Disclaimer: Same as always.

Another one.

It had been almost a week since the takeover of Kanto, the latest plans of Team Rocket were far more effective then anyone would have had expected. The League was doing its best to defend the next targets, one being Johto then even possibly Hoenn. Brendan and I were staying at the League's Center; our skills were needed in this time of crisis. We were no longer youngsters or teenagers as before. We are now adults; mind and body matured. The impact of the situation rested heavily on us.

I quickened my steps down the marble hallway; my thoughts now back at my current agenda. I walked towards our room, surprised to hear rustling sounds in the back ground. I peeked inside, surprised to find Brendan packing.

"What are you doing?" I asked with curiosity. I walked over and looked at his items: Pokeballs, potions, and several of the trainer essentials. He remained silent, his face in concentration as he continued to pack.

"Are you… heading out for a while?" I asked, trying to get a response from. He took out his uniform, personally designed by myself for the perfect battle outfit. I looked at him, surprise and fear on my face. It had struck me suddenly, like cold water. He couldn't be… he wouldn't…

"I've decided to lead operation 'Counterstrike'." He replied, his voice a bit too cheerful. I looked at him in disbelief. That mission was almost certain suicide. It meant he would be attacking the Rocket base directly!

"You… you…" I found myself lost for words. I backed into the door, my eyes narrowing. "I'm not letting you leave this room," He stared at me, his eyes piercing into my soul. "not until you promise me that your not going." I said firmly, staring back.

"I can't do that…" He simply replied as he grinned. Rage engulfed me. That idiotic grin… the one that always told me everything would be alright… the one that always made my heart flutter… how dare he use that in a situation like this.

"This isn't a joke, Brendan Birch!" I yelled at him, my eyes straining to hold back tears. He walked slowly towards me. "You're not going to throw your life away!" I yelled again, slapping him hard on his left cheek. His head flew to the right, his body absolutely still. He turned back and stared at me, his eyes boring into mine.

"Steven and Lance are currently out of commission, we both know I have the ability to end this." He replied quietly. Why was he being so cold? Why is he so stubborn? I felt my eyes glazing up as he tried to push me aside.

"You can't! You... you just can't!" I yelled as I hugged him tightly. I felt tears running down my face and onto his chest. I felt him stiffen.

"I'm going to protect you… I need to protect you…" He replied quietly, still in my grasp. He slowly put his arms around me. I felt so safe in his arms… I can't loose him…

"I love you Brendan… but I only feel protected with you holding me… so please… don't go…" I replied quietly, my words trembling. I heard him breathe deeply, my head suddenly feeling cold. What? My head is wet… are those... tears…?

"May… I love you too… I never thought it would be this hard… please…" I looked up at him, tears rolling down his face. "I can't bear to watch and wait… while your time to be in danger comes around the corner…" I sniffed, more tears appearing on my face. "I can end this now… and make sure you live through this..." He finished closing his eyes, tears flowing down freely.

I looked up at him, fresh tears flowing. "Brendan… protect me by staying here… by staying alive… what will I tell him if you're gone…?" Brendan looked at me in confusion, his facial expression soft. "What will I tell him… when he asks for his father…?" I finished softly, looking up at him.

Brendan stared back at me, his face in disbelief. "You… are…" I nodded, hoping to get through to him. He turned his head slightly, new tears filling his eyes. I felt more tears coming, knowing full well how much of an impact that was on him. His heart was torn between decisions.

He slowly let me go, wiping my tears with his fingers. He looked at me, his face full of emotion this time. "I… I will protect the both of you then… I promise you that…"

I watched in disbelief. He was still going? That idiot! "Brendan!" I yelled as he opened the door. He turned towards me, his face showing great sadness. "If I stay here any longer… you're going to convince me to stay… but this is…"

I ran up to him, hugging him again. "You're not going to throw away everything! Don't you remember our past? Are you ready to throw that away!" I screamed, gripping him tightly. He looked away, his face straining to resist tears.

"I promise to come back… after I've secured peace for us… so we can have a future…" He said, as he kissed me passionately. I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment. He broke away, once again heading out the door.

"Brendan!" I yelled as I grabbed him. He gave me his idiotic grin. "I love you…" He whispered. He broke away, running quickly. Tears sparkling as he ran. I took off after him, yelling his name. "Brendan!"

I leaped outside, but it was too late, he was already flying away on his Salamence. I thought quickly, reaching for Altaria's Pokeball. I looked up at his retreating form, cursing at myself as he disappeared into the horizon.

I cried silently as I fell onto my knees. Why? Why? I looked up, questions filling my head. I smiled knowingly. There was one answer to them… all of them… and I knew it well...

"It's because he loves me… and I love him…"

Fin