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Author's Notes: Chapter Eight!! The finale!! The big ending! Thanks again for getting this far! Like I said, you guys totally rock! This is for all you Multishippers! The end all be all of Gary/Misty/Ash triangles! Last time, we learned how Gary felt about Misty, and vice versa! We also learned that Brock is a very insightful person! Love it!! Well thanks for reading so far.. I'm glad I'm finally finishing this! Yay! Misty makes a decision! Since there can only be AAML or GAML, keep your fingers crossed!! I promise, everyone walks away satisfied. I am assuming that if you're still reading this you like it.

Is anyone else glad that is finally over?! I am! With that said, enjoy the last and final chapter.. I think I'll be doing a sequel. I mean even if Misty wants nothing to do with Gary, I want to see what happens with him in Savannah. (Not that I'm giving away the ending, because I'm not!) I mean I like him, even though some of you don't. So where this leaves off, Gary continues! Yay!!

Disclaimer: How did Kramer pay rent? Another strange question. Just as strange as you assuming I own Pokemon. I've already said too much!

To The Faithful Departed

Tchaiovsky floated through the room. The soft sounds of first violin, third chair filled Misty's room. Disoriented, she slowly opened her eyes, only to see no one there. Confused, she got out of bed and stretched. The clock on her bedstand displayed 8:42. It was almost nine! She had to get up! Walking over to her bereau, she began rummaging through her clothes. Finding a blue tee, and overalls, she pulled them on, and began grooming herself. Togepi was still safely in it's makeshift cradle.

Not forgetting to brush her hair each day and night, with the usual 100 strokes, she made sure her hair was a bright, shiny, orange. It shined like the sun. After she finished her daily ritual, she walked to the bathroom, and brushed her teeth. She kept going over what to say, and how to say it. She had precious little time to get to the hotel and back to make the train. She'd have to make her goodbye's quick and meaningful. Gary was supposed to be tagging along to talk to Ash as well, but that might not go over as easily as he'd hoped.

Togepi briied awake. It was hungry, and ready to leave as well. Somehow it knew she was leaving. It would want to see Pikachu. Taking her guide book, she carried Togepi out, and they raced to get breakfast. Apparently, they were not fast enough. The breakfast car was extremely crowded. Misty thought of getting food ouside, but that would take too long. She had to leave quickly, to make it back in time.

The breakfast car was too full, and she couldn't find a seat. She did spot Cynthia. Cynthia waved her over, and they chatted. Cynthia was a very nice girl. Her family had lived in Savannah all her life. She wasn't a pokemon trainer. She explained that she wanted nothing to do with Pokemon. She loved the creatures. All of them. She just didn't like the idea of forcing them to battle for the trainers own personal gain. It was a logical reason not to train. Togepi sat between the two girls and ate happily, as they chatted.

"So, where are you going so early?" Cynthia said watching the clock on the wall. "The train leaves in an hour!"

"I know Cynthia.. I'll have to be quick!" Misty agreed. Then a thought hit her. "Say would you mind watching Togepi for an hour? I'll be back before then!"

"Okay Misty." She said looking downa t the egg pokemon." You don't mind staying with me, do you Togepi? "

The egg pokemon briied once more, and Cynthia patted it's head.

"I'll be back in fourty-five minutes.. tops!" She said to the girl. Cynthia nodded, and fed Togepi a few grapes.

"Bye Togepi. I'll be back!" She said running out of the breakfast car.

"Bye Misty!" Cynthia said happily. "Hurry back!"

Realizing she had but 45 minutes to find the hotel, Misty hastily left Togepi. She walked quickly over to Gary's cabin. She knocked continually, but no answer came. Knocking again, this time more forcefully, she heard murmuring inside. She thought she heard Gary call for her to come in, but she wasn't quite sure. Turning the knob, she crept inside. What kind of person left their door open? Maybe he expected she was coming to get him. That pompous jerk! Always assuming. She looked in on him. He was still asleep.

He still hadn't noticed her presence in the room, and he kept still. Moving ever so slightly, Misty could see his torso. His chest was bare, and he hugged the comforter tightly. He looked angelic almost. Peaceful and serene. She didn't really want to wake him, but it was his idea anyway. She nudged his arm. He squirmed away. Whatever was trying to keep him asleep was doing an excellent. She reached down closer, and pinched his arm. Hard.

"OWWW!" Gary wailed in pain.

"Great! You're awake!" Misty said triumphantly.

"What are you doing Misty!" He asked irritated.

"Come on Gary.. You were supposed to be up already.." Misty complained.

