call Dawn too, with the same success as Ash.

"Dawn please say something, anything!" –The trainer exclaimed

"Can you see it now? Can you feel it now?" –Drew yelled. Ash and May ignored him. –"Can you feel how I felt when you stole May from me now?" –That last line finally called everyone's attention.

"What did you say?" –Ash asked.

"It is horrible, isn't it? Losing somebody" –Drew said.

"Drew, you made it, you made it this time…" –Ash said with a serious tone.

"That's for taking my…"

"STOP IT!" –May interrupted –"You just said Ash took me away from you?"

"Yes May, I love you, I have always loved you!" –Drew said.

"I hate you! How you dare to do this to my friend!"

"But May, Ketchum prevented you from being with me! He had to pay!"

"No! He never did such a thing! Drew, you and I never were destined to be together! Never!"

"But May I am perfect for you! I can give you everything he can't"

"I don't want a psycho for a boyfriend!"

"But I am far better than him!" –Drew tried to get closer to May but Ash got in the way. –"Move away Ketchum"

"You didn't lose May Drew, you never had her" –Ash glared firmly.

"Ash is everything you will never be! I will never, never fall for someone like you! Not after everything you have done!" –May yelled.

"And May is everything you will never have" –Ash didn't wait one more second and jumped towards Drew, sending him to the ground.

"Flygon!" –Drew called his loyal dragon but he was still fighting against Togekiss.

"Not this time Drew, I will take you to Officer Jenny"

"Aren't you forgetting about something?" –Drew smirked. In that moment Ash realized he had forgotten about certain Pokémon. –"Sludge Bomb!"

From the bushes, Roserade launched an attack aiming towards Ash, the raven-haired boy avoided the attack, barely.

"Stop this insanity!" –Ash yelled.

"Never! I will take away everything from you and the most important thing; I will have May for me!"

"Can't you see you are defeated already? You are fighting a lost battle" –Ash asked seriously.

"Yes Drew, Flygon can barely escape from Togekiss' attacks and I bet Roserade is exhaust, too" –May said.

"You two can't comprehend me; May, I thought you were different, I thought you were special, but it seems Ketchum has corrupted you, you are as worthless as him. I wanted to save you, to help you, but since you seem to have decided your way to follow, I'll have to get rid of all of you. Roserade! Flygon! Attack those two, don't let them escape"

Ash immediately ran and put himself in front of the girls to protect them. Ash closed his eyes and hugged the girls as he could, he waited for the worst. Ash was ready to receive the attacks with full force, he was even thinking of the possibility of none of them escaping alive, all of their Pokémon were fainted or resting and Togekiss was not fast enough to save them so, no one would come to help them. After many seconds, Ash kept waiting but nothing happened, he opened his eyes and saw Roserade and Flygon standing in front of Drew.

"May, look" –Ash said. The girl opened her eyes and turned to see a very confused coordinator.

"What are you doing? I ordered an attack!" –Drew's Pokémon only looked to the ground and shook their heads, refusing to follow that order. –"How you dare!" –Drew never expected that reaction coming from his Pokémon.

Ash stood and walked towards Drew.

"It's over, there is no use in trying to keep going with this. Even your own Pokémon know you've gone too far"

Drew understood he had lost, he wasn't a rival for Ash in a hand to hand combat and his Pokémon refused to fight.

"One day, you'll pay for this Ketchum" –Drew immediately ran to the forest and escaped, Roserade and Flygon followed him.

"He is escaping!" –May shouted.

"Let him go, there is something more important now" –Ash got close to Dawn and kneeled, he took the blue haired girl on his arms and hugged her. –"Dawn, can you hear me?" –He softly whispered to the girl's ear. No response.

"Dawn…" –May said.

"Dawn, please wake up, you are a strong girl, you have showed it many times" –Ash insisted. No response. –"Dawn, come on, this isn't funny, if you are listening please say something" –In that moment, one tear slipped from Ash's eye. No response.

May wanted to cry after seeing Ash but something inside her stopped her from doing it.

"We should take her to the hospital" –May suggested.

"Yes, you are right. She needs attention"

"Why don't we ask Togekiss to carry her on its back?" –May asked.

"Togekiss!" –Ash called the flying creature. The white Pokémon landed after the heated battle with Flygon, it seemed very tired –"I don't think Togekiss will be able to take her"

"What do we do now?" –May was scared.

"I'll take her, let's go" –Ash carried the unconscious Dawn on his back and raced to the nearest hospital.

…

…

…

After an eternity, they finally reached the Hearthome City Hospital, Dawn was immediately taken to the emergency room, Ash and May had no other choice but waiting outside. They waited for many hours in silence until May decided to say something.

"I'm so sorry Ash" –May limited her words

"No May, there is no need to be sorry"

"But Ash…"

"Didn't I tell you? Stop punishing yourself"

"But this was my fault, Drew came after me and Dawn got hurt by him!"

"But you didn't wish that"

"But…"

"May, it's not your fault at all, and even if your logic made sense, it would be my fault, Drew was trying to make ME pay for his disgraces"

"Thank you Ash"

"No need to worry"

"Wow, you are talking like her already"

"What?"

"You said her catchphrase" –May smiled

"Well, we have spent a lot of time together, I guess it can't be helped" –Ash giggled.

"Ash, after this ends, I will return to Johto" –The girl sighed.

"What? Now?"

"Yes, I have done enough damage to you Ash, and… to Dawn, you need a breath away from me"

"May you…"

"I finally understood that we are better apart from each other"

"May…"

"I had to go through all of this to understand it"

"May, how can you say that? We are friends, friends are supposed to be together"

"You want me with you?"

"You are one of my best friends May, we have gone through many difficult things and situations but… we have never stopped being friends"

"Thank you Ash" –She smiled and took a deep breath –"So, just friends" –May muttered.

"What did you…?" –Ash was going to ask something but was interrupted by the nurse.

"Family and friends of miss Dawn!" –The young woman shouted. Ash and May raced to the place.

