"Ash, I love you"

I'm barely awake, early in the morning. Staring at the mirror in front of me. A sigh escaped my mouth "No... that's too generic." I sat down on a chair behind me, and slouched in it 'How am I ever going to tell Ash my true feelings if I can't even say them to a mirror' I thought to myself in disappointment. I rubbed my eyes before I took in a deep breath, stood up from the chair and gave a determined look into the mirror. Seeing myself already full of confidence through my reflection, left my mind at ease.  'This is my last day in Sinnoh and I need to make the best of it. Ash will stay in this region for a little while longer, and I will be heading back to Kalos. I can't wait that long for him... My heart is telling me to do this. Now or never.'

"Ash, ever since I first saw you I've been getting these... types of feelings. I don't know how to explain them, I just feel weird when I'm around you. Not like a bad weird, but a good weird. I guess what I'm trying to say is  that, whenever I spend time with you, everything else around me doesn't matter. I... feel happy and... safe when I'm around you." I paused, going over the words in my head to properly describe what I'm feeling.

"I feel it's best for us to be honest. Ash when I first met you, I didn't know what to think of you. I disliked your attitude, and you were extremely arrogant. But... that was the side you wanted other people to see. The side that hates people for a reason I still don't know, and I don't mind that at all. One thing I do know Ash, is that you have more than just your cold and lifeless side. When I saw you with those pokemon the day we walked home, it was as if I was seeing a completely different person. You acted happier, and you were willing to spend your time, playing with those pokemon that you probably haven't met before." I paused, looking at the ground. I looked back into the mirror and staring deep into my own oceanic blue eyes.

"When you wondered why I was interested in you, I didn't even know the answer. I've realized that I do know now. It's because... I knew there was someone there... I knew that no person could be like you, there had to be more... and by now, I completely know the purpose for all those interactions. It wasn't because of my self interest... It was because... I love you Ash" The moment I finished my sentence, I heard the cries and cheering of familiar sounds behind me. I jumped up from the scare, and turned around only to notice both Fennekin and Eevee awake, standing on the bed facing me. 

"Hey, what are you two doing up so early?" I looked at them, then it hit me "Oh, no. Sorry if I woke you two up, I didn't mean to. I was just... thinking about someo-thing. I was thinking about something" I quickly fixed my sentence, while glancing at the two. Eevee tilted it's head side ways while Fennekin stood on its back paws and raised both its front paws to the side "Fenne-kin." Now the realization hit me like a brick, and her stance made total sense to me. A shade of crimson shot across my face as I realized that they must have heard everything.

"D-did you b-both j-just hear everything I-I s-said" I said, managing to get out the sentence. Both pokemon nodded, only to cause my face to turn a darker red. "Arghh- I'm taking a shower!" I shouted before sprinting off into the bathroom, locking the door "Phew..." I turned on the faucet, and let the warm water flow into the sink. I closed off the exit, and let it build up. I adjusted the tap handle to stop the water. I bent down with my upper body and splashed water into my face, a relaxing feeling shot across my body.

"You know he will never be with you right?" 

A voice rang across the room, I quickly shot my head up and began looking around like crazy, gazing at all the corners, everywhere where the voice could be coming from.

"Right here." The voice said again. I followed the direction, and stared at the image in front of me. The mirror, it was almost as it was talking to me. My thoughts were confirmed when my reflecting sent me a menacing grin. The reflection changed, and it seemed to be uneasy in the other side of mirror "W-what are you talking about?" I asked, talking to my own reflection in the mirror.

"We both know who we are talking about here Serena, why don't you face it already. Ash hasn't been giving any signs that he is interested in you, and it has happened twice now that you are distancing yourself from him. What makes you think the same thing won't happen when you attempt the third time?" The reflection asked, as she put herself up against the wall and was working on her fingernails with a file. I stared in disbelief at what I was hearing.

