First of all, I want to thank you all for reading this story! I know it's been a while since I updated this but here it is! The epilogue to Sleepless Nights on Lake Valor! I know; I'm sad, too. But all stories must come to an end sooner or later.

Oh! At the very end of this chapter, there's a button. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about! It's called, "Review this Chapter"! Please, do it! NOW! Wait, scratch that. Do it after you finish the chapter. Carry on!

7/26/2016: Edits.

Sequel: There's No Need to Worry!

Sleepless Nights on Lake Valor

It's Been a While, Hasn't It? - Epilogue

After Dawn's win at the Grand Festival, Ash obtained all eight Gym Badges from Sinnoh's Gym Leaders. He took part in the Sinnoh Pokémon League Conference but was eliminated from the competition after his loss to a trainer named Tobias in the semi-finals. Ash took the loss personally, and it affected him quite a bit. Ash's many friends assured him that his journey to become a Pokémon Master has not yet ended. After all, this was the closest he had ever come to winning a championship. The encouragement finally got through to Ash, and he soon became his mellow self again.

Ash then returned home to Pallet Town with Brock and Dawn. All of Ash's friends (and his mother, of course) surprised him with celebration party. The highlight of the night was Ash's reaction to Professor Oak's announcement about a region unknown to Ash: Unova. The boy started running all over the place, yelling and assuring everyone that he would win Unova's League Conference.

After the celebration, Brock informed Ash and Dawn of his decision to become a Pokémon Doctor. It surprised the two a little, considering Brock's previous devotion to Pokémon Breeding. What shocked them even more was that doing so would require Brock to stay in Kanto.

On Brock and Dawn's last day with Ash, more than a few tears were shed. They had travelled, for what they had hoped was not the last time, to Vermilion City. Brock promised the two that this would not be the last time they would see him. After all, who says that a Pokémon Doctor can't travel around?

Before leaving, Brock said, "I'll see you again guys! Make sure to write! Good luck, you two!"

The eldest of the travelling trio began walking down Route 6, choosing to take the long route back to Pewter City. Ash and Dawn continued to look down Route 6 until Brock was out of sight.

Ash and Dawn sighed and faced each other. Dawn leaned in and rested her forehead against Ash's. No one said a word until Dawn broke away.

"So, I guess this marks the end of our adventures with each other. I'm heading to Hoenn, Brock's going back home to Pewter City, and you're about to leave for Unova."

"Really? I don't think so. We'll all see each other again!"

Dawn reluctantly nodded, still unsure of what would happen in the future.

"Maybe we could meet in Unova. You know, once you've got all your badges, that is." Dawn half teased, looking down at the ground.

"Haha, you're right. I'll definitely be looking forward to that. You'll need to battle with me though! I'll need to see how strong you've become!"

Ash gave her his signature smile.

The bluenette looked up and smiled, tears in her eyes. She put her hand on Ash's cheek.

"I love you."

"And I love you, too."

The two trainers lifted their right arms and gave each other a high touch. Just as Dawn was about to say something else, a ship's horn broke the silence. It was Dawn's signal that she had to leave.

"I guess I best be going now."

"Alright... I'll see you off, then."

Dawn gave Ash a small smile before running off towards the boat. Ash watched as she ran across the boardwalk, boarded the ship, and disappeared into the crowd.

"I guess we'll be alone for now, Pikachu." Ash sadly told his partner. Ash looked down at the ground, willing his tears to stay put.

The boat's horn sounded again, signaling its departure.

"Ash! Hey, Ash!" The brown-haired trainer perked up and raised his head to see Dawn waving at him. The tears he had been holding back were now streaming down his face. "I'll see you soon!"

He smiled widely before wiping his eyes. "Yeah! Bye, Dawn! Good luck in Hoenn!"

Dawn waved back at him until the boat disappeared over the horizon.

After staring out to sea for what seemed like an eternity, the trainer started to head back home. By then, the sun had just set below the horizon.

"I'll definitely see you again soon." Ash reassured himself.

Unbeknownst to either of them, Dawn replied.

"Thank you for everything, Ash. I'll see you in Unova."

Fin.