"Huh? I know.. I'm tired Mist. It's only.. " He looked over at his wrist watch. "9:10! How could you let me sleep until 9:10!" He said angrily.

"Sorry, you were supposed to be awake by now.." Misty explained.

"I need.. to get.. dressed.." He said slurring.

"Okay, I'll wait outside." Misty said quickly, opening the door.

"No, that's okay, I'll change in the bathroom." He said closing the door to the bathroom.

"I noticed Togepi wasn't with you!" Gary shouted from the bathroom. He didn't miss a beat.

"Yea. I left it with Cynthia..." Misty replied.

Walking out for a moment, to pick out clothes, he rushed himself. Gary gathered his clothes from a dresser drawer and ran into the bathroom. He slammed the door quickly, and began to dress. Misty stood awkwardly. What was wrong with him? Why was he so eager to see Ash? Gary and he needed to talk, yes... but why was he happy about it? Misty speculated that he and Ash just needed to talk. They all needed to talk things out.

"I'm ready.." Gary said.

"Okay, let's go.."

They walked out of his cabin quickly, and headed for the subway. They has 30 minutes. It too was crowded, but the hotel wasn't that far away. Grabbing misty's hand he pulled her closer, so they wouldn't get lost. The ride was bumpy, and uncomfortable. Misty could smell acrid odros filling the car. She pinched her nose. She had failed to notice the stench yesterday. The car smelled horrible. She looked at Gary, and he affirmed her belief. He made an odd face, due to the smell.

Soon they were at the Plaza hotel. Misty remembered the number to their room, and guided Gary and herself through the maze of lobbies, and rec rooms. Finally they spotted an elevator, and the were almost there. It was 9:24. She hoped they'd still be there.. Brock was an early riser, so she knew he'd be awake still.

Walking down the dimly lit corridor she knocked on the door. Room 429. No answer. Gary gestured for her to step aside. he pounded the door a bit harder. They heard soft voices, and shuffling. Brock answered the door. When he saw Gary he was slightly taken aback. then Misty came from behind,a nd a smile appeared.

"I knew you'd show!" He said happily.

"Did you?" Misty said as she hugged Brock.

Gary stood awkwardly outside. Brock gestured for them to come in.

"So, where's Ash?" Misty asked, getting staright to the point.

"He's in his room." Brock said waving a hand towards the adjoining door.

"I'll go get him." Misty said, as chipper as possible.

Gary sat down in a chair, and he and Brock began to chat quietly. Misty left them there, and closed the door behind her. She didn't want them to hear her,a nd they probably wanted privacy as well.

"Ash?" Misty said softly.

Ash was still asleep with Pikachu next to him. They looked very peaceful. Just like Gary when she had woke him up earlier. Smiling, Misty kneeled down and tapped his shoulder. His eyes flittered opened, and when they adjusted he saw Misty. He smiled at her. Slowly sitting up, he stared at her for a moment. Pikachu woke, jumped up at her. He smiled and Misty held the door so that he could leave them alone for a moment.

"Misty... What are y-" He said, before Misty silenced him.

"Shh! Listen, I don't have very long. We need to talk.." She said pulling up a chair.

Ash pulled on his shirt, and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

"Ash, I don't want your jealously of Gary to get in the way of what we have.." She said bluntly.

"G-Gary?" He said, quickly. "Gary is a jerk! I don't want you hanging around him! He's a mean guy Mist'! He can't be trusted."

Misty sighed and shook her head.

"Ash... Let me ask you something.."

"Go ahead I'm listening.."

"I want us to remain friends.." She said looking at him.

"I want that too.." He said, as calmly as possible.

Why was Mistys aying these things? She was talking as if she were going to die or something. It was making him nervous. He couldn't let on though. This talk about Gary wasn't the way he wanted ot start his morning. It was so, what was the word? Horrible. A stab in his side. A blow to his face.

"So why can't we all be friends?" Misty said sadlly.

"It won't work, Mist. There's too much anger..."

He said trying to explain things to her.

"Misty, we weren't always like this.there was a time I considered him to be my bestfriend.. Now he just acts so competitive. The remarks.. I hate it."

He said pointedly.

"It doesn't have to be that way.."

"That's the way it's always been." Ash replied.

"Then change it! I think Gary's different now.." She aid quietly.

"Misty, I don't want to talk about it anymore."

"Then you will have to accept my ultimatum. I don't want to ruin a four year friendship over a new one! Don't make me do this!"

"Why him, Msty?!" he said anger boiling up inside of him.

