Hello again everyone, I'm back with chapter 21 which I am going to make extra long. I'm sorry for that last chapter, I'm am truly ashamed that I didn't do anything significant exempt for maybe 2 characters being developed. I had meant for it to have Ash create doe bonds with everyone and have a fighting scene but I ran short on time. Again, I am truly sorry. But enough of that, here is the next chapter and I hope you enjoy.

Fallingarcher22: I happy you enjoyed it even though, in my opinion, that was a very disappointing chapter and once again I apologize

Flipnhaole: Thanks, I'm trying not to have all of the people I just added in one place so I don;t have to have all of them talking to each other at once or have Ash have to do something with each of them in one chapter.

Sailor Taichichi Vegeta: Well do you want to anger the thing that is currently chomping down on your arm? Oh yeah he would, I'd would've made Riley and Gold very good friends

Chapter 21: Why Me?

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

-Ruby POV-

'Why? Why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why? Why do I always get fucked over?' I thought to myself as I lay in the cold snow, the bush concealing me granting little wrath and cover and with almost no more than a white and grey jacket and some thick, white, wool pants. I was freezing my ass off, my team wasn't even here. Instead I was graced with the presence the second general of the Aqua Guard, Sapphire Birch.

I stole a glance at her while she observed Twinleaf Town, our first objective in reclaiming Sinnoh. Since Ketchum had left we had succeeded in reclaiming the Eastern edge of Hoenn, granting us a route to Sinnoh, which still held fast against Giovanni's slowly advancing troops. The difference between the troops in Hoenn vs those in Sinnoh though, is experience. The Kanto soldiers in Hoenn are vastly inexperienced, but those in Sinnoh have been fighting on the front line for years. It won't be an easy feat helping the Sinnoh troops who hav been struggling to hold back the Kanto soldiers. All that remained under Sinnoh control was Snowpoint City. The pride and glory of Sinnoh.

The city was built like a fortress, having two walls on the outside, both crawling with archers and soldiers. The area before both littered with traps and bombs of all sorts. Behind those walls lay the residential area where all the common people lived and thrived. They had farmlands that were kept alive through the fire types that melted the snow creating water for the crops. A third wall backed up the residential area and surrounded the markets and business districts of the city. And behind that was a fourth and fifth wall that held the palace behind it which was layered thick with defenses. The former home of the Sinnoh royal family.

It was indeed a magnificent city, but they had time to prepare before the Kanto soldiers attacked. We had not. But we still stood strong and now we must help the Sinnoh troops. Of we are to win this war we would need the help of the Sinnoh army that had been struggling for years. They must be superb warriors to have held out this long. We don't have enough of those. One of the best I know had left us not a week ago, but that was to be expected. After all, Ash had nothing to stay around for.

I stared at the small town, memorizing the troops placements, Pokemon, weapons, defenses, guard shifts, and commanding officers. All these would be needed if we are to do this stealthily, which is the best option. Our troops would win, but not without a cost. Something they aren't entirely used in Hoenn. We lose men yes, but not so much to the point when we het worried about losing a platoon.

I felt something quivering next to me and I realized Sapphire was shivering, not that I blame her. It's too cold for the gear we have on. 'Don't do it, don't do it, don't do it' I kept repeating in my head. I am not going to help her, I won't. "I think it's time ta go back" she said as she stood up and took a few steps away from our spot. I stayed where I was "You go ahead, I'll stay here" I said

"What are ya, Stupid? You'll catch cold or hypno, hyper, hypor" she frowned and looked down. "Hypothermia?" I finished, she snapped her fingers and looked at me with a smile "That's the one". I sighed "I'll be fine, I've slept int the snow half naked before and came out fine"

"Y-ya didn't half ta add in the "half naked" part ya know" she muttered. "Why would that matter?" I asked, playing stupid just to spite her. "Well, I-I just... didn't want the image of you half naked in my head is all" she said. I nodded "Yes heaven forbid we aren't professional about this" I muttered

"Excuse me?" she said angrily "I have been nothing but professional to you. You're the one insulting me and making fun of me"

"Well, I'll give you points for that. I certainly am being unnecessarily cruel towards you. I would probably do the same to your boyfriend if I knew who he was. But I don't think attempting to kiss me is being professional and I'm pretty sure it's also cheating. Unless the rules of being a couple have changed in the years I've been gone" I said, still watching the enemy.

