I Promise: Platinum Edition

Note: I thought of the name "Platinum Edition" before I heard the name of the remastered Evangelion DVDs being released by ADV.

Chapter 2

Ash had a keen sense of direction. Misty had a keen sense that Ash didn't know what he was doing.

Misty was right, as usual.

"I know it's this way, Misty. It has to be," Ash stated confidently.

"Ohh, Ash! You're so darn stubborn! It's this way, towards the smell of fire and the sound of crying!"

"Whatever! I know it's this way!"

"Fine! But if we get lost, Ash, it's your fault!"

"OK!" Ash led the way.

They found themselves lost not a minute later.

"This is all your fault, Misty!" Ash said sulkily.

"WHAT! BUT YOU WERE... ohh, I'm too tired for this today. We'll just have to stay here for the night." Misty, being Misty, sat down but stood back up, knowing that the woods were bug-infested. "This is gross, Ash. Maybe we should... oh..."

Ash was sprawled on the forest floor, already asleep and snoring like there was no tomorrow.

Misty lied down perpendicular to him, resting her head on his chest. "Ohh, Ash, you're so carefree. I wish I could say that about myself. I love you, Ash Ketchum."

She fell asleep.

"Misty, you're perfect the way you are," Ash whispered. "I love you."

This time he fell asleep for real.

That night, Misty had a wonderful dream. She had been at a masquerade, and she hadn't worn a mask. All the guys told her she shouldn't wear one - it would shield her extreme beauty. Each of them asked her to dance, but she declined each request. She wanted to dance with the little kid with hat hair in the corner. She tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Sir, would you give me the pleasure of this dance?" The boy obliged. Misty knew that he was younger - he was a few inches shorter than she was. The boy said, "You're incredibly beautiful." He removed his mask and revealed his true identity - Ash. Misty sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. They were deemed the cutest couple at the dance, and they danced the night away.

Ash's dream was different but wonderful, all the same. He had 250 badges but no friends. As he was taking a brisk jog, he heard a mournful sound. It was a girl crying. He traveled to the source of the noise and found a girl sitting against a tree. He ran over to her and asked her what was bothering her. She answered, "I have everything I ever asked for, yet I have nothing." Ash was confused by this and asked her what she meant. "My father has given me everything I've ever asked for - money, food, a mansion... everything! But my life is still so empty... It's missing something." The girl looked up at Ash. It was Misty. "It's missing friendship." It was at that point that Ash became a hero. "Take my hand. I'll be your friend."

Ash and Misty woke up simultaneously and realized that they were holding hands.

"Eee!" Misty cried out and let go of Ash's hand. She started blushing a radiant red. Ash was blushing too.

They stood up at the same time.

Misty hung her head and kicked at the dirt. "Sorry about tha-- Huh?"

Ash had lifted her chin, thus her head, delicately with two fingers. He stared into her eyes.

"Ash, what are you..." Misty began.

"Shh..." Ash's eyes were glimmering. "Misty, you're beautiful."

"Huh? What?"

"Just..." Ash began to say something but stopped short. He opted to kiss her instead.

They kissed for a good ten seconds before Misty reluctantly broke the kiss.

"Ash..." Misty's voice trailed off.

"What is it, Misty?"

"I-I... I love you."

Ash's eyes welled up with tears. "I know, Misty. I love you, too." He smiled.

Misty looked into his eyes and smiled back. "Now, Mr. Navigator, get us back to camp."

Ash laughed. "Gladly." He swept her off her feet, literally, and they finally found their way back to camp.