Chapter 9: Forever and Ever

The Staravia took off, back to its home. At the same time, Violet stepped into the clearing. Her eyes met Bryce's. They just looked at each other for a moment. Bryce looked like a beaten man; Violet had clearly been crying. Bryce smiled at her. Even now, she still looked beautiful…

Violet ran into his arms, tightly embracing him and sobbing into his chest. He just held her close, silent tears falling from his face as well. There was no way she would let him go. Bryce kissed her cheek softly, still holding her tightly. He almost felt like an older brother who protected his younger sister from her enemies.

"Bryce…I'm so sorry…I…" Violet said between sobs.

"Violet, it's not your fault. I know you'd never want this, not ever." Bryce said. He looked at her lovingly. "I know better than to think you would do this."

She put her paws on his cheeks and kissed him passionately, releasing all the anger and sadness she felt. Going to see Bryce was a good idea. Bryce knew she needed him right now, just holding her and comforting her.

"Violet…" he started, taking her paws in her hands. "No matter what happens in the next few days, I want to thank you. I used to be someone without any real friends or family, but I found both in you. There were times where I'd think that no one would ever care about me, much less love me. I owe you so much for all you did. You are the most beautiful, incredible, wonderful, smart, funny, and brave Pokémon I know. You're amazing Violet, you really are."

"Bryce…" she started.

"Don't think for a minute I'll forget what you've done for me. I never knew happiness or love until you. You gave me hope in a tomorrow. I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you."

"That's not true."

"Read my mind." Bryce said.

Violet focused her aura and ventured into his thoughts.

Flashback

Bryce was a few years younger, typing away at the computer. She couldn't read what it was, but he got up and opened a drawer. He pulled out a gun and loaded it.

*No… you wouldn't…* Violet thought, shocked.

The younger Bryce put the gun to his head, but he couldn't pull the trigger. Violet walked over to the computer. The note read:

To the individual who finds this:

The world has become too unbearable to live in. There was nothing for me to live for, so I chose to end my life. Do what you will with my belongings; I have no need for them. My parents were never close to me, and there wasn't anyone who cared about me. Please, save others from my fate. Even if I couldn't find something or someone to live for, the world doesn't deserve to live in the darkness I was surviving in. Farewell.

Bryce

The young Bryce closed the document, sighing and putting his head on the desk, crying.

End Flashback

Violet looked at Bryce, crying. "How many times did you almost…"

"Six. Five times before I knew you and once after you left. That's how bad the pain was; I just wanted it all to end. There wasn't a moment where I didn't feel hopeless…but then I met you. You're like a light to destroy all of the darkness away in my heart. I know that part of me will always be in my memory…that was the lowest I ever was. You saved me Violet, and I'm eternally grateful. I love you with all of my heart and soul, and I always will. You could be married to Lucario…but I'd still love you. I don't care if it's wrong. You could betray my trust…but I'd still love you. There's nothing you can ever do to stop me from being in love with you, Violet. I wish I could stop this marriage, because I know I want YOU by my side forever and ever. I can't ever express how much I love you."

Bryce held Violet tighter than ever. "Thank you…thank you so much…for everything…I love you so much, and no one will take it away." He let it all out, sobbing into her shoulder and hugging her tightly. "I love you…"

Violet kissed him softly and let him cry himself out. She knew he felt just as bad as he did, if not worse. They leaned against each other, falling asleep holding each other. Staravia circled over them momentarily, noticing his friend happily curled up with a Lucario. He flew off, not wanting to wake him.

A few hours later, Bryce awoke to see Violet asleep, smiling. "I love you Violet…and I always will." He said softly, kissing her on the muzzle. She awoke, but her beautiful smile faded.

"I guess I have to go back now…" Bryce's face fell. She grabbed his hands, holding them in her paws. "Listen, I want you to come to the wedding. I know you feel bad, but seeing you there might make this a little easier."

He nodded. While he knew he couldn't just run up and take her away, he did know that Violet would make sure not to start the marriage unless he was there. "If you want me to be there, I will."

Honestly, he thought it would be worse if he was there. Bryce didn't want to see the moment when he would lose Violet forever…but he would do anything for her.

Violet kissed him passionately one more time. "I'm sorry it had to be like this." She said, tears in her eyes. She slowly got up and walked off.

*So am I.* he said.

That night was the worst of Bryce's life. He didn't sleep at all because he was worried about Violet, but something else was in the back of his mind…

Author's Notes: One more chapter left before a very important question. Will Violet desert her family? Will Bryce try to kidnap her and take her away? Or will Violet be stuck marrying her best friend? Find out next time!