"He was never my boyfriend!"

I froze. I stood abruptly and took a step towards her "Then what the hell did you call each other? Lovers? Friends with benefits? Fuck buddies? Huh? What are you to him? Or rather, what is he to you?" I said, taking a step forward with each question till I was standing right in front of her, glaring down at her and just a few inches away from her face.

"What is he ta me? A dead soldier, and a friend that's what" she said. My glare never wavered however, she would get no sympathy from me. That man basically pulled her away from helping us, from helping me. If he was dead, then the world has one less bastard to worry about. "That's all huh? Then explain why you two were happily making out not two days before the attack?"

"Because..."

"Why?"

"Because-"

"Why!?"

"Because-"

"WHY!?" I screamed at her. "WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DO IT!? I DIED THAT NIGHT BECAUSE OF YOU, YOU FUCKING KILLED ME. But that wasn't enough for you. No... no, it simply wasn't enough. Then you had to leave us, leave me, to die" I said, my voice only a whisper by the end.

It was silent for a while, I kept me head down and stared at the small space in between our feet before I muttered "I... I forgave you, the second you had done it. I really did. But I will never forget what you did. I don't care if he's dead, and no amount of apologies will make up for it" I finished. It was silent again, i was staring at the same spot still.

I could see she was trembling, but she remained silent. I sighed and ran a hand through my white hair. "Just... forget it" I muttered before walking back toward the forward operating base. "You it was ta make ya jealous right?" she said with a shaky voice. For the second time that day, I froze. Paused after I had just taken another step.

"And why would you want to make me of all people jealous?" I hissed, turning around to face her. But when I saw her face I faltered, tears streamed down her cheeks, causing the snow to small circle that was damp and a darker than the rest. "Why do ya think ya idiot? Because I love you" tears still falling down her cheeks.

"You have no idea how long I have wanted to hear those words come from you" I took a deep breath "But you're four years late". I stayed where I was for a moment, but as the tears only appeared to fall faster I turned around. I just couldn't see her like that, I just couldn't. It made me want to do anything to make her stop crying. So I walked away

"I love you too" I muttered under my breath. I knew she couldn't hear me, but I felt better knowing I said it.

-Ash's POV-

"You're up Red" I said to him as Gold walked out of the arena I made for sparring muttering obscenities under his breath and rubbing the bruises that were likely to form form our training. Gold was pretty good, he was fast and hard to follow. With his experience in knives, that was a deadly combination. If he learned how to properly use his knives I doubt that many could outdo him. But he wasn't good at getting behind my sword.

Red nodded and entered the small arena I had made. He carried a small wooden sword in his hands and upon entering her readied himself. "Good luck Red" I heard Yellow call out to him. He gave her a smile and took a stance. I looked to Sabrina who raised her hand and said "Begin". Red launched himself lowers me with a downward slash. I sidestepped the attack and stepped into him, elbowing him in the chest.

You're telegraphing your attacks. Center yourself and then attack me, it'll make you your strikes faster and easier to pull back so you can recover from you momentum. He nodded while rubbing the area where I'd hit him. He took the same stance, I was still unsure whether it was meant for offense or defense.

He came at me again and slashed across my chest. I backed up and the sword tip missed me by a few inches. He brought back the sword in another downward slash and I spun to the right causing him to miss again. I ended my soon at his side and had a clear shot at his exposed ribs, but I backed up and let him go this time.

He turned himself so he was facing me and ran at me before throwing a clumsily slash across my chest again. I ducked under it and moved myself in close to him before launching into an uppercut. Red saw my fist and moved his head to the side just in time, but it was too late, I was too close for him to pull back. I stuck my sword into the ground as I came up and used my now free hand to lightly hit him in the stomach.

He stumbled back a few feet "That was pretty good except you follow through too much. Recover from your strikes fast or your opponent will be able to do something like that" I said while picking up my sword. He nodded and launched himself at me for the final time. He came at me with yet another downward slash and once again I sidestepped and prepared to elbow him in the chest, but from the corner of my eye I saw his sword coming at my front the side.

Years of training, my reflexes, pure instinct, and being and good shape allowed me to dodge his sword the way I did. I twisted myself so I was facing the sky and bent myself backwards so my torso was parallel with the ground and my body was at a ninety degree angle. I watched the sword pass just inches above my face. The second I was in the clear I pulled myself up faster than you could blink, dropped my sword again and forced my palm into the crook of Red's elbow. This caused his arm to bend in such a way that the blade was pointed right at his neck.