"How is she?" –Unison

"She is stable for now."

"Can we see her?" –May asked.

"Of course, come with me" –The nurse took them to the room Dawn was resting in.

Ash and May quietly walked into the room trying not to make any sound to disturb the girl. They slowly walked to the side of the bed. They could do nothing but stare at her.

"Is she going to be ok?" –Ash asked concerned.

"She is still under observation" –The nurse answered.

"But, is she going to wake up again?" –May shuddered.

"Yes but we don't know how much damage she took, she was badly poisoned"

"Badly poisoned?" –Ash asked with incredulity.

"Yes, what exactly happened?"

"She was hit by a Sludge Bomb from a Roserade"

"Oh my god, now I see why she was so injured" –The nurse seemed surprised.

"So, you still don't know if she is going to recover?"

"Her life is not in danger anymore, but we don't know when she is going to wake up, and how her condition is going to be when that happens"

"The damage could last for the rest of her life" –May said seriously

"Maybe, maybe not. The only way to know is waiting"

"Can we stay with her? We already called her mom but she won't be here until tomorrow" –Ash asked.

"Of course, she needs you now more than ever"

"Thank you" –Ash answered. Ash and May decided to spend the night in the room to make some company to their friend Dawn.

"You can take the couch May" –Ash suggested.

"But Ash you had a very difficult day"

"I'm not going to let a girl sleep on a chair or on the floor if there is a better place"

"Are you sure?"

"Totally"

"Thank you Ash" –May smiled and made herself comfortable on the sofa. "Are you going to be ok?"

"Yes, I want to be here with Dawn" –Ash took a chair and sat next to Dawn's bed. The trainer took the girl's hand. –"I know you will be alright Dawn" –Ash sweetly smiled and slowly fell asleep.

The next morning, Ash woke up and saw Dawn still sleeping, he slightly blushed and smiled. –"Good morning"

"Wow, you really care for her"

"Huh? May, good morning"

"Good morning Ash, did you sleep well?"

"Kind of, a chair is not the most comfortable thing to sleep on" –The both of them smiled.

"Do you want something for breakfast?"

"Of course, I'm starving already" –Giggle

"So, I'm going to choose for you, I'll be back in a moment"

"What?"

"Yes, we can't let Dawn alone so, I'll go and bring breakfast for you"

"Thanks May"

"You are welcome"

"But, before you go to the cafeteria, what about visiting the bathroom?"

"What?" –May was kind of shocked.

"Don't get me wrong. It's your hair, it's a mess and you should clean your face, too" –Ash smiled. May immediately blushed and raced to the bathroom, in a matter of seconds, maybe less, she was ready to leave. –"Wow, that was fast"

"I'm an expert" –She smiled –"I'm leaving"

"Ok, I'll wait here"

That way Ash was left alone with Dawn, who was lying unconscious on the bed. The boy's smile immediately faded away and was replaced with a face full of concern and regret.

"I'm sorry Dawn, I couldn't protect you" –Ash couldn't stop looking at the girl's face, a tear slipped out of his eye. –"Dawn please, wake up, you can't go just like this, you still have a lot to do…" –Ash kept sunken inside his sea of sorrow until someone opened the door, the boy immediately sat again on the chair.

"Ash?"

"Johanna"

Dawn's mother Johanna immediately got to the side of the bed Dawn was lying in.

"What happened?" –The woman was crying.

"A maniac attacked her using his Pokémon" –Ash didn't dare to look Johanna's eyes.

"But how? What were you doing?"

"Well I…" –Ash was going to start explaining but was interrupted.

"I can explain that" –May said. –"By the way Ash, here is your food" –May handed the tray to Ash and sat on the couch.

"You are May right? From Petalburg City in Hoenn, you came to compete in the Wallace Cup." –Johanna asked.

"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you"

"I'm Johanna, I am the mother of Dawn"

"I can tell you what happened"

"Please"

"She was attacked by a maniac called Drew"

"Drew? The Coordinator from Larousse City?"

"Yes, he was out of his mind and attacked her"

"But why? Why my precious child?"

"Well, Drew was trying to make me pay for something of the past" –Ash said.

"Make you pay? He was trying to make you pay by killing my daughter?"

"He wasn't thinking straight"

"But what did you do to him? Was it so grave for him to want to kill Dawn?"

"No, but his…"

"Tell me" –Johanna had fire in her eyes.

Ash turned to see May, trying to ask if it was ok to tell Johanna about everything. May nodded, she didn't want her to know, but since Dawn was the victim here, they had no other choice.

"He stole my girlfriend. Then that girl realized she made a mistake and left him. He was so furious about the fact he didn't get the girl that he blamed me for preventing them from being together. And, since I was the source of his misfortunes, he decided to take Dawn to make me feel like he felt" –Ash tried to avoid telling unnecessary details about his relationship with May.

"He was jealous? He did this to my daughter because he was jealous?"

"In a few words, yes. His rage and jealousy were so strong, they started to control him."

"I can't believe it" –Johanna held Dawn's hand tighter and started to cry. Ash and May could do nothing.

"I'm sorry, I promised to protect her but I failed. And it is because of me that she is in this condition"

"No Ash, I'm sure you did everything you could to protect her" –Johanna trusted Ash. The trainer didn't have the courage to say that he couldn't do anything to help her.

After a few minutes, Johanna stopped her crying and stood again.

"Are you ok?"

"No, I can't be ok with my only daughter like this. But I can't do anything other than waiting"

"Can we stay with you? Dawn is an important friend" –May asked

"Yes, I want to be with her" –Ash said.

"Of course, I'm sure Dawn likes to have her friends with her"

Hours of silence passed slowly. None of the presents wanted to say a word not that there were words proper for that situation. The air was dense and heavy, the lights were weak, and the moods were down. That way the seconds became minutes, the minutes hours and the hours days.

Dawn finally started to show some signs of recovering. She started to move her fingers, to groan, to tilt her head. Those little signs seemed so little but so important at the same time.

