Never in her wildest dream had she imagined that she would find him here, of all places.
Luck?
Destiny?
She never believed in it.
Until she met him.
And was separated again.
But all the actions in her life made her sure of it. She was bound to cross paths with him.
"I don't have much time," Dawn said, her voice already weak,"Cynthia must be waiting for me."
Ash nodded in understanding,"I can understand. I hope that you keep making awesome songs. It was a pleasure meeting you."
The world praised her, but somehow, this praise was all she ever needed. The urge to touch him was just too much. He looked so calm, blissfully unaware and relaxed. The urge to touch his face, run her hands through his hair, feel his lips against hers, the feel of his hands rubbing her back.
No boy had ever been so perfect, never.
She reluctantly broke away her gaze and said,"I will. Nice to see you May and you too.. Ash."
"And I hope you find the man you had been talking about," Ash added, a little timidly.
Dawn glanced in his direction, getting mesmerized by his eyes. Ash, for a moment, stopped breathing and broke away his gaze, his whole body feeling like it had been on fire for some reason. He was feeling alive and he cursed himself. He wasn't allowed to feel this. He cursed himself for feeling so wobbly and weak because of a woman other than Dawn.
'Some celebrity's crush perhaps,' he said to himself as if consoling himself.
"And I wish you have a blessed married life," Dawn finally said, as if saying something cursed. 'Do I really want to know whether he has moved on or not?' Her voice resonated in her mind.
"I really hope that your wishes come true," he said while smiling.
May gave Ash a concerned look but didn't say anything. He was hurting inside, no matter how much he tried to conceal his pain beneath his smile, she could still sense it.
Dawn sucked her teeth, a heavy feeling enveloping her heart. He said that. Had Ash already moved on?
"I'll get going," she said and turned away to leave. As soon as she was out of the room, May placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, asking,"Are you okay?"
He was taking deep breaths and his body was trembling. He finally managed to say,"Her voice, her way, her smile, her accent. How! How can she and Dawn be so much similar?"
"Ash, must be a coincidence!" May tried to reason.
"Too much for a coincidence." Ash finally said. His phone began ringing in his pocket and he quickly pulled it out, a sour expression coming on his face on seeing the caller ID.
"Who is it Ash?" May asked, glancing in his direction.
"Serena." His voice was harsh.
"Aren't you going to pick up?" May asked again, worried.
"Why should I?"
"See Ash. She never calls you. It must be important. She must be desperate as she called you of all people!" May tried to reason.
"Fine!" Ash finally said through gritted teeth and picked it up.
Are you still in Goldenrod? Ash!
Taking a deep breath, Ash said,"I am."
Listen! If you meet Zoya, you must ask her about Dawn!
Ash's eyebrows crooked a little and he barked out,"What in the world are you talking about? How will Zoya know where Dawn is? Are you sure or have you lost your mind! How will Dawn..."
Yes, Dawn! The song Zoya sang in her last concert was the same one Dawn had been working upon before her wedding. Zoya must know Dawn or about her whereabouts.
Ash couldn't believe her. He asked again,"You're not lying, are you? You're not planning to break me more, are you?"
No! Why will I lie!
Ash groaned,"What is your point?"
I know I have done many wrongs and cruel things. But, she is my sister. I can't ... I will bring her back. And I need your help Ash.
"Fine," Ash said after much thought,"I'll go talk to her. If she knows where Dawn is, I'll get her back."
Ash, please. Bring her back.
Ash quickly disconnected the call and turned to May, who was looking at her with questioning eyes. He just said,"May be, according to Serena, Zoya knows where Dawn is."
May watched him running out of the room, towards the exit. She began sprinting after him, asking,"How does Serena know?"
Ash didn't turn to answer her,"I don't know. But I'm trusting Serena this time."
-...
Dawn quickly entered her car and collapsed on the backseat. Cynthia turned back and worry crept over her face. Turning around, she asked,"Oh Lord! What happened!"
Dawn just waved,"Get me to my room soon. I'm.. Not...I'm not feeling too good at present."
Tobi gave Dawn a two finger salute and boasted out,"Catch tight ladies. We're gonna go wild." Cynthia shot an intimidating glare in his direction, barking out,"Do that and I'll make sure you can never produce morons like you!"
Pushing aside her threat, Tobi gave a sinister smile, challenging her,"Go ahead blond bimbo. This Lady needs help and I'll not be stopped by your threats." As the both continued to argue while driving, a forced smile covered her lips. They were trying to cheer her up, and though she wouldn't admit, it wasn't working.
As soon as she reached her room, she shut the door, all her thoughts rushing back at her. She had personally requested everyone not to disturb her that day.
...
"Damit! Damit! Godammit!" Ash cursed himself, punching the wall with his fist. May tried to pull him away but he just couldn't stop himself. "I was so close!" He angrily spat, a animal type growl coming out from hus mouth,"So close. So close." May was still running her hands on his back, whispering,"Dawn, she can't hide more. We will use Zoya to track her down."