I used my other hand to grab the hilt of his sword with my palm on the but end. All I had to do was push a little and (if it was a real sword) the blade would cut into his neck. "That was impressive, you managed to stop your attack dead and then redirect it with just as much force in a split second. Not a bad skill to have" I said. He nodded but had a disappointed look on his face.

I mentally sighed, I'll be a god guy today. "Look, you got nothing to be disappointed about. What you just did is something only four people that I know can do. And I know a lot of people. If it was a normal person, you would have decapitated them or cut them in half or something. Unfortunately for you though, I'm not normal. So keep your head up, you did good".

He seemed to brighten at my praise and walk off towards Yellow, who gave me a knowing smile. I just raised an eyebrow at her before turning back to the assembled members of the resistance. "White, your turn" I said. She approached the arena and entered with a very intimidating eight foot halberd. I was surprised, she didn't look like she had the physic to handle a halberd well. Halberd users were extremely strong and fast, while she was pretty strong, I am not sure if sure if she's good enough to handle a halberd effectively.

To make matters worse, the thing was eight feet of pure iron, not exactly safe. And it's not like we had any just lying around. I grabbed my sword off the ground and got into a defensive stance, waiting for Sabrina to give the signal. But before she could, White linger at me, aiming to run me through with the pointed end of her halberd. I quickly spun to the right, away from the side with the axehead and with her momentum carrying her through she ended up behind me by a foot.

I spun around and hit her over the head with the flat of my blade, a little harder than I did with the others. "Ow, why did you hit me so hard?" White grumble. "That was for going before Sabrina had given the signal" I told her. She crossed her arms "In a real fight there would be no "go", just fighting, a winner, and a loser"

I shrugged "Fair enough, let's continue" I said while getting back in my defensive stance. She ran at me once again and began slashing from a distance. I juts backed up a little and dogged the strike. Buy she came at me with a slash again and again and again. And each time, she had put just enough distance between us so that all I had to do was back up a foot or so to dodge.

'She's afraid of close quarters' I thought, I narrowed my eyes and began to formulate a plan and then a backup plan, and then a backup plan for the backup plan. Finally she launched the attack I wanted, she slashed from my left and I stepped into the attack, making sure the axehead would end up behind my back and the shaft of the halberd would be at my side.

I grabbed the shaft, disabling her ability to get her weapon back and pulled on it so she was pressed up against me. I pushed her halberd to the ground and put my foot on it, keeping it there so she couldn't pull it up and grabbed a knife with my now free hand pressed the tip of the blade against her kidney. "That's a victory for me" I said as I backed up but kept my knife in place to show everybody what I did.

I stepped off her halberd and backed up a little more, taking the knife away from her body and sheathing it. "You kept too much distance that time, all i had to do was take a step back and I'd be in the clear, don't be afraid of close quarters, just be ready for it. Last round, ready?" I said. White nodded and came at me once again

This time her strike were closer to me and I had to roll under the blade and to the left. I saw her coming back around so I jumped over the shaft of the halberd, with my back facing the ground and me looking up at the sky before flipping myself over and landing with her side exposed to me. I ran in and wrapped my arm around her neck before she could turn and pointing my sword at her exposed ribs

"I win" I whispered in her ear. I thought I felt her tremble under me for a moment but it must have just been my imagination. I stepped back That was much better, but don't just slash back and forth in the same area, it's too predictable. Switch up your strikes" I told her. She just nodded but avoided my eyes, her face a little red.

I frowned "Hey Yellow, I think White is sick or something, her face is looking red. Could you take a look at her?" I asked Yellow. White waved her hands in front of her "No, no, no. I'm fine really. It's nothing so just forget about it" she said quickly. I gave her a long look "If you feel faint, go immediately to Yellow" I told her, she nodded and walked out of the arena, avoiding my gaze.

And last but not least, Silver" I said, and Silver walked into the arena with a real sword similar to Red's, but that didn't faze me. "Begin" Sabrina said, Silver slowly began to circle me, finding a point of weakness or trying to get around me. So I juts stayed in my spot and turned with him, facing him the whole way. But then I realized what her was doing.