Ash never left her side, he was always there, watching her, taking care of her, waiting patiently for the moment of her return.

Johanna was sleeping and May was just sitting, waiting for something to happen.

"Aren't you tired Ash?" –May asked

"Very tired, but I can't leave her" –Ash had already dark circles under his eyes but he refused to leave Dawn.

"Dawn is very lucky to have you" –May giggled.

"I would act the same way if something happened to you"

"Thanks Ash, you are very sweet"

Ash was patiently waiting until something happened, something they had been waiting for days. Dawn opened her eyes.

"A-A-Ash…" –Dawn struggled to say a simple word.

"Dawn!" –Ash's face was immediately illuminated by a wide smile.

"A-Ash, w-what is this?"

"Dawn, you woke up!" –Ash was at the verge of crying.

"Woke up? Why am I here? What happened?"

"Later Dawn, later" –Ash couldn't contain his tears.

"Why are you crying?" –Her weak voice barely reached the boy's ears.

"I'm happy Dawn, I'm just happy"

"Dawn you woke up" –May also shed some tears.

"Hi… May" –Dawn said with troubles.

"Dawn!" –Johanna got closer to her daughter and embraced her.

"Mom? Why are you here? What happened?"

No one wanted to tell Dawn what happened yet, they wanted to wait for her to recover a little more. May sat on the couch again.

"So, you made your choice, right Ash?" –She muttered, these words were only for herself. She stared at Ash's eyes, he had the same eyes as that time when they confessed their feelings for each other and shared their first kiss. Those eyes filled with happiness, joy, nervousness…love.

Johanna went to call the doctors and May simply said she wanted to walk alone for some moment. She knew Ash had a lot to say to Dawn.

"Could you tell me what happened now?" –Dawn asked.

"Ok, do you remember that Drew attacked me with his Flygon?"

Dawn simply nodded.

"Well, it was only a distraction, I wasn't his real target"

"It was me, right?"

"Yes." –Ash looked down.

"Wow, how much time has passed?"

"Like a week"

"Oh…"

"I'm sorry Dawn, I couldn't protect you"

"That's not true. The proof is that I'm here talking to you"

"Dawn…"

"You brought me here, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did. I've been here every day holding your hand and praying for you to recover"

"So, that's more than enough Ash. You were with me when I most needed you. That's all I want."

"Dawn…" –Ash got closer to Dawn and hugged her. –"I'm so happy you are here with me" –Ash started to cry again.

Dawn blushed a little and, with a big effort, returned the hug.

"I'm so happy to have you here with me Ash" –Dawn whispered to his ear and closed her eyes smiling.

"Oh, sorry…" –Johanna interrupted the moment.

"Mom!"

"Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes"

"Thanks for caring so much for Dawn, Ash"

"No, there is no need to thank me" –Ash blushed. Johanna giggled.

"Are these two getting along?" –May teased

"Very, very well" –Johanna answered.

"¡Mom!"

…

…

…

A few days had passed since Dawn left the hospital. She was under observation for a couple of days and after that, the doctors decided to let her go home. Ash and May decided to go to Twinleaf town too, they wanted to be with Dawn until she recovered.

The blue-haired girl spent her days lying on her bed, resting and waiting for her condition to be normal again. It's not necessary to say she was pretty bored there.

"Aaaah! I can't take this any longer!" – Dawn yelled.

"What's happening Dawn?" –Ash asked

"I'm bored, I am just here waiting"

"But you have to rest, you are recovering from a grave incident"

"I'm tired of resting!"

"Tired of resting? That's new"

"Don't mock me!"

"I'm sorry Dawn but, you shouldn't be depressed, you are going to recover very soon, I promise"

"I'm not going to make it in time for the Grand Festival, I'm not going to be able to cheer for you at the Sinnoh League!"

"Don't say that Dawn, of course you will attend the Grand Festival" –Ash got close to Dawn and softly patted her head –"Come on, you have to eat something" –Ash slowly took some food with the spoon –"Say aaah"

Instead of being happy for having Ash being so nice to her, Dawn felt even worse with that gesture.

"This is pathetic! I can't even feed myself!" –Dawn started to cry.

Instead of feeling frustrated or angry, Ash smiled. He put the food on the table and hugged Dawn.

"I know how you feel Dawn. That horrible feeling of helplessness, the sensation that you need others to do even the simplest things." –Ash took a deep breath and sighed –"But that's why I'm here with you, I'm here to help you, to care for you, I know you want to do things by yourself but Dawn, let me help you this time. You are the one who has helped me since I arrived to Sinnoh, please at least let me do this for you."

"But Ash, I feel useless…"

"But Dawn you were in a very serious situation. You are not in this condition because you chose to, you are like this because of some lunatic. Let me help you Dawn, let me make you smile again"

"Ash…" –Dawn simply closed her eyes –"Thank you, I would be lost without you"

May was looking that scene through a small opening of the door. She remained silent and sighed, a sad smile covered her face.

"So Ash, it seems you finally found the perfect girl for you… You deserve it" –May walked away from Dawn's room, she found Johanna on her way to the living room.

"Oh, May. I thought you went to see Dawn"

"Well, it seems like Ash and Dawn need some time alone"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Let's say Dawn doesn't need anyone else with her, she found in Ash everything she needs" –May stopped for some seconds. –"And it seems like Ash also found the same in her"

"Oh, well I guess we better leave them alone"

"Yes"

The night fell upon the small town, Ash had been almost the entire day with Dawn so he finally went to the kitchen, his stomach was begging for food.

"I'm starving" –The boy said.

"Well, you have been taking care of Dawn all day, you must be exhaust" –Johanna giggled.

"Yes Ash, you better eat something and take a good rest" –May suggested.

"Yes, I can't wait to go to bed"

"Well, you should eat something and take a good shower" –Johanna said.

"Ash, can I talk to you for a second? I mean after you eat and take your shower" –May asked.