"If you truly are me, then shouldn't you be on my side!" I yelled out into the mirror. No answer, only silence "Answer me!" I shouted out again. "Oh, poor, poor Serena. Still hasn't learned. You really don't know anything Serena, and what you think you know. It's nothing compared to the rest that you don't" I stood with a confused expression. I regained my mind, inhaled and relaxed. Getting worked up won't help me.

"You know what, I don't believe you. You aren't real. The reason why I keep trying is because I know I can. Never give up until the very end, that's the saying I've lived by my entire life and I sure as hell won't be stopping now." I explained towards my reflection, who still seemed disinterested. 'Focus on the positive things Serena, there's already enough negative aspects in life. Focus on those that brighten up the dark world.' I thought to myself, reassuring my stance on the matter. Confidence began oozing back into my mind and body. 

"Serena, haven't you ever wondered why Ash is here? Why he was in Kalos, and now in Sinnoh? Isn't it a coincidence that the moment you get close to finding something out about him, he always seems to disappear?" The figure said, I was beginning to feel frustrated again "Ash came to Kalos, and if he doesn't want to tell me why that's his choice. I won't bother him, and he is in Sinnoh because he battled against the Elite Four and has some special work to do for the professor in Kalos" I shot back at the figure

"Ah right, you don't know why he's in Kalos. You don't know anything about his past. You think you know why he is in Sinnoh. If he was here to battle Flint, then why did he battle him days from when he had arrived? And when he mentions this 'Special work' for Sycamore, why did the professor have no knowledge of that?" All these questions, and insulting statements were really getting to me. I couldn't hold it in anymore, I snapped "YOU THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING HUH? WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING HERE YOU LITTLE BIT-" 

My scream was interrupted by an outside sound "ebaaiiiii?" and "Feneeeeee!" It was my two pokemon, sounding extremely worried from the tone of their voices. I looked at the door, then paused a bit, looking down at the ground before speaking "I'm alright Eevee and Fennekin... I'm alright..." I sighed and looked back at the mirror. My reflection was back, but this time responding to every movement I performed. I rubbed my eyes and stared into the mirror, carrying out further actions. Nothing. My mind completely confused, 

'What on Earth'

I shook my head and headed towards the exit of the bathroom, grabbing the door handle. I was about to pull it down, but I needed to reassure myself. I looked at the mirror one final time. Nothing. An exhale of relief exited my mouth, I pulled down on the handle and exited. The moment I did, two little's creatures attacked me and tackled me into a hug, throwing me and themselves to the ground.

"Fennekin! Feneee..." The fire type pokemon cried out in worry "Ebaaaaiii" Eevee said her signature cry and began licking my face. "S-stop it E-eevee th-that tickles" I giggled as the normal type continued. I eventually sat up and looked at both of them in my lap "No need to worry. I just... talked to myself..." I said, which technically wasn't a lie. 

"Both of you already know what was going on earlier. I want to confess my feelings to Ash, and I want to do it today. If you two don't mind, I'd like it if I could spend my time with him alone." The two of them seemed disappointed with my decision of leaving them alone. I paused before thinking of something "Or well I guess it wouldn't really be alone with Pikachu being with Ash..." I raised my hand to my chin and began thinking. Before long, I snapped my fingers indicating I had an idea "You two can come along in your pokeballs, when I want to talk to Ash privately, you two will be able to distract Pikachu. Right?" I asked, clasping my hands towards them "Pretty please?" I asked one more time. "Fenne!" "Ebai!" The both of them cried out with happiness "Oh thank you so much!" I said to them, as we entered another embrace.

"Alright, I'll get changed and then we can head out." I said before walking towards the bathroom, but then remembering what happened. "On second thought... I think I'll change in the living room..." I said to myself before walking backwards and away from the bathroom.

"Time to go, Fennekin, Eevee!" I shouted out towards their last known location, they soon came running into the room, Fennekin tripped and ended up tipping them both over. I couldn't contain myself, I began giggling before bursting out laughing and they soon joined in. "Now then, since that's over with, Fennekin, Eevee return!" I said as I pointed their respective pokeballs towards. A red beam exploded out of the spherical object and absorbed my two companions, and settling them in their home. I smile and exit the room.