Hw was trying to get me to face the sun so when he attacked I'd be blinded, leaving me almost defenseless. I began to move in the opposite direction so I wasn't facing the sun and sent Silver s mirk that said "that trick isn't going to work on me". Silver's face remained impassive however, as if her expected that to be the result.

He charged at me and attacked with a downward strike. I sidestepped and prepared to elbow him just as I had Red, but he already moved backwards. 'He's fast" I thought 'I might actually need my sword on this one' I thought. I got ready once again as Silver usher at me, he began a series of slashes, hacks, an occasional stab. He was good, he would be a good matchup against David.

His attacks were unpredictable at first and all I could do was look for a "killing" strike. Well, I could've switched to the offensive, but I wanted a "killing" blow. And soon it came, his attacks became clearer, a pattern emerged, and I saw every blind spot and weakness he had. I ducked under a horizontal slash and fro my crouched position I swung my leg around so it hit the back of his legs, causing him to fall over.

I stood up once again "I'll count that as a victory for me, 'cause in a real fight, you'd be dead now". Silver just got back up and readied himself again and I followed his example. This time I charged him, it caught him off guard that's for sure. I kept pushing him back farther and farther towards the edge of the arena and all he could do was deflect my strikes.

Eventually I locked my blade with his and swept my leg around his so once again, he fell over. I pointed my blade to his neck. "I win" I said before backing up. "You're defense isn't bad, in fact, for being caught off guard it was quite good. But you never once even tried to counter an attack. Come at me one more time" I told him, getting into my defensive stance

Silver got up once again and immediately charged at me, he began his combination of slashed and hacks once again, and at this point, it was old. On his fifth strike I spun to the left so I ended up just a little behind him and hit him in the back of the neck with the hilt of my sword, using my momentum. He stumbled forward but stayed up.

I flicked some dust off my sword behind me and unstrapped my sheath, brushing off the dust on it as well "I think that was good, but I knew what your attacks were going to be by the second strike. I'd suggest-" Silver suddenly ran at me and aimed to stab me in the chest. Using my instincts alone, I flipped my empty sheath around so the open end faced him.

As he tried to run me through half a second after I did that, I lowered the sheath so his sword entered it snuggly. I loosened my grip on the sheath so Silver's momentum pushed the sheathed sword forward my hand hit the handle. I twisted the sword out of Silver's grasp and let his momentum carry him past me. As soon as he was a few feet behind me I spun his sword so I held it by the handle and flicked it backwards so my sheath flew off and hit him in the back of the head.

"Work on your surpise attack, and your temper" was all I said to him while picking up my sheath and strapping it on before turning to the rest of the resistance "You guys are pretty good, you can hold your own in a fight, and you all have a pretty wide skill base. Granted your no Magma Core or anything, I still think that I can get your guys on par with them. That's all, you're dismissed" I said.

They all began to go about their business, from mashing berries to sharpening swords. I turned and began to walk towards Lance who sat next to Sabrina, think off each person's good habits and each person's bad habits. Coming up with ways to get rid of the bad and create more of the good. "So, what do you think of them?" Lance asked as I approached. I looked up at him "I think you should be the one evaluating them not me. You outrank me in skill, experience, and maybe techniques. I don't know why you need my help for this aside from extra man owed and training"

Lance shrugged "I want someone they can connect with, and a second opinion on matters we attend to. Like, training and technique" he said. I shrugged "Well, I'll get working on that with them tomorrow. Now, what is it that you wanted me to do again?"

Lance took out a letter "I want you to deliver this to King Norman of Hoenn. He has begun a recent uprising and I think that if we can collaborate, rebellion against Giovanni would be easier and cause less deaths. Normally, I'd have Red do it, but everyone's Pokemon, aside from Yellow's, is out on business. So it falls to you" he said, handing me the letter.

I took it from him "Anything special I need to do? I asked him, but he shook his head "Sabrina, look after my stuff" I said as I took off my belt with all my knives and my sword before I began to walk away towards my Pokemon. I heard a "good luck" from behind me so I gave a small wave without looking back. As I exited the area I found me two flyers laying down...surrounded by a pile of bloody bones and meat. I sighed "Guy's can you move away from that mess. You're going to stink if you don't already" the two begrudgingly got up and walked over to me.

