Ash had finally found a spot to rest. Within the forest, a small oasis dwelled guarded by towering rock formations. The only sounds were the birds chirping merrily, but in Ash's mind they were cries of sorrow. No body could find him here, his secret place. Ash paced repeatedly and finally came to a conclusion.

"I'm nothing without her," Ash wiped his forehead and the tear the desperately wanted to stream down his face and lead thousands of others. He glanced for a moment at the fire ball's bronze light.

"Whew its hot," He decided (anything to take his mind off Misty). Ash effortlessly took off his tee shirt and when he managed to, it was thrown on a nearby rock. The shirt slid sluggishly down the boulder and plopped into the oasis. Ash rolled his eyes and bent down to the waters edge. He stopped for a second to stare at his reflection. A faint imprint was still spread across his cheek. Ash sneered at his reflection hoping it would run off. But it didn't it gave the same sneer back. Ash rippled the water and the portrait disfigured and eventually disappeared when he stood up again. No sooner that he had done so he felt a serene touch lay on his tanned back. It was like silk, stroking his pain. An unforgettable chill dashed up and down his spine, though he did not turn to look, he had a dreading feeling what it was.

"Ash?"

Ash froze, that voice, the warm loving voice of someone he yearned for. Piece by piece his heart seemed to reassemble, and he couldn't help whirling around to face the woman who melted his heart once and tore it to pieces before. His hat was tightly placed over her head and the brim of the cap shielded her face. His bitter feelings returned to his heart once more and revenge took over after he recalled his memories from the night before. She had given him unbelievable pain.

"Come to hit me again Misty?" He sneered malevontly.

"No Ash. I did the wrong thing for a stupid reason, every time we fight this is how it ends up and I feel as though my heart has been stabbed. You're the only reason I live because you're my weakness," she whispered affectionately. Ash was perplexed, shocked, all those words seemed to melt the ice that encased his heart.

"I never got the guts to tell you, from the day I pulled you out of the water in the pond. I gazed at your messy raven black hair and your cute smile and knew I was in love," She explained, "All these years I reserved a spot for you in my heart, hoping desperately that you felt the same way." Ash's face enlightened and his warm smile returned. He could feel his heart beat rapidly within each second and joy was his only emotion. He wished he could just pour out his feelings to her, tell her why he did the things he did. But at that moment they were all forgotten and forgiven. They would stay wrapped up in a box in the back of his mind.

"Well Misty, you got your wish, I love you and no one else. I never had the courage to tell you either, so I just admired and adored your beauty from a far." Ash blurted as he watched her miserable frown transform into the beautiful grin he longed to see. Ash couldn't resist her, and lifted up her chin and removed the hat from her red head. He gawked at her, not because of his love but he was in shock. He turned away, and mumbled.

"I did that didn't I? Ash stammered ashamed of his foolishness. Misty absentmindedly nodded, she was neither happy nor upset she was one with herself and felt no rage. She placed a hand on his back and attempted to turn him towards her. His eyes were deep in thought and refused to look up at her, he hurt her just as much as she to him.

"Yes but I don't care. Regardless of what you did I still love you," she whispered quietly. Ash gazed at her astounded at what he had done. A large scar extended across her cheek, the one flaw on her whole body and he had committed it. He breathed heavily released the tears he had stored for so long, it felt good to express himself.

"No Misty its not okay, I permanently scarred you. My hate is stitched between your skin. And I don't think I can ever forgive myself," Ash cried as he gazed at Misty's enchanting sapphire eyes. "You don't deserve to carry my hate," His head hung down and his shoulders hunched, how could he let himself down like this? Misty bobbled her head, shamelessly, side to side.

"You'll never learn, will you?" Misty fiercely embraced him and freely let her fingers sweep across his cheek. She had waited for this moment way too long, 10 years was the limit and it had expired. She pulled him into an undying kiss. A tingling sensation dashed through Ash's heart and left him feeling like he was floating on thin air. He let his enragement vanish and allowed his love for Misty to return once more. Misty and Ash wanted to stay locked forever, but their lips unwillingly pulled apart. Ash didn't have much time to gaze at her, for almost as soon as they pulled apart she buried her head into his well chiseled chest. Her auburn hair felt sleek and soft as Ash tousled it between his fingers. The warmth of Ash's body was gentle and calming; Misty could feel her emotions soar and illuminate. Ash tenderly grinned, the boyish grin that Misty adored. Misty broke into a small fit of giggles as Ash swept her off her feet and cuddled her until Misty drew him into another kiss.

"Ash?" Misty whispered tenderly.

"Yea Mist?" Misty withered blissfully at the sound of her nickname; she loved how he whispered it.

"Promise me something," she pleaded, her aqua puppy dog eyes were irresistible. Ash smiled and gently kissed her on her forehead.

"Anything for you," Ash retorted soothingly. Misty gave an airy sigh before continuing.

"Promise me, that…. you'll hold me in your arms forever," she implored. Just this one promise is what she sought, they would be together forever.

"You have my word Mist, forever more…"

Ha fear the sappyness! Well, sequel will be coming soon as soon as I get off my lazy bum and finish Her Only Secret...Review please cause this is the last chp.