I begin walking with my hands enclosed behind my back, happily making my way towards Ash's room. I approach it, and knock on the door "Ash, it's Serena" No reply, I check the time on my watch 'He should be up by now' I said myself and knocked again "Ash. Are you in there? Please, answer me." I tried again, but to no avail. I sighed in frustration 'I swear, this boy is beginning to get on my nerves with his disappearances in each and every morning' 

"Nurse Joy should know where he is" I said with little hope left of finding Ash. 'He did say that we would see each other before I leave for Kalos today. It's ok, he'll show up. I trust Ash' I'm about to turn the corner when a voice distracts me "Ash, tell me. How have you been since our last encounter?" I heard a female voice say. 

As I approach the corner, and discretely position myself just at the end, unable to be seen, but be able to hear their conversation more clearly "It's been alright. I don't think I felt this good since leaving Kalos, I feel so restricted there" I felt saddened by the thought 'Does Ash hate being in Kalos that much?' I questioned myself, eavesdropping on the conversation. A voice replayed something in my head "Haven't you ever wondered why Ash is here?" I shook my head, and with that the thought as well. 

"Coming to Sinnoh again reminded me of the old days, simply traveling around the various regions, not a care in the world." I heard him give out a sigh "I'd give anything to bring back those days" I heard a chuckle from the female "You sure changed Ash. The little boy who traveled back in Sinnoh is no more, look at you now. A trainer to be proud of. Ash, those days you are referring to, they can always come back. You can make them come ba-" The females voice was cut off, that voice. I've heard it before, but can't seem to place it anywhere "You know that can't happen. It will never be the same, ever since that incident... I... I just... can't go back to those days... It's just another way to remind me..." Silence was filling the atmosphere, things seem to be awkward as neither of the two was speaking up.

"Either way Ash, your passion for battling hasn't shifted it's course. That fire is still there, and you proved the abilities you possess when you battled against me." A confused expression took it's place on my face 'I don't recall this ever happening... maybe it happened while I was in Kalos and Ash battled her in Sinnoh' I continued listening on the discussion. Ash chuckled at her response "In all honesty, I was slightly surprised when you managed to recognize me. Regarding the battle, you weren't too shabby yourself" Ash commented, they both seemed to amused by it "Ash, I... You know I wanted to talk to you there, but I couldn't." Ash sighed at the statement. I couldn't take it anymore. I peaked around the corner, and my jaw dropped at the sight. Ash was standing with the Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia.

"Yeah... I know, for my own safety. That's all I've been hearing lately, yet I keep getting dragged into all of these conflicts. First Kalos, and now I'm in Sinnoh. I'm really starting to wonder how any of this regards my safety, and the protocol taken by the Association groups." This was getting more and more interesting by the minute, it felt wrong but at the same time I wanted to know more. 'Why on Earth are they so friendly with each other?' Ash didn't seem to show any past relevance to Cynthia in the battle' I thought as I stared at the wall in front of me, after retreating back.

"What of the issue that happened yesterday?" Cynthia asked Ash with a now serious expression "No need to worry, it was taken care off. No injuries, we made sure they payed for causing such acts of disruptions" Ash explained, although exactly what was unknown 'Is he talking about Team Galactic, and their invasion of the stadium yesterday?'

"Good. Soon enough we will move upon them, the plans are already in order. We are waiting for the go ahead. Is there anyone that you can possibly think of that could have any leads onto you?" Cynthia asked, my brain was completely scrambled by now 'Any leads? What leads?' I turned the corner, Ash raised his hand to his chin and looked as if he began thinking, he lifted his head and gazed in my direction. Before his eyes made it to me, I moved out of the way, or more of threw myself away.

"Not that I am aware of. There was ..., but I'm ... we took ... of it." I heard Ash say faintly, mostly muffled and not being able to understand as I distanced myself from them. I regained my original spot, and further eavesdropped. I saw Cynthia nod and then carry on "After that is done, you are returning to Kalos correct?" Cynthia asked, Ash nodded to this question 'Wait what, he told me that he will perform research somewhere for professor Sycamore' Cynthia seemed satisfied by the answer "We will meet again Ash Ketchum" I dropped my jaw 'Ash Ketchum? I never even knew his last name...'