"Ash, the only reason you are upset is because it is Gary. If I were friends with anyone else, you wouldn't give a damn! You're childishness is ridiculous! You know what else? I won't be friends with someone who doesn't respect me. You obviously don't because if you did, you would respect the decisions I make!"

"I do.. I only came.. because I-I like you!" He said standing up angrily. "How do you return the favor? By betraying me? By going to him. Gary Oak. My worst enemy!"

"I NEVER betrayed you! I asked you how you felt when I left! I told you I needed to leave, and needed to be on my own! I care about you, Ash. I even love you. I',m just not in love with you! I'm sorry, but I'm not! But I'm being honest when I say I care about you.."

"If you care about me, how can you hurt me with Gary?!" He yelled at her.

"Ash! Quiet down.. They'll hear you!!"

Ash looked at her suspiciously. Then he closed his mouth. She had brought hi, She brought Gary with her!

"You brought him with you didn't you?! You did!" He exclaimed.

"Ash, that's beside the point. He's here to speak with you.."

"I don't give a damn! I'm not talking to him. He stole you away!" Ash said, raising his voice an octave.

"I was never yours in the first place!" Misty roared back.

"Then what were you, Misty? What were you when you followed me around about that goddamned bike?!" He said pointing at her.

Misty was silent. She didn;t know how to respond to him.

"Ash, that was when I thought I liked you. I do love you, Ash. I want us to be friends! I have never said I loved Gary either! Did it ever occur to you that I'm not in love at all? You don't fall in love with someone immediately after meeting them! That's not how it works!"

"Fine, you've made your decision! You don't want me!" he said sadly.

"Ash, of course I want you! You're my best friend! You and Brock... I don;t have many of those, and I'm not willing to let any go. Not even you!"

"Really?" He said, his voice softening.

He stopped frowning. Misty nodded her head.

"What's this really about? Please, tell me? What do you want from me?"

"I-I don't know! I don't want to lose you, okay! You're right. If it were anyone else I wouldn't care. I only do care, because it's Gary. You can be friends with anyone you want. I promise I'll support you like a good friend should. "

"Thanks Ash. I'm glad we had this talk.." She said getting up. "I have to go soon, or I'll miss the train. Besides I think Gary wants to apologize to you." She said walking over to him, and hugging him.

"Send him in, Misty" He said, giving her a bright smile.

"I'll do that.." She said. She closed the door behind her.

Misty closed the door behind her, and looked up at Brock. She noticed Gary was still chatting with Brock. She was glad she and Ash could be friend again. He was her best friend, and she wasn't going to lose him to anyone. Sitting down with the boys, she smiled and let out a relaxed sigh.

"Can we assume all is well?" Brock said aloud.

Misty nodded.

"I'd like to think so." Then she turned to Gary, "Hurry up and apologize! It's 9:42!" Misty said, glancing at her water pokemon watch.

"Okay! Okay!" He saud walking quickly to Ash's door.

When Gary had closed the door, she turned her attention Brock again. He smiled at her, and they chatted about old times. Surprisingly, he didn't ask about what was said in Ash's room. They were loud enough to be heard, but Misty doubted that they could make out what was being said. She sat back, and relaxed.

Soon Gary emerged with a smile on his face. Ash was not far behind. He seemed to be relieved. Satisfied with the events that took place, she hugged her two best friends, and said her goodbyes a second time. Heading towards the door, Brock and Ash volunteered to walk them outside.

The foursome walked quickly through the lobby, and soon they were outside once more. Once again, Misty hugged her friends. When she she hugged Brock, she lingered there for a moment.

"Misty, don't worry. I won't tell." He whispered in her ear.

"About what?" She whispered back.

"You're beginning to care about hi in a new way.." He said quietly as they withdrew.

She gave him a sideways glance, and promised to call.

"Come on Misty! We'll miss the train! My stuff is still aboard!" Gary complained.

"Bye you guys! I'll call!"

Then as quickly as they came Gary and Misty raced back through the subway, jumped the railing, and headed downstairs toward the platform. They had seven minutes to get back to the train. The clock was ticking, and Misty was breathing hard. Gary's breath was ragged as well, and she didn't think they would make the subway's last car.

Running at full speed, they begged the passengers to hold the door. Gary was first to get there, he grabbed Misty's hand and pulel dher in. Swish. The sound of the double doors closed, and they were off. Slumping on the ground fopr a moments, they laughed. Unaware that the entire car was watching them. Misty struggled to sit up, and with all her strength, she pulled herself up and sank into a chair.

Gary sat across from her, and did the same thing. They sat for what felt like hours, quietly. He was still breathing deeply, and she could see his muscles relaxing. She herself wasn't tense anymore, and she was just about to stretch in the seat, when they reached thier stop.