...
Her head burned with a fiery feeling. She could still hear his voice, his breath. She could still remember how they met, how they fell in love. He was the one who made her understand that love at first sight truly exists. She grabbed the closest instrument which was near her and a lunatic smile crept up her lips. A guitar. She knew what would clear her mind. A song. Closing her eyes, she saw the happiest times of her life flashing in front of her.
(Flashback- italics, bold
Dawn singing- italics)
"Are the police coming?" Ash asked, curiously.
"I never called them!" She said grinning.
His eyes widened in shock then a smile covered his face. He complimented her,"Great presence of mind!"
"Thanks, umm?"
"Ash and you?"
"Dawn"
I'm so glad you made time to see me.
How's life? Tell me how's your family?
I haven't seen them in a while.
You've been good, busier than ever,
We small talk, work and the weather,
Your guard is up and I know why.
Because the last time you saw me
Is still burned in the back of your mind.
You gave me roses and I left them there to die.
Wishes? She wished for him that day, she wishes for him today and she knew she would wish for him every single day of her life. Tears were streaming down her eyes but that didn't stop her. All her memories were still crystal clear amd dancing in front of her eyes.
Ash closed his eyes and rested his right hand on his chest. He asked for just one thing. "Dawn." Dawn was staring at the waves with happy expression. She really thanked God for bringing Ash in her life. She wished what she always wanted."Dear God, I just want to have a husband who will love me more than enough, more than I have ever been loved."
So this is me swallowing my pride,
Standing in front of you saying,
"I'm sorry for that night,"
And I go back to December all the time.
It turns out freedom ain't nothing
But missing you.
Wishing I'd realized what I had
When you were mine.
I'd go back to December, turn around and make it all right.
I go back to December all the time.
She couldn't hate him when he agreed to marry Serena. She couldn't hate him when he said he believed Serena's lie. Because just a glance from him always made her weak in the gut.
"You really love me?" Dawn said, not looking at Ash. Her voice sounded broken and shaky. It was obvious that she was crying.
"Do you love me?" He slowly asked her.
"Don't turn the question on me, it is rude to ask a question without answering first," she turned to face him.
Ash was still holding her shoulder, he slowly removed it and held her hands. Bringing it closer to his heart, he placed it on his chest.
"I swear on my everything, I love you, I always will."
These days I haven't been sleeping,
Staying up, playing back myself leavin'.
When your birthday passed and I didn't call.
And I think about summer, all the beautiful times,
I watched you laughing from the passenger side.
Realized I loved you in the fall.
And then the cold came, the dark days when fear crept into my mind
You gave me all your love and all I gave you was "Goodbye".
Butterflies still fluttered in her belly when she remembered her first kiss. He was always the one who could make her smile even in the deadliest situation.
"I fell in love with your voice Dawn,"he confessed. "I always had a soft corner for music and you just made your space over there. I always wanted to be a singer but my passion for medical was greater. With you, I have learned I can do both. I don't want to be a professional or well known singer, I just wanna be someone with whom you can sing two lines freely."
Dawn smiled and kissed his cheek. ''Ash, I will accomplish what you wanted. I don't sing for gaining fame, I sing as it soothes my heart. I was never a bright student, I was always teased for being so dumb when my sister was a star student. That time, my soul found peace in music, in rhythm."
"Promise me, you will never give up on your dream. You will reach the pinnacle of being the best?"
"I promise."
They stared at each others eyes and smiled. Ash slowly found himself leaning in but Dawn stopped him, blushing. She got up and made her way to the car. 'Darn it,' Ash mentally cursed himself.
So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you saying, "I'm sorry for that night."
And I go back to December all the time.
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you,
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine.
I'd go back to December, turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time.
And Ash accepted her even knowing that she was an orphan, with no true identity.
"Will you accept her still? A girl with no background or identity?" Serena asked.
"I have loved her, not her background. I am going to spend my life with her, not her identity. I didn't wanted to listen something which has no connection with our future, so I told Daniel to not to tell about that. No one was deceiving me," Ash replied," I was quiet till now because I wanted Dawn to adjust to the news. She is worthy of every man in this world and I will be honoured if she becomes my wife. I will leave the decision on her, whether she wants to get married or take some time to reconsider her opinion. Whatever her answer may be, I will respect it as I have loved her and I know, love will find a way."
I miss your tanned skin, your sweet smile,
So good to me, so right
And how you held me in your arms that September night
The first time you ever saw me cry.
Their first night as a couple was awkward. They were hardly experienced and let alone straightforward. But they knew they will make it work. A small smile crept on her teary face.
"Are you uncomfortable?" He asked. She turned to face him and said,"no." She hugged him back and buried her face in his chest.
Ash smiled,"Feels a little weird right?"
She asked why.
"I never shared my bed before, not even with Paul or Gary when we were young. Drew is just like me, he hates sharing bed.
