The Victory Party

The room was full of people. The Honored Representatives of the Pokemon League were there, along with Professors Oak and Elm, not to mention all the trainers from the different leagues. Chris sat to one side of me, and Lisa, Cindy, and Tracy on the other.

"Be happy." Chris said with a smile. "You're the winner! Think of how proud we all are of you."

"Even you?" I asked.

"Damn straight! Besides, nobody says I can't try out again next year, right?"

I laughed slightly. "I'll make sure not to enter next year then."

He kissed my cheek. "I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too."

"Attention!" called Professor Oak from the front of the room, "Attention! We are here now to honor the winner of the Indigo League Championship, Kris Wilson! Kris, come to the front, please."

Blushing a little, I got up and walked to the podium. Professor Elm joined me there.

"I personally saw Kris off with her Totodile," he said, "And from that moment, I expected great things from this girl. Her determination was incredible, and I knew she would go far. Kris, please speak to us."

It was a bit awkward, since I didn't prepare a speech or anything, but then I saw Chris poking his food over there, and I knew exactly what to say.

"I love Pokemon," I began, "I love my Pokemon, and I love training him. That's what won me this award. Not strength or power, but love. That's what wins every league champion the match. Love for their Pokemon. But tonight, I won because of love of a different nature."

I saw Chris's head perk up a little. I continued. "I won tonight because of Chris McManson, and the love we share. I'm sure he wouldn't do what he did for anybody. I love him dearly, and so I think it's only fit…" I took a breath, "I think it's only fit that the two of us share this award."

Chris was indeed startled, but prompted by the applause of the people and the urgings of Tracy, Lisa, and Cindy, Chris rose and came up to the podium.

"Chris," I said, "I love you. I don't want all your work to be for nothing. Please share this award with me."

"How about it, Chris?" Oak questioned. "Are you willing?"

The fire that had drawn me to Chris in the first place was re-ignited in our hearts. I saw that glow back in his eyes, that warmth back in his smile.

"Yes, Professor," he said with a grin, "Yes, I will share this award with Kris."

"Let's hear it for them!" Oak cried.

Amongst the deafening roars of everybody, Chris and I embraced and kissed.

"Now your dream didn't go down the drain." I whispered in his ear.

He said nothing and kissed me again, until we noticed that everybody was watching.

"Ummm, let's party!" I shouted.