"Huh? Of course May"

"Thanks Ash"

The food disappeared in the same instant it was served to Ash as usual, May and Johanna simply smiled, that was the old Ash, the one that was missing for a long time. After a good meal, Ash took a revitalizing shower, he was about to go to bed but remembered May wanted to talk about something.

Ash went to the brunette girl's room and knocked the door.

"Yes? Oh Ash, I thought you had forgotten"

"Almost" –Ash scratched the back of his head.

"Come on in" –May invited Ash to her room. Ash blushed a little, a girl invited him to her room and, since it was bedtime already, May was wearing light clothes, the same light clothes she wore that fatidic day at the Pokémon center and of course Ash remembered that day. His face got even redder.

"Well, what did you want to talk about?" –Ash asked nervously.

"Come on Ash, sit" –May made a gesture for Ash to sit next to her, on the bed.

"O-ok" –Ash moved like a robot and clumsily sat next to the girl.

"Oh, little Ash is nervous, you were thinking something pervert, didn't you?" –May teased.

"W-what? No! Of course I wasn't!" -Ash couldn't hide his blush.

"Yes you were, you are red and acting strange." –May got closer to Ash and launched over him. Ash was lying on the bed with May over him. The boy could feel May's "charms" and her figure resting on his body –"Ash, do you like me?"

"Like?"

"Yes Ash, do you think I'm pretty?"

"Very, very pretty" –Ash couldn't help but look at May's breast, he didn't want to, but his instincts were commanding now.

"So, you like my body"

"It's beautiful"

"So, do you like me?"

"Yes"

May smiled and slowly got closer to Ash, close to the point they could feel each other's breath, she started to whisper his name to his ear, she caressed the boy´s chest, she was ready to give her everything to the boy.

On his side, Ash was being hypnotized by May, her fragrance, her silk-like skin, her moaning, Ash was willing to keep until the end but his conscience reminded him of something.

"Stop!" –Ash pushed May away from him.

"Ash…" –May was breathing heavily.

"We shouldn't be doing this" –Ash was agitated.

"Why? Don't you like me?"

"It's not that"

"So, why?"

"We shouldn't do this in another person's house"

"They are not going to know about this"

"But, it's just not right"

"So, if we were in another place, would you continue?"

"It's not that!"

"You don't convince me. A girl is willing to do everything with you and you reject her"

"Yes but…"

"You said you liked me. I like you, I don't see any problem"

"But, when haven't even kissed in a long time…"

"That doesn't matter"

"May, but why now?"

"I'm going to return to Johto soon, I want to have a nice memory of this journey"

"But this is too much"

"But it's what I want"

"But…"

"It's not what you want, right?"

"Eh, no, I mean yes but…"

"Ash you don't want this"

"Huh? Why do you think that?"

"You rejected me, it's obvious you don't like to be with me"

"May I- I… we shouldn't do this, not now"

"So, other day, is it ok if we do this other day?"

"No May"

"So when is it going to be ok?"

"Well…"

"Never, right? Doing this with me is never going to be ok for you"

"May, why are you doing this?"

"Why do you reject me?"

"Because I…"

"I just want to know why, why a boy rejects a girl"

"Because I…"

"Just say it Ash" –Ash was cornered

"Why, why, why" –Ash was thinking. –"Why do I reject such a beautiful girl like her?"

"Ash, it's easy, I know why you don't want to be with me"

"You know it?"

"Yes, and that's why I don't want to be with you either"

"What? But you just…"

"I was testing you Ash, and it seems you passed the test." -She had a sad smile.

"Test? Testing what?"

"I'm about to return to Johto and I wanted to be sure you would be ok, and it seems you are going to be perfect."

"I don't understand May"

"I like you Ash, like that day we confessed at the side of the river but, it seems you don't feel like I feel anymore. And that's why we don't want to do this"

"May…"

"I want to be with a boy I like but… That boy has to like me, as well"

"I don't like you?"

"Not the way I like you"

"But how are you so sure about that"

"What have you been doing lately?"

"Taking care of Dawn"

"And…"

"Helping her"

"And then…"

"Well…"

"Ash, maybe you haven't noticed it but your world spins around Dawn now"

"Around Dawn?"

"What is your first thought in the morning?"

"Dawn"

"And the last at night?"

"Dawn…"

"And that's your answer. I wanted to be sure you would be ok. So Ash, it seems like that time of our lives has finally ended. You found someone else, that means this is the end of us as a couple. You moved on and found someone precious for you"

"Dawn is precious for me?"

"You better make her happy Ash"

"But May…"

"Now get out of here! What do you think you are doing in a girl's room at night?" –May stood and pushed Ash towards the door.

"But May…"

"Go, if Dawn finds out you were here with me she is going to be very angry"

"May, are you ok? You are acting strange"

"I'm perfect, now go!" –May pushed Ash out of her room and closed the door. Ash could hear how the girl locked the door.

"May…" –Ash had a concerned look –"Does that mean… I like Dawn?" –Ash blushed, after some seconds he smiled. –"I'm sorry May, I know you will find the perfect person for you" –Ash made his way to his room and didn't dare to look back.

"Well May, it's over, you lost" –May said to herself. A tear appeared on her cheek. She threw herself on the bed and buried her face on the pillow. The girl cried all night.

…

…

…

Many days had gone, and with them, Dawn's fatidic condition. Slowly, the girl started to get back to normal. She started to recover her strength, she could feed herself, and she stopped depending on the others to do even the simplest thing tough, since she was still weak, she needed a wheelchair to move.

Ash, who had been with the girl during this time, could finally breathe again. Of all the people, he was the one who worked the hardest; he slept very few hours per day, he didn't eat properly, he forgot to take showers, all he was thinking about was Dawn. Now the girl had progressed he decided to do one of his favorite things: sleep, a deep, long and well-deserved sleep.

Out of Ash's room, we had May; she was carefully looking through the small opening of the door. It was obvious the trainer was still inside her mind, she was spying and wore a little smile.