"Am I challenging your territory?"
"It will feel weird if I don't wake up next to you from now on," he kissed her forehead. Dawn closed her eyes and hugged him. After a second, she opened one eye to see Ash still staring at her face. She quickly placed a kiss on his cheeks and closed her eyes.
Maybe this is wishful thinking,
Probably mindless dreaming,
But if we loved again, I swear I'd love you right.
And their honeymoon? Beside that terrible accident that took him away everything wss so picture perfect. She could still feel herself getting goosebumps in recalling them.
He beckoned her to come closer as if was going to tell a secret. Once she was close enough, he pulled her which made Dawn loose her footing and she landed on the bed, in his lap. He grinned victoriously at her and said,"It is B69, got the message."
Dawn's face flushed pink. She buried her face in his chest laughing,"You are gross." Ash kissed he temple and grinned,"Can't ask for anything more."
Dawn planted a kiss on his cheek and in a low voice said,"I can't dream of a life without you Ash. You have been my saviour since the day we met, if you leave me, I will die." He signalled her to keep quiet and placed his index finger on her lips. She kissed it slowly and continued,"Don't you know how much dependent I am upon you? If you leave, I will eventually get blind by shredding all tears I have." He hugged her tightly and apologized,"I am sorry, I really am."
I'd go back in time and change it but I can't.
So if the chain is on your door I understand.
And even when Ash had lost all his memories, she was the one who was in his mind every single time.
"You know, sometimes I feel like someone, somewhere is waiting for me," Ritchie slowly said, gaining her attention,"For the last two months, seeing you makes me feel like you can help me discover my past."
Dawn smiled. He was Ash. She was now sure.
Ritchie sighed,"I don't know why I need you when I don't feel good, why I forgive you even when you insult me so much." Dawn was listening quietly. He requested,"One song. Please that's all I need."
Dawn took a deep breath and placed a hand over her heart. She knew he was Ash, it would just be matter of time before he recognises her.
But this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you saying, "I'm sorry for that night."
And I go back to December...
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you,
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine.
I'd go back to December, turn around and make it all right.
I'd go back to December, turn around and change my own mind
But, he, he said he wishes for a happy married life. Had he already moved on? Was she the only one clinging onto her memories? He had already let her go. She wiped away her tears, she couldn't cry, she mustn't cry. She wanted him to move on, find new happiness and satisfaction. She should be happy that he did. Then why was her heart crying, why was she feeling unbearable pain in every inch of her body?
I go back to December all the time.
All the time.
...
Serena neatly kept her shoes beside the door mat and entered the house, a small, genuine smile on her face.
"Mom! I'm back home!" She called out.
"Welcome home dear," Johanna said, emerging from the kitchen,"How was your day?" Serena made herself comfortable on the couch and sighed loudly, gaining her mother's attention.
"I think we're... we're not in a blind race of chase anymore," she finally said as she saw her father coming out from his room and standing beside Johanna.
"I don't understand," he softly asked.
"I think Dawn left a big clue behind, unknowingly."
A visible sign of happiness and hope flashed through their faces and soon Serena found herself in a bone crushing hug.
"Mom-Dad!" Her face was almost turning pale,"I can't breathe!"
Daniel was the first to speak up,"Where is she? Where? Oh heavens! Serena just tell me!" Serena wiped away her mother's tears, not caring about tears at the verge of escaping her eyes,"It is just a hunch Dad. Still, I think May and Ash will dig up more clues. There is an artist called Zoya who may know where our Dawn is."
...
Paul was driving back home from his work when he suddenly stopped in front of a jewelry shop. Without a second thought, he entered the shop, breathing heavily.
"How can I help you Sir?" A beautiful, pink haired girl greeted him.
He bowed a little due to courtesy and softly said, as if embarrassed,"Can you..umm...show me.."
"Rings?" The pinkette asked and smiled when he nodded.
"How did you know?" He couldn't help but ask.
The pinkette pulled out a box and placed it in front of him. Opening it, she said,"People come here because we have the reputation of making great wedding rings or propose rings. So, it is not much of a surprise." Then she added with a smile,"And your shuttering and blushing was helpful too."
"I didn't shutter!" He said, totally embarrassed.
"As you say Sir!"
I'm so so so so so so sorrrrrry! This chapter took time more than I wanted and I promise, this will be last depressing chapter( maybe) !
Songs used- Back to December by Taylor Swift
The reason it took so long is because I practically lost interest in Pokémon. Well, I just can't make up my mind to watch it, the new sun and moon series. That's why, I'm kinda stuck.
I LOST INTEREST IN POKÉMON NOT PEARLSHIPPING!
But I'll finish this story. Promise! And this was the last filler chapter. There will be no flashbacks (hopefully) and Dawn will meet him soon. Well, I'm sure Ash will meet Dawn or Zoya *hint* in the next chapter or the chapter after that!
~ darkestlightofhope