"Quick!"

Gary said suddenly, as she ran out of the door. Garyw as close behind. they raced up the steps and across the platform, and reboarded the train. As soon as they were back on, they fell to the floor once more, making a huge spectacle of themselves.

"We.. made.. it!" Gary said breathing in deeply.

"Yea.. I know.. Barely.." She said laughing.

"I'm gonna go change clothes okay?" He said.

"Not a bad idea. I'm all sweaty.. Gross!" She said, walking to her cabin.

Misty walked back to her room, and changed. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the hotel room. Chanign out her sweagty overalls, went into the bathroom, and showered. She hated running in heavy clothes, and she smeleed horrible. Or so she thought. She was surprised none of the guys noticed. Thatw as probably because most of them usually smelled like that.

When Misty was done showering. She felt very refreshed. (Besides from nbeing clean of course.) Changing into her favorite outfit, she turned on her boombox. Placing her Dave Matthews Band cd in, she danced to the music. She felt kind of sore from all that running. She hadn't realized her how stiff she was. It seems Gary was right. Pressing the button for her favorite DMB song, she remembered she had to get Togepi. Singing along to the music, she continued to dress.

"He wakes up in the morning, does his teeth bite to eat, and he's rolling.. " She sang softly. "He nevers changes a thing. The week ends the week begins.."

She swayed her hips to the music. Enjoying the melody.

"She thinks, we look at each other, wondering what the other is thinking. We never say a thing.. And these crimes between us grow deeper."

That song always reminded her of Ash. She was once so afraid to tell him how she felt, that by the time she was ready, her feelings had changed. He was always so busy with Pokemon, and he was so focused on that.There had to be someone so devoted that they were willing to sacrifice so much. She was not that girl, but maybe Ash would find her someday.

Now she was jumping around with the music.

"Goes to visit his mommy, she feeds him well, his concerns he forgets them. And remembers being small.. Playing under the table and dreaming.."

"Take these chances... Place them in a box, until a quieter time, lights down you up and die."

She sang aloud, humming the parts she forgot.

"No words exchanged, no time to exchange. When all the little ants are marching, red and black antennae waving. They all do it same.. way.."

She yelled to the music.

"Candyman, tempting the thoughts of a sweet tooth, tortured by weightloss. Program, cutting the corners, loose end.. loose end.. Cut.."

She sang lifting her voice.

"On the fence could not to offend.." She bellowed happily.

Misty knew all about being on the fense. Ash had made it claer that she must choose a side. Make a decision. That really irked her. If she did one thing, she'd end up offending someone eiter way. She took a chance leaving her friends, but it all worked out happily. She did something new.

"Take these chances.. Place them in a little box, untila quieter time, lights down you up and die!!"

She sang as loudly as possible. Misty was fully dressed by now, and had a ttracted the attention of the car next door. Turning the music off, she headed out to get Togepi. Where was Cynthia anyway? She hadn't seen her anywhere.

"KEEP IT DOWN!" The voice said, pounding on her door.

"Sorry!" She yelled back.

Closing, and locking her door, she headed over to Gary's room. She knocked for a moment, then waited for him to answer. Probably still getting dressed. Sometimes he was such a prima donna. She could hear Togepi in his cabin. Cynthia prnoably gave it to him. Finally she heard the him walk to the door. He fumbld with the lock, and was unsuccessful. He cursed, and finally got it open. Looking ta her standing there, he grinned at her.

Before he could say anything, Misty shoved him into the room, and pulled her closer to him. She kissed him.. Lightly at first, until she felt him embrace her.

Gary, taking the hint, held her tighter. They lingered like that, until Misty broke apart. Wiping the back of her mouth with her hand, she smiled. Before Misty could say anything, Gary spoke first.

"What took you so long?"

Footnotes: Aaaaeeeeeeee!!!!! That's it! How many of you poor saps were still praying, and hoping for AAML? For all you AAML fans, sorry.. Well, actually I'm not sorry! There are way too many of those around this joint! We need more GAM.. and BAM.. and Rudy/Misty!! hehehe.. Don't be too disappointed, Ash'll get someone else in the sequel! I promise! ::pinky swears:: He really will! I'm sorry if I made Ash out to be an Ass in this fic! He's somewhat decent. Notice I wrote somewhat. He si a very possesive lil' thing, but he is a generally nice person. I still don't think he's in love with her! As far as the ending goes, I don't think Misty is in love with Gary either. It doesn't make sense does it? Didn't think so! Give yourselves a hand! You made it through the fic! My congrats! So now all you have to do is review!!!