"What am I doing? Ash likes Dawn, I should be packing my things to leave"

May turned around and started to walk back to her room, only to be stopped by somebody.

"May? What are you doing?"

"Dawn!" –May jumped a little, she wasn't expecting to see Dawn there.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Huh? No, everything is fine" –May started to laugh but it was so fake it caused Dawn to sweat-drop.

"What are you doing outside Ash's room?" –Dawn asked with curiosity.

"Umm… nothing, yes, nothing" –May scratched the back of her head.

"May" –Dawn glared at her.

"Ok, but, can we talk later? I mean, you are still recovering."

"Is it so bad to make me fall sick again?"

"Umm, well, I don't think it's that shocking"

"So, why not now?"

"Can we at least talk in private?" I don't feel like talking about this here in the middle of the hallway"

"Of course"

The girls then headed to Dawn's room, May decided it was the best since Dawn still needed to rest. Once there Dawn lay on the bed and May sat next to her.

"Well May, what's that thing you want to talk about?"

"It's very simple actually"

"Huh? So, why do you have such a difficult time talking about it?"

"Well, it's kind of difficult for me" –May said with a little of sadness.

"The smallest things can also be very difficult and hurtful"

"Yes Dawn, now I know it"

"And well, I'm here to hear you May"

"Thanks Dawn" –May took a deep breath –"Are you ok? I mean, you have started to recover and you are regaining your strength.

"Hehe, I'm ok May, I'm not 100 percent recovered and I'll be confined to this wheelchair for some weeks but I feel a lot better than the day I woke up at the hospital."

"That's great Dawn, I'm so glad to see you happy and healthy"

"Thanks May, I'm the one who should be thankful now. You have done so much for me even when I was so mean to you"

"We are friends Dawn, and I know how a girl in love can act" –May giggled.

"Well…" –Dawn blushed.

"You have told Ash you like him, right?"

"Yes"

"And how did he react?"

"Well, he was surprised, that's for sure"

"Typical Ash"

"What do you want to get with this?"

"Dawn, I've decided to give up on Ash"

"W-what? Give up? But… why?" -Dawn didn't see those words coming.

"Calm down, you sound like you want to have me as a rival"

"Well, I mean, It's so sudden… What happened?"

"Dawn, have you seen Ash these days?"

"Of course, he has been with me all this time"

"I realized Ash has moved on, he no longer sees me as his girlfriend, I'm just his friend and nothing else" –May had a sad smile.

"But why do you say that?"

"I talked with him the other day, and my question was answered"

"You question?"

"I wanted to know if Ash still had feelings for me, if I still had a chance to recover him but, it's over. Ash and I are only friends. He only sees me like a good friend and… I'm ok with that. After everything I did, I'm happy he still considers me his friend."

"But, are you ok with that?"

"I would love to have him for me but, I can accept it. Ash is free to find someone else to be happy with, he deserves it"

"But May, you will end up hurting yourself if you just surrender like this"

"It's a price I have to pay and moreover, if I keep trying to get Ash, the pain will be even greater"

"May…"

"I would be fighting a lost battle"

"But why are you so sure about it?"

"Trust me Dawn, I know Ash."

"Does he like somebody?"

"I don't know, I only now he doesn't like me the way I like him"

"So, is it ok if I…? You know…" –Dawn blushed.

"Of course it is ok Dawn! We made a promise, remember? One of us has to make Ash happy and, since I'm no longer in the competition, you have to make him fall for you. I will support you from Johto"

"Thanks May… what? Wait, Johto?"

"This is the other thing I wanted to talk with you. My Grand Festival is close and I have to go, understand me Dawn"

"I would like to have you here with me to assist me"

"Assist you? With Ash?"

Dawn nodded. May laughed a little.

"What's so funny?"

"You don't need my assistance"

"But I don't know how to do this, I've never liked a boy before"

"Dawn, the first love is magical, it's so sweet and beautiful"

"Yes but…"

"You don't need me, you are doing perfect by yourself, just keep that way"

"Is that enough for Ash?"

"Dawn, who do you think Ash is?"

"He is one of the top trainers in all regions, a hero, a fantastic person, a celebrity, my first love..."

"No, you are wrong" –May giggled –"Now I'm sure you really, really like Ash. You said the same words as me. Dawn, Ash is just a boy, he may be a star, a hero, but in the bottom he is only Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town in Kanto, a simple stubborn trainer"

"Those are the words Ash said that day…"

"Dawn, take care of him, you will be very happy together…"

…

…

…

The wind was blowing in Twinleaf Town, the place was peaceful and the fresh air from the sea made of the little town the best place to rest, at least for that day. Out of certain house, 4 people were gathered, one of them seemed ready to leave the place, May.

"Well thank you for the time you allowed me to stay in your house"

"You're welcome whenever you want" –Johanna said.

"Yes May, please visit us again"

"Of course, I want to know Sinnoh better"

"Yes, that'd be great, I'll give you a tour to the best places in all Sinnoh" –Dawn answered

"Promise?"

"Promise!" –Both girls giggled.

"Maybe we can get to see each other in Kanto"

"Kanto? Why Kanto?"

"After the Grand Festival and the Sinnoh League, I bet you'll return home, right Ash?"

"That's right" –Ash answered.

"So, why don't you go to Kanto with Ash? I can visit you since Johto is next to Kanto"

"That would be nice, maybe I can participate in contests there, too"

"Great! So, see you later and sorry for all the troubles I caused"

"No need to worry"

"Thanks Dawn, I gained a precious friend here in Sinnoh"

"Me too"

"Well, Dawn you better keep our promise, I'll be rooting for you" –May winked causing Dawn to blush. –"See you later and thanks for everything, are you ready to go Ash?"

"Yes. Well, I'll be back " –Ash was going to take May to the harbor for her not to get lost, Dawn was still recovering so, walking all that distance was not a possibility.

Ash and May started to walk and behind them, Dawn's house became smaller and smaller, until it disappeared from their sight.