I became further shocked when I saw the two enter a hug "Stay safe Ash" Cynthia said as she petted him on the hat on his head. Ash smiled at her and then went towards the exit. Cynthia walked another direction, away from me. I wanted to follow Ash, I came out of the corner as if I had just arrived. I went directly towards the exit 

"You there. Stop." I heard the voice from behind me. I stopped dead in my tracks 'Crap' I thought to myself. I turned around "Y-yes?" I asked, noticing that Cynthia was walking towards me with a stern expression. "You're Serena aren't you? I believe I saw you in the stands in Kalos, when I visited your school." I nodded, too scared to speak to the champion. Sweat began forming on my forehead, indicating that I was nervous "Although I did also see your performance the other day, or at least the first phase. It was a shame that you couldn't perform the other part, the one that you Kalosians are known for."

I gulped and nodded. She looked at me with a confused expression "Why are you nervous? Am I that scary?" I was shocked by her deductive skills, and I began waving my hands in front of me in a panicking fashion "N-no Cy-Mrs. Cynthia." She took a closer look at me, staring me dead in the eye. Before she broke out a smile "Alright then. It was nice meeting you Serena Yvonne, I'm sure this won't be the last time we encounter on such terms." With that the Sinnoh champion left, leaving me completely flabbergasted and frozen on the spot. After escaping my trance, I remember that I completely forgot about Ash and began running in his general direction.

'Knowing him, he most likely went off to train. And he often does so in a forest' I said to myself. I saw a pathway heading into the forest. I took in a deep breath "I'm coming Ash" I sprinted into the plantation of trees, hopping over the branches, watching the countless pokemon located in the forest, from pokemon loitering, to relaxing, to collecting and collaborating together to accomplish something. I smiled upon the sight. Soon enough the path led met to an opening in the forest, grassy plains, filled with beautiful flower. The scorching sun casting it's light and heat upon the land. The clear blue sky found above, empty of cottony entities. 

"Just like I predicted" I said under my breath when I noticed a raven haired boy setting down his backpack. He brought out a pokeball and released the pokemon. The blue light revealed a massive orange, draconic like pokemon. The moment the pokemon was released, it sent a deafening roar which could be heard miles away. I even had to cover up my ears, while Ash simply stood there waiting. "Hey there buddy, you ready for training?" He asked in a positive tone filled with determination and confidence, while displaying his fist to reinforce those emotions.

"Alright you two, we need to get some battling going. Recently we've been training independently, and had few battles. I want you two to face each other, this is by no means a competitive match. This is to strengthen your weak points, and learn of possible advantages and disadvantages. Mostly, this is for us to enjoy." I stood there in awe as I listened to Ash give such an uplifting message to companions. Not wanting to disturb his session, I sat down and waited near where the path and the opening meet, gazing upon the pokemon and their trainer.

Each of the pokemon reached one end of the opening in the forest. Ash stood in between them on the sides, the position where the referee often stands. "Let's start off with some heat, Charizard, flamethrower! Pikachu break through it with quick attack." I watched on as Charizard exploded with its ember and sent it towards the Pikachu, I began feeling slightly scared for Pikachu because of the outlook of that flamethrower. My fears were soon put to rest when Pikachu entered the flamethrower and pushed through it.

"Awesome job buddy! Now time for some defense Charizard. Pikachu, hit give Charizard your most powerful thunderbolt." My mind was trying to process what Ash was thinking, he hasn't given any command to Charizard about blocking or dodging the attack. "Pikachuuuuuu!" The yellow mouse pokemon cried out while releasing it's volts towards the opponent. The electricity was edging closer and closer, the gap between them closing. 