"Alright, which one of you is the fastest?" I asked them. Wrong question to ask. The two immediately glared at each other, challenging the other to say something. I sighed and made the decision for them "Fine, Garchomp, your turn" Charizard let out a roar of protect when Garchomp sent him a smirk that looked rather terrifying.

"Fine you can come along too, just fucking hurry up"i said before turning and whistling for Pikachu. I saw him jump down, using a few broken pillars and some scaffolding to get from our sleeping spot. "Did you bring my hat? I asked him as he jumped onto my shoulder. Pikachu just shook his head. I looked back up at the spot Pikachu came down from "Not worth it" I muttered as I got on Garchomp.

I tapped Garchomp with my boots and he shot to the sky, Charizard flying right next to us. "take your time boys and relax, this is going to be a long flight" I said

It was dark by the time the castle appeared in the distance. We had been flying for a few hours. But even through the darkness I could make out the shape of some flying types coming to greet us. I felt Garchomp growl beneath me and Charizard let out a monstrous roar, I just sighed and waited for them to reach us. They immediately surrounded the four of us and one approached on a rather large Swellow.

"Who are you and what is your business here?" she called out to me. "I am a messenger from the resistance here to deliver a letter from Lance to King Norman of Hoenn" I yelled back at her. "Do you have proof?" she called out. I reached into my cloak and brought out the letter. She look at me for a moment "We'll escort you in" was all she said

They kept their circle formation around me and flew me down into the torchlit courtyard and we landed with a thud. I hopped off Garchomp and the woman greeted me "Wait here for a moment, I will notify King Norman of your arrival" she said while walking away. I couldn't help but notice all Pokemon were still present and still on guard.

"Cool it guys, we aren't here to start trouble" I said to my Pokemon. They nodded and laid down, it didn't do much to calm the other Pokemon but mine seemed less likely to attack. It didn't help when Pikachu started freaking out on my shoulder. "What's wrong?" I asked him, but he just stood on my shoulder and perked up his ears, listening for for something.

"Pikachu? Are you okay?" I asked him when he began to cower behind me. I shrugged and continued to wait for the lady. As if answering my call, she came from the castle with four Aqua Guards on her tail. "Search him" she said and the four soldiers began to pat me down to make sure I didn't bring any weapons with me. One of the guards nodded at her "Alright you can come in, but your Pokemon stay out here" I motioned for Pikachu to get off my shoulder and he jumped off me and ran under Charizard's wing

The four guards formed a box around me and the woman led us into the castle and ingot the throne room. There sat both royal families, or at least part of both. Prince Max sat in a low but flashy throne next to Queen Caroline who sat next to King Norman. There was an empty seat to the other side of King Norman but Queen Johanna sat in a small throne of her own below the Hoenn royal family with an empty seat next to her.

I couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief at the absence of May, but even then I still felt exposed and vulnerable here. I didn't bring my sword, I didn't bring my bow, I didn't bring my knives, and worst of all, I didn't bring my hat. "Well Ranger, it truly is a small world if I am seeing you again after only a week of your dismissal from my service" Norman said "But onto business, which I might inquire what your's is"

I reached under my cloak and brought out the letter "Lance had me deliver this to you, your highness" I said, handing it to an approaching servant who carried it to the King who began to read. "So you're working for the resistance now?" Caroline said, I nodded "they hired me not a weak after I was dismissed by you your highness"

"Oh please, I think you know us well enough to the point where you can talk without the formalities" Johanna said. I shook my head though "Anything less than that would be unprofessional your highne-"

"Sorry we're late. I had to drag her out of her bed to get her heeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrre... you're back" Dawn said while dragging in May behind her. May looked up and our eyes met. She looked a little worse for wear, her eyes were puffy and had bags under them, as if she hadn't gotten enough sleep. Her sapphire eyes widened when she saw me and for a moment, I hated Dawn

"Ash?" she whispered. 'Shit' I thought 'Okay, just play it cool' "Good evening your highnesses" I said with a bow before turning back to Norman who was just finishing the letter. He put the letter to the side and thought for a moment. "I agree with his terms, but I'm tired and I'll write hims reply for you take with you tomorrow. Why don't you stay the night? I'll have a room for you in a moment" he said while waving to a servant who walked out of the room, presumably to prepare a room for me.