The trip from Twinleaf to the harbor was quite awkward, Ash and May didn't say a single word, there was something restraining them, maybe the goodbye, maybe the other night's talk, maybe anything. The time seemed eternal but they finally arrived to their destination. They walked to the boarding gates and remained silent.

May was looking to the ground, she knew she had to do something, there wasn't a real reason for them to be like this, she was ready to say something but it seemed like Ash had the same idea inside his mind.

"May, are you going to be ok?" –Ash asked, May got surprised for the sudden question.

"Huh? Of course Ash, I'm stronger now"

"Are you sure? I-I" –Ash hesitated-"I mean, so much happened here and I'm still worried about Drew, we don't know anything about him, he might still be after you"

"Don't worry Ash, I'll be alright"

"Even when you say it, I'm not so sure about it"

"Trust me Ash, I've learned to defend myself"

"Really? When?"

"You have saved me so many times, I had to learn something" –May giggled.

"Wow, but if you need help just call me and I'll be there"

May blushed and clutched her hand against her chest.

"Ash, you have a defect"

"A defect? I thought I had like a million of them" –He giggled.

"Ash, you are so sweet and care so deep for your friends, that's your greatest strength but also your greatest defect"

"And why is it wrong to care for my friends?"

"Ash, it's ok but when you treat a girl like that, there is a problem. When you act so sweet, when you become her hero, when you are about to risk everything for her sake, what do you think that girl thinks in that moment?"

"I hadn't thought about that before" –Ash wore a curious look.

"That's what happened to me. You have saved me a lot of times, you have taught me everything from how to catch a Pokémon to how to overcome the fear of being on stage, you have been with me when I needed you… Ash, when you do that one time is ok, but if you keep doing it, what do you think is going to happen with that girl?"

"…" –Ash simply shook his head.

"She is going to fall for you, just like I did"

"And, is that wrong?"

"It's not wrong Ash you are just being yourself but, it can be hurtful sometimes, just like now"

"Now? Why now?"

"Ash, I still have this feeling for you, I still want to jump into your arms and scream the world how much I want to be with you… but I can't"

"May… this is what I wanted to know when I asked if you were going to be ok"

"Really?"

"Yes I mean, you, you lo-lov-" –Ash blushed

"It's ok Ash, say it, I still love you"

"I am worried because you still have feelings for me and I can't return them, I am worried because I don't want you to cry anymore, I don't' want you to be sad any longer, I…"

Ash was interrupted in midsentence by May, she put her finger on his lips.

"You are doing it again Ash, if you want me to forget these feelings, stop it, please" –May said with pain. –"Ash, I'll never forget what happened between us, it was magical, our time as a couple was short but, it was the most beautiful experience I've ever had. I'll never forget that and you'll always be my first kiss, my first boyfriend, my first love…" –May stopped talking, tears started flowing from her eyes.

"May…"

Ash was about to say something to soothe May's pain but the girl jumped into his arms and kissed him on the lips, a sweet little last kiss.

"And this, this is the end Ash Ketchum, I'm no longer your girlfriend, you can go and fall in love with someone else, you are free, you can… you can…" –May couldn't keep talking.

"May, stop, I understand" –Ash embraced the girl with all the affection of the world. The boy shed a tear. –"You too May, you are free to be happy"

"Yes Ash, I have to go" –May escaped from Ash's arms and ran towards the ship. Ash simply turned around and started to walk away from the dock.

The whistle of the ship indicated it was leaving, slowly, the giant steel structure started to move and made its way towards the ocean. Ash was walking but something told him to turn back, the boy did as his instinct said and saw May waving her hand, saying goodbye one last time. Ash immediately smiled and returned the gesture.

"I know you'll find someone for you May…"

…

…

…

Inside the house, the blue-haired coordinator was sitting on her wheelchair; she was brushing her beautiful long hair, she was waiting impatiently for certain boy to return"

"Aaah! Ash is too late!" –Dawn yelled.

"Calm down Dawn" –Johanna said, the pier is quite far from here and he is walking his way here.

"How do you want me to calm down? This is frustrating!"

"And why are you so nervous? He just went to say goodbye to May"

"I now it but, I just can't relax right now"

Johanna smiled and gave a comforting look to her daughter.

"Dawn, you know the reason of why Drew wanted to ruin Ash's life, don't you?"

"Huh? How do you know about Drew?"

"Ash and May told me"

"Well, yes, I know but, how much did they tell you?"

"Almost nothing, they said Drew stole Ash's girlfriend or something like that"

"Well, that's true…"

"I can't believe that boy made you pass through all of this just because he was jealous"

"You seem to know quite a bit"

"They told me that Drew stole Ash's girlfriend but then, that girl realized she committed a mistake and left Drew"

"Well, yes, that's pretty much it"

"Dawn, that girl is May, right?"

"Eh well, I…"

"That's why May came to Sinnoh, the Wallace Cup was just an excuse, am I wrong?"

"Yes mom, that's the true, May is the girl they told you about." –Dawn sighed in defeat.

"She doesn't seem like the kind of person who would do such a thing"

"She left Ash because she thought she would be a burden for him, she thought they would never achieve their goals if they were together"

"So, she did it thinking about Ash"

"Yes, but Ash didn't see it that way"

"It's understandable but, they seem to get along very well now"

"Yes, May came here to see if she still had a chance with Ash"

"And…"

"Ash forgave her but their time as a couple is over"

"Just friends?"

"Yes"

"But May still seems to have strong feelings for Ash"

"Yes, that's why I'm worried, difficult times still await her"

"You found a very good friend in May"

"Yes, thanks to her I realized something very important"

"You realized you had a rival" –Johanna giggled.

"Rival?" –Dawn blushed like mad –"What are you talking about?"

"Dawn, have you told Ash about your feelings?"

"How do you know about my…?"

"You have never acted like that before, it is very obvious you like Ash"

"Wow, I hadn't realized I was so easy to read" -Dawn said with difficulty.

"So, have you told him?"

"Yes"

"And, what did he say?"