"Now Charizard, quick Dragon tail on the ground. Steer up that dirt to block the electricity!" Charizard swiftly rotated it's body to the left while smashing the ground with it's now green veiled tail. Ash had a pleased look on his face, he gave a nod to the pokemon. Both pokemon nodded back to him. Without any communication, the two pokemon blasted off towards each other. They began brawling, however without any instructions. I stared confused, then at Ash who had his arms crossed and was carrying a serious expression. He seemed to be looking very precisely at their movements, and the moves they were using to either attack or defend.

"There will be times, where we can't see or possibly even hear each other. You two need to know how to be able to battle an opponent without the aid of my vision." I saw how Pikachu and Charizard kept swinging at each other, the duel between Dragon Tail and Iron Tail. As if it were some sort of dance. Slashes upon slashes, hit after hit. Eventually they rebound each other, and get sent flying back to their side of the field. They had smiles upon their faces, ember escaping Charizard, while sparks of electricity were forming around Pikachu's cheeks. "Let it rip!" Ash shouted all of the sudden, stepping forward and slightly bending down. Then throwing his hand to the side.

"Pika- CHUUUU!" The yellow mouse shouted out, shooting the electricity towards the the fire type. "Brewwwlghhh!" The dragon looking pokemon roared through out the forest and exploded with a scorching flame. The moves collided causing a massive explosion, fortunately for me I had positioned myself far enough away to avoid any damage, the only thing I still needed to do was cover my face from all the wind that blew strong in all directions. All the trees were rustling like crazy, leaves falling more frequently. I managed to give a slight gaze at the direction of the moves, Ash was simply standing there with his hands in his pockets. Not even slightly reacting to the explosion.

The smoke began clearing, and revealed both pokemon still standing. Both of them panting like crazy, completely tired from giving their all into the move. I looked at Ash, who was standing there. His face had changed, and now appeared almost displeased. Another thing I noticed was that his face was tensing. 'Ash?'  I thought to myself. He brought his hands out of his pocket, and curled them into fists. I had no idea what was happening, until Ash jumped into the air and threw his right hand along with him "That was incredible you two! Did you see the sheer amount of power when those moves collided?" Hearing that put my worries to rest, and I sighed.

'He's having a blast.' I thought to myself, while smiling at the sight. He collapsed onto the ground from the exhaustion and lain down in the grass. Pikachu came running to him and nuzzled his cheeks against him, he replied by petting him "Chaaaa" The electric type squealed. I took my backpack off of my back and opened it 'I should have it with me' I pulled out a plastic container filled with a refreshment, then stood up from my spot. I walked over to the raven haired boy, bent down near him and handed him the water bottle.

He noticed or must have heard my foot steps before reaching him, because he seemed to be surprised to see me. I chuckled on the inside when he gave me a confusing look. I sent him one of my signature smiles "Here Ash. You must be thirsty." I say handing him the bottle, he looks at the bottle and then back at me. His facial expression changed from one of confusion, to a grin. "Thanks Serena." He grabbed the bottle and began chugging down the entire thing, I giggled at  his eagerness for a drink "Be careful you don't want to choke" I said to him as I sweat dropped from the sight. Ash scratched behind his head "I guess you right." we both chuckled for a little bit at his actions but then eventually I lain down beside him.

We were both gazing up at the sky "It sure is beautiful today isn't it?" Ash eventually commented on the sight above, I turned my head to face him and smiled at him "It sure is..." I replied, he took his attention away from the sky and directed it towards me. The moment his hazel eyes came in contact with mine I blushed a deep crimson, Ash's lips however, curled into a frown. I didn't know why. "Ash? Is everything alright?" I asked, my face still red from merely being around him. He looked back up at the sky "Yeah... everything will be... just alright... in good time..." He said, the last part under his breath, which I could barely make out.