"I don't want to impose on his eminence's hospitality" I started, but Norman cut me off "Nonsense, we can't have you sleeping in the woods now can we? Go and get your Pikachu, your room will be ready shortly" he said before standing and walking out with everybody behind him. Thankfully, that included May. I turned around and walked past the guards that had boxed me in and to Charizard who got up with Garchomp, expecting to leave.

I shook my head "We're staying here for the night, where's Pikachu?" both of my Pokemon just looked at each other before shrugging. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, which was exposed due to my lack of a hat. If you see him tell him we're staying the night and to find me" I told them. They nodded and began to make themselves comfortable for the night.

I began to walk back towards the castle and a servant met me outside to tell me I'd be sleeping in my old quarters before leaving. I walked down the hall way with a line of doors, all accommodations for guests before I felt something hit my back

"I'm so happy you came back" May whispered in my ear, her arms wrapped around my neck. 'How the fuck did she sneak up on me?" I thought to myself. I knew this was going to happen, but hoped it wouldn't. "It's a pleasure to see you too princess May. Bur should't you be in your bedroom sleeping? it's late and you don't look like you have gotten much sleep as of late" I said

She pouted and let go of my neck, but quickly grabbed my arm. "And guess whose fault that is?" she said. I stayed silent and began to walk towards my room. "You know, you left without saying a proper goodbye" she muttered. I kept my head facing forward and nodded "I'll be sure to give you a proper goodbye tomorrow" I said. Maybe it was a bit cruel to remind her that I was leaving tomorrow. But I didn't want her to... tempt me, tonight

I opened tyne door to my room and disengaged my arm from her "I hope you have a good night's sleep princess" I said before I began to close the door. but before I knew it, she was in my room and sitting on my bed. "Princess, I don't think you should be in here" I said.

"Oh drop it Ash, I'm staying here tonight and there's nothing you can do to stop me" I gave her a look "I think you need to return to your own room princess" I said

"Nope" she said, popping the "p". I sighed "Your going to see me undress" I said, her face turned red at that. I smirked 'Got her' I thought. "W-well, I'll just turn around" she said. My smirk disappeared, I didn't think she'd find a way out of that one. "Won't Eevee get lonely?" I asked her. May actually frowned at that "Actually, Eevee just up and left not too long ago. We were just laying in bed then her ears perked up and she kept scratching at the door. Only when Dawn opened it to get me did she get out though. But I don't know where she went"

I sighed and took off my cloak, hanging it on a small pole by the door. I debated whether or not to leave and run to a new room, but didn't think it was worth the effort. So I began to take off my shirt, leaving me half naked in front of the princess of Hoenn. I glanced at her "I though you said you were going to turn around" I said. She let lout a little "eep" before spinning around with a massive blush on her face. I could't stop myself from letting out a chuckle

I took off my pants and went through a few drawers before I found some adequate shorts to sleep in. I slipped them on and silently made my way into the bed. I guess May didn't realize I was done because she kept her back turned to me. I closed my eyes and for a little while there was no noise. But eventually I heard some shuffling and the groan of the bed as someone else came under the duvet.

My eyes hot open and I came face to face with May. I narrowed my eyes "Get out"

But May just smiled at my harsh words and shook her head a little. "If you don't get out I'll drag you out" I said.

"And if you don't let me stay, I'll scream. And everyone will come and see a shirtless mercenary with me in just my braw and panties" my eyes widened. She'd played this perfectly. No matter what I did, one scream would kill me, literally. Then my eyes widened even more when I recalled her words "in just my braw and panties"

I swallowed, resisting the urge to look older the duvet to see if her words were true to pacify my curiosity and... something else I'd rather not talk about. I juts turned myself over so I wasn't facing her. Which didn't help because I felt two soft... things, push up against my back that only increased those urges I don't want to talk about.

"What are you doing?" I hissed at her when she wrapped an arm around me "Get off me"

"No" she said "I won't because you need somebody to care about you. You need someone who will be there for you just as much as you will be for them. You push away anyone who could get close to you in fear of losing them. But I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere. Goodnight Ash" she whispered before giving me a light peck on the cheek.

And for the first time in my entire life, I slept peacefully

So that's the end of it. I think this is a pretty damn good chapter. I was very angry though, because I got an "error 500" when I tried to save my progress on this chapter and almost all the progress I had made (about 5,000 words) had been deleted. I was a little ticked off to say the least. But it did give me a chance to redo some of the things that were sloppy and poorly written in my mind. So, till next time.

-novaking2832