"He didn't give a clear answer, he couldn't decide between May and I so, I'm still waiting"

"Wow, Ash is very popular with the girls"

"Yes, I'm a fool for believing I had a chance with him"

"Don't say that Dawn"

"Mom, he can get any girl he wants, look at May she is a star and she is very beautiful, why would he pay attention to me when he can have someone like May?"

"You just answered your own question"

"I did?"

"You said he can get any girl he wants but, he still prefers to be with you"

"What?"

"Yes, he is handsome, he is popular and very talented, he can get any girl he wants and he wants you"

"Me? But how? And how do you know that?"

"Maybe he is not in love with you yet but, you are just a little step away from making him yours" –Johanna giggled.

"Wow, May said something similar…"

"Two women can't be wrong and by the way, May knows about your feelings for Ash?"

"Yes, he told me personally that she gave up on Ash and that she would root for me from now on"

"So, what are you waiting for? Go Dawn, don't let this precious experience escapes from your hands"

"Mom…"

The conversation between mother and daughter came to an end when, finally, Ash appeared in the distance. After a moment, he made his way into the house.

"I'm back" –Ash said, his words had a slight tone of sadness.

"Welcome back Ash…" –Dawn was going to say something else but she noticed Ash's eyes had an unusual red tone. –"Ash, did you cry?" –Upon hearing those words, Johanna decided it was better to leave them alone.

"Eh, no Dawn, I'm ok"

"Ash, your eyes are red, you cried, right?"

"A little" –Ash sighed in defeat.

"Was it difficult to say goodbye to May?"

"Goodbyes are always difficult"

"You miss her?"

"Dawn, I cried because a very important cycle in my life came to an end. We went through many things together, but thanks to her, I know what is to be alive"

"Ash you…"

"But I'm alright. It's just the shock of the moment, no need to worry"

"Ash, I'll be here for you" –Dawn got close to the boy and, with a giant effort, she left her wheelchair and clumsily hugged him, he was sitting on the floor. –"It's ok to be sad, but promise me that you will be the same boy I like tomorrow"

"Of course Dawn, I'll be the boy you like by the morning but now, just for now, let me be the one shedding tears" –Ash carefully hugged Dawn back, he rested his head over hers and smelt her hair.

…

…

…

"Come on Dawn! We have no time to lose"

"Wait! You are going to fast" –Dawn was struggling to keep Ash's pace.

"We have been traveling together for almost a year, this should be nothing for you"

"But I'm a girl!"

"And so…? Girls can be as strong as boys"

"You are impossible!"

"Come on Dawn, let's go, the Grand Festival starts soon, you can't miss it"

"But we still have like a week"

"But the earlier we get there, the more time we have to train"

"Train? I don't want to train, I want to visit all the shops there!"

"First you train, then you have fun"

"You are so mean"

"Come on girl!" –Ash grabbed Dawn's hand and started to run. Dawn just blushed and started to run.

After the almost never-ending race Ash and Dawn returned to the place where the chaos started, Lake Valor. The place was covered with little shops and vendors, it was like a carnival.

"Wow! It's like that time when we came for the Wallace Cup!" –Dawn was delighted.

"Shall we go to the hotel? I'm exhaust"

"Yes, me too, thanks to certain boy who wanted to get here as soon as possible"

"Come on Dawn we are here already"

"Well, you are right"

Ash and Dawn went to their room in the Hotel Grand Lake. They had a suite reserved for them, it had two beds, two bathrooms, two of everything, complimented with a beautiful view of the lake, it seemed like the perfect place for a boy and a girl to be.

"Wow, it's incredible! I can't believe I got such a place just for getting into the Grand Festival!"

"Well, you didn't" –Ash snickered.

"What?"

"Well you did get a room but it was a simple one so, I paid a little extra and got us this great place"

"Really?"

"Yes, only the best for my student" –The boy giggled.

Dawn immediately jumped over Ash, causing them to fall on the bed.

"Thanks Ash, you are great"

"You deserve it, you have gone through so many difficult situations, this is the least I can do for you"

"If this is the least you can do, I can't wait to see the most you can do" –Dawn rested her head on the boy's chest, making herself comfortable

"Dawn, I was so eager to get here because there is something I want to talk with you"

"And that would be…"

Ash sat on the bed, with Dawn in front of him.

"Do you remember that gift I gave you on your birthday?"

"The earrings? Of course I remember them, I'll be wearing them when I be on stage"

"Well, that day I bought three presents, your earrings, and a bracelet for May"

"What a coincidence, we were born the same day but… wait, you said you bought three presents…"

"Yes, that last present, I bought it thinking about my most precious person but I realized I hadn't a person like that in my life or at least, I didn't know who that person was."

"Ash… And, what did you do with that present?"

"I still have it with me"

"So, you haven't found that person"

"Dawn, I have found that person"

"Ash…"

"Dawn, you said you loved me, do you still have those feelings for me?"

"Of course Ash, and they are as strong as that day I confessed them to you"

"Dawn I like you, you know it, right?"

"Yes Ash, I know it"

"But Dawn, I realized something." –Ash took a deep breath and sighed –"That time I took care of you I realized how important you are to me, I couldn't sleep properly, I couldn't eat as I use to eat, my mind was focused on you Dawn, that feeling of guilt and remorse was always present, Dawn, and right now, I can't think of a more important person than you"

"Ash, it was not your fault at all, you know it"

"Dawn, I didn't do all those things because I felt I was my fault, I did those things because I wanted to see you happy and smiling again"

"Ash…" –Dawn smiled and hugged Ash again.

"Dawn, a lot of things happened to me here in Sinnoh; I suffered, I cried, I officially broke up with May, I almost see one of my friends dying but, you know why? All those things are nothing compared to the ones I got here. I got a new friend, a confident, someone to heal my pain, someone to share fun moments with, someone to laugh with… someone to fall in love with"

Dawn put her hand over her heart.

"Ash, and who-who is that-that person?"