My thoughts sent me back to this morning, where I had been practicing in front of the mirror. My face flared up recalling the moment. I looked back into the sky 'Serena. This is it, the opportunity you had been waiting for. You can do this. Just like you practiced' I took in a deep breath, and gained some confidence. I turned to back to face Ash "Ash" I said out to him. He closed his eyes for a moment, then faced me and opened them. Him starring with those eyes, still yet somehow missing something. Those eyes, they are hiding something, something that they don't want revealed. I could see it, and it sent me an uneasy feeling. "Yes, Serena?" He asked with a pleasant voice ringing through my ears, making me go red as a tomato. 'I don't think I've ever blushed this much before in my life'

"I, ehm... was w-want-ting to..." I paused half way, looking down to the ground, the feeling of nervousness filled me. My breath became unbalanced and hands were slightly shaking. "You wanted to?" He asked, which caused me panic on the inside. I jumped up from the ground, standing up and facing him "I wanted to ask if you wanted to go have lunch together?" I asked, sending him what attempted to be a smile to cover up my embarrassment. "I guess so, but first let me just-" I cut him off as he was sitting up and grabbed him by the arm. "Great! Let's go right away!" I shouted out and ran towards the direction of the city "Serena, wow! Slow down, I still need to recall Charizard, and Pikachu..."

His voice trailed off, and I could tell why. The yellow mouse pokemon ran directly passed us. I giggled at Pikachu's reaction to my offer on food, while also mentally squealing that I was dragging Ash around again. My cheeks turning more red with each passing moment. "Charizard, return" I heard from behind me, I watched as a beam of red light shot out into the sky, and captured a flying pokemon. I turned back to see Ash's face, again he was carrying the frown and looking at the ground. 'Why is he so down now... I guess I will just have to give it my all to cheer him up!' I gave myself a mental note of the goal, while dashing towards the city.

After a long and relaxing day of cruising around the city with Ash, we found ourselves walking around a park. Pikachu was completely stuffed when we first went into a restaurant, and has been resting in Ash's backpack the entire time, sound asleep. 'Perhaps I won't need to go with my original plan after all' I said in my head, thinking of the plan that Fennekin, Eevee and I thought up off. We soon found a cozy little bench to rest ourselves on, nearby a lake. "We can sit here and rest if you want. I'm afraid not all of us are as privileged as Pikachu" Ash said while chuckling, and I responded by giggling at his comment 'I guess I did manage to cheer him up after all.'

I began recalling all the things we had done today. From escaping the beauty of nature, to the sounds of the city. The restaurant were we filled our stomachs to our hearts content, to having a stroll through the city, and somehow I even convinced Ash to go clothes shopping with me. This day couldn't have gone any better, my last day in Sinnoh. Spending it with a person I hold dearly. Now, we strolled through this park and eventually sat at this bench nearby a small lake. Sitting and watching the view in front of us. An outstanding sight for the eyes. 

The calm, relaxing water standing found in the middle of the park. The vibrant grass, slightly swaying left and right as the breeze blows through the park. At the back, behind the lake it was filled with trees, the beginning of the forest dweller, still their view and movements of their long, spread arms reflected in the mirror below. The countless pokemon that I had never seen before, running around through the bushes of flowers, piled across the landscape as if a farmer had scattered his seeds. The reflection of the suns bright light hitting the surface of the lake, and bouncing it into our eyes. Eyes that gazed upon the image, taking a picture and storing it. Looking close enough, you could see the water types in their natural habitat. 

"It's amazing..." I finally manage to say after analyzing all of my surroundings. All Ash did was nod, as he to took it all in. "Serena. Even though you couldn't perform and show off your skills the other day in the pokemon performance, know that you should be proud." The sudden speech caught me off guard "T-thanks" I replied, a blush appearing on my cheeks "I was able to take a peek at your baking, and it seemed extraordinary. However the audience and I missed out on the real deal. What were you planning on doing?" Ash asked, as he turned into my direction. Obviously interested in what I had planned. 

"Well, wouldn't it be better to find out for yourself? Wouldn't it be better if you were to see it instead of hear it?" I said giggling at his interest "I guess your right. Next time you go to a performance in Kalos, I'd like to come along." He smiled as he faced back forward "I'd like that..." I said, bringing my hand to my chest, feeling the beat of my heart. Pacing faster, and faster. Each beat becoming more noticeable, pounding against chest.

