Disclaimer: I don't know why I have to keep saying this. I don't own any thing so you can't sue. And if you do, I can counter sue for fraudulent charges against me. I clearly stated above, and in every chapter, that I do not own ANYTHING.

AN: Couple of things here ladies and gentlemen:

1) I'm a guy (a dude). Not gay ("not that there's anything wrong with that" – Seinfeld). Just a big softie that stores up anger then releases unholy rage upon some hole that dissed my family.

2) THE STORY ISN'T OVER!

3) I'm losing my internet at the end of the month so I can't post from the comfort of my home. I'm currently making preparations at my school so I can post from there. But updates won't be easy. My mom is checking in with Verizon to see if they have DSL in our area.

4) Ash did not kill himself, Hanson did.

5) I'm posting the final chapter at the end of the week (hopefully with a happy little one shot emphasis on HAPPY)

6) I used "True" by Ryan Cabrera in this chapter, when you see the phrase "Music began to play" hit the play button on your CD player if you have it.

Dedication: this fic is dedicated to Chaotic -Kinky- Kitty who mentioned me in her profile. I will do the same of course, but not right now seeing I'm writing this next installment, oh yeah…

On with the story…

Chapter 7 – "Another Chance"

Ash slowly took stock of his new surroundings. Apparently he was in a brightly lit room. He carefully eased himself from where he lay, and explored the area. He felt a warm comforting feeling in his heart. He relaxed a bit and continued to wander. He quickly noticed the bright blue sky above his head. Just his mind began to wonder but approaching footsteps from behind interrupted his thoughts. He turned and was confronted by a young woman.

"Hello Ash, I'm Misty's Mother."

Ash was stunned, he stuttered, trying to find words to hide his surprise.

"Oh… Uh… hi, what happened? Where's Misty?"

"She should by shortly. And as for what happened… you died, you're in heaven."

Ash was having trouble processing what she was saying. A wave of anxiety swept over him.

"But my Pikachu…"

"…is fine. He already knows what's going on."

"But… I don't understand…"

"You could never figure out anything on your own could ya Ash?"

Ash wheeled around at the familiar voice.

"Misty?"

"The one and only," replied Misty, striking a pose.

"I've missed you so much, how ya doing?" a grin creeping slowly across his face.

"Just heavenly," she replied giggling.

Ash's smile grew even wider, "Glad to see you still have a sense of humor."

"It wasn't easy," Misty's suddenly became serious, "not without you."

Ash took her hand into his own, "I know."

The two teens gazed deeply into each others eyes, completely oblivious to their surroundings, until Misty's mother broke the silence, gaining their attention once more.

"I'm sorry to break up this reunion..." smirking slightly, "but you've been brought here for a reason..."

"But we're DEAD," Ash blurted out.

"Surely there's no better reason then THAT," added Misty, slightly annoyed.

"That's beside the point. You still have your feelings of sorrow, bliss, and now..." looking over at her daughter nervously, "...anger. Plus you haven't met Peter at the gates yet..."

"Who's Peter?" the teens asked in unison.

"Never mind that now, but both of you have been given another chance."

Misty and Ash gave each other confused looks.

"You will be returned to that same day and given the ability to alter its future." Misty became excited, as did Ash, they could be together again.

"But it comes at a price, someone must still be shot."

"Me." Ash said instantly. He had his answer ready when heard 'But'.

"No Ash," Misty pleaded.

"I've got to Mist, I can't risk anyone getting hurt," he kissed her on the forehead, "especially you."

Misty blinked back tears, "But I don't think I can live without you…"

"But, you will, just know I'll always love you."

Ms. Waterflower remained silent until they released themselves form each other's embrace.

"So it's settled then, please, stand over there." She said, indicating a dance floor that appeared suddenly.

Ash and Misty, hand in hand, walked over to the center of the space. Instantly their clothes were transformed into the same attire that night. Music began to play, as Misty's mom explained what they had to do.

"All you have to do is enjoy yourselves," she spread her arms wide and smiled, a choir of angles stood behind her; "and we'll take care of the rest."

I wont talk
I wont breathe
I wont move till you finally see
That you belong with me

They began to sway back and forth.

You might think I don't look
But deep inside
In the corner of my mind
I'm attached to you

Misty rested her head gently on Ash's chest; they held each other in a loving embrace…

I'm weak
It's true
'Cause I'm afraid to know the answer
Do you want me too?
'Cause my heart keeps falling faster

I've waited all my life
To cross this line
To the only thing that's true
So I will not hide
It's time to try
Anything to be with you
All my life I've waited
This is true

The ball room slowly began to reappear; a starry night sky could be seen through the glass roof …

You don't know what you do
Every time you walk into the room
I'm afraid to move

They looked into each other's eyes, their memories wiped clean…

I'm weak
It's true
I'm just scared to know the ending
Do you see me too?
Do you even know u met me?

I've waited all my life to cross this line
To the only thing that's true
So I will not hide
Its time to try anything to be with you
All my life I've waited
This is true

I know when I go I'll be on my way to you
The way that's true

I've waited all my life

To cross this line
To the only thing that's true
So I will not hide
Its time to try anything to be with you
All my life I've waited
This is true

(Ryan Cabrera, "True")

Write from the Heart