"Dawn, I want you to have this…" –Ash took out a box from his backpack and opened it, it contained a bracelet made of silver with little incrustations of ruby and sapphire, with an emerald in the center. –"Take it Dawn, now I know this belongs to you"

"Ash, is this the present you talked about? The one for your special someone?"

"Yes Dawn, and I want you to have it"

"But it seems so expensive and luxurious…"

"Dawn, it's no more than a little detail when compared to you"

"So, can I have it? For real?"

"You are the only person I would give this bracelet to"

"Ash…" –Dawn shyly took the present and admired it, she had never seen such a beautiful piece in her life, let alone in her hands. –"It's so beautiful Ash, how am I going to pay you?" –Dawn was about to shed a tear.

"Your smile is more than enough"

"You are the best Ash" –Dawn embraced the boy with all her strength. –"I love you Ash"

"Dawn, I haven't finished"

"Huh? What?"

"Dawn I'm giving this to you because you are the most important person for me but, while it's true I like you more than anything, I can't say I love you yet."

"Ash…" –Dawn felt like a black hole appeared inside her heart.

"Don't get me wrong Dawn. I like you and I would do anything for you but I don't know why those words just won't come out from my lips"

"Ash, how much you like me?"

"Like you have no idea"

"So, do I still have a chance to get your love?"

"Totally"

"Ash, if I ask you for a kiss, would you do it?"

"Well… yes" –Ash blushed a little.

"Ash you say you don't love me but you say you'll accept a kiss, you say you would do anything for me, you silly" –Dawn giggled.

"What?"

Dawn got closer to the boy and kissed him. Dawn had only kissed the boy one time so, she was not going to miss this opportunity. She broke the kiss for some seconds to breath and then continued. She started to caress the back of his head, she played with his messy hair, she sweetly whispered his name. Ash was so deep into the kiss, he fell backwards on the bed with Dawn over him, he couldn't avoid to return the affectionate gesture. He caressed her waist, her thighs, he played with her beautiful hair, he even dared to pass his hands across her silhouette, rubbing her breast, caressing her hips. Her aroma was so sweet and intoxicating, he couldn't stop smelling it, Dawn was the most beautiful being on existence, he wanted more of her, he wanted everything of her.

Dawn started to lose control, her mind had only one thing inside: Ash. She wanted to go to the end, she wanted to know what love is, she wanted to feel the experience of being with the one you love. She took off her boots and socks, she got rid of that annoying beanie hat, her dress was a burden now, it was a barrier that prevented her from being with his love. Ash was hypnotized as well, his vest and pants were useless now, they were screaming to get out of there, he wanted the girl with all of his might. After an impulse of desire Dawn and Ash were only wearing underwear, it was in that moment when they realized how far they have got.

"And now what Ash?" –The girl was breathing heavily, almost panting.

"Well, I've never got this far before" –Ash was agitated as well.

"Never?"

"Never"

"So, let's discover it together" –Dawn put her hands behind her back and started to unlock her bra"

"Wait Dawn, are you sure about this?"

"You said you like me and you would do anything for me, that's more than enough"

"But my feelings may not be as strong as yours and I…"

"Ash, I'm totally sure, I want to be with you, I want you to love me, I want you to have me."

"Dawn trust me, I want to be with you, I'm struggling to contain myself now, I want to hug you and kiss your entire body but I'm not sure"

"You like me, I love you so, come Ash let's do this together, we will be closer than ever and you will finally be able to clear your mind"

"Dawn, do you really want to do this with me?"

"With you and only with you. The place is perfect, the time is perfect, the mood is perfect, everything is perfect Ash, I want to feel alive, I want to know what even May doesn't know, I want to be your first time, I want to be the only one to do this with you, I want to reach that level no other girl will reach with you, I want to be the only one…"

Ash interrupted Dawn's words with a kiss, he hugged her and started caressing her body, slowly feeling her soft skin, her sweet fragrance, her sweet taste. Dawn laid herself on the bed and Ash carefully put himself over her then, the boy began to explore the girl's body, illuminated by the soft light of the sunset and mesmerized by the beauty of the girl in front of his eyes.

After a couple of hours, the night had fallen upon the land, the moon's reflection on the lake created a beautiful silver tone in the atmosphere. The huge window was open, letting the silver teardrops fall upon the bedroom. Inside the bed, a raven-haired boy was awake with a face full of peace and calm, he was wearing a little but happy and sincere smile. With him, cuddled in his arms, a beautiful blue-haired coordinator slept, she had a smile on her face. The boy was facing the girl in his arms, he was admiring her beautiful face, her beautiful body, her delicate silhouette, her beautiful skin illuminated by the moonlight.

"Dawn…" –He caressed her hair. –"I promise I will never leave your side, never"

"You promise?"

"Dawn? I thought you were asleep"

"I woke up when I heard your words"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up"

"No need to worry"

"Dawn… now I know I want to be with you"

"We needed to do this to make you clear your ideas"

"But it was worth"

"It was magical" –Dawn gave Ash a light peck on his lips.

"It was the best I have experienced in my life"

"Better than battles and adventures?"

"A thousand times"

Dawn giggled.

"Ash, will you stay with me forever?"

"Forever and beyond"

"Ash, do you remember you promised to give me anything I wanted when I reached the second place in the Wallace Cup?"

"Oh? Yes, I thought you had forgotten"

"Well, I don't want anything, I have everything I want now"

"Are you sure? You can ask for anything"

"I'm sure Ash, all I need is you" –Dawn put her head on Ash's shoulder. Ash hugged her tighter.

"All I need is you Dawn"

"Tomorrow we have to train for the Grand Festival"

"Don't think I'll be soft just because we did this"

"That's what I expect from you… my love"

"You know me very well, DeeDee…"

"I told you to never call me like that!"

Dawn giggled and launched herself over Ash, she started to pinch the boy's cheeks but with each second that passed, she loosened her grip and the pinch became a stroke and the stroke, a kiss.

"I love you Ash"

"I love you Dawn…"

Within Attraction

The End