A noise came from his backpack. Ash unzipped the opening, only to reveal a yellow mouse pokemon standing facing him. Pikachu had a happy expression "Chaaa!" the pokemon cried out as Ash petted him by the cheek, he then saw the entire image and tilted its head to the side "Pika?" I waved to him, while giggling at his reaction to seeing me. 'Wait, we had a plan in case this happened' I said to myself mentally. "Pikachu, would you like to play with Fennekin and Eevee?" I asked in a calm and polite voice. The electric type jumped off of Ash's lap and into the field in front "Pikaaaaaaa!" He shouted out while waving. 

"Fennekin, Eevee come on out you two!" I shouted as I threw their pokeballs in the air. "Fennekiin!, Ebai!" The two of them shouted their signature cries, and turned to me. I pointed towards Pikachu "Look you two, Pikachu wants to play. Go ahead, it's alright." I said with a smile to my companions, who nodded and ran off towards the yellow mouse pokemon. I sat back down and sighed "You caught an Eevee while you were here, didn't you?" I nodded, and smiled "I protected it from an evil person. He was attempting to kidnap Eevee, and I did my best to stop the pokemon hunter. He eventually over powered me and I wanted to protect Eevee, even if... it meant with my own life." 

I paused before continuing, after taking in another deep breath "Then I was saved by this strange pokemon that I had never seen before. It looked almost the same as a Greninja, but for some reason it was different. The pattern and colors of it's body didn't add up, or at least according to the research we did on it during the project. That Greninja was also carrying a massive shuriken made of water on it's back." I finished, recalling back to the moment. First meeting Eevee, gaining it's trust, and the mysterious Greninja "Sure sounds interesting. A Greninja that looks different, and carries a water shuriken on its back. I'd sure like to meet it." Ash said, staring into the sky.

Some specific pokemon revealed themselves from the depths of the liquid, and looked at the two of us. The pokemon were primarily light pink, with pale lips and circular markings located around the region of it's cheek. I couldn't exactly make out the entire body posture of the small pokemon, as most of it seemed to be hidden by the blue blanket. 

"Luvdisc." Ash said, however his voice didn't show any sign of the happiness or compassion that he demonstrated earlier today. He placed his hand at the center of his chest, and soon dropped it. I stared at him confused. "Do you have any past experiences relating to Luvdisc?" I asked, wanting to give an attempt at finding out the reason for Ash's sudden change of tone. He looked down at the ground, ignoring my question. "Ash..." I said, my own tone now becoming sad. This seemed to get Ash's attention. He turned his head, and looked at me. His hazel eyes, staring into mine yet again. The amber light reflecting off of them, the look in his eyes. We both stood up, taking a final look at the lake, before reconnecting our eye contact.

My hand edged closer to his, and eventually I covered his with mine. He looked down at it and then at me. I smiled, while his mouth was slightly agape. "Ash, I've um... b-been meaning to talk to y-you for a while... about s-something..." I managed to make out, no reply from him. My face was burning brighter with every moment. Sweat began forming from my nervousness, I gulped. Looked back at the ground, and back to Ash. We were both staring at each others eyes. Neither moving away. Locked onto each other. We began leaning in, each passing moment, realizing what was happening. I closed my eyes, my lips departing from each other. 

Everything became frozen. Nothing mattered, nothing but this. This moment will last for eternity. The time slowed down, and I kept leaning in 'I can't believe this is happening, is this real? It must be. Ash. I love you!' I was mentally squealing on the inside and did my best to contain it. It felt like forever for the gap between us to close, I kept leaning in. 

Leaning in only to find... nothing. Nothing but air. I opened my eyes, only to be caught in an embracement with Ash immediately. I squeaked in shock 'He was hugging me?' He quickly pulled away, and I saw Ash looking away. A tear began forming in my eye, not because of what had happened, but because of him. He was standing there, with a cold face. A hat covering his eyes, and when he revealed them, he also revealed another part of himself. I could make out a tear in his own eye, as he was gazing away.

The last words he spoke made my heart drop.

"I'm sorry... I just... Can't"

He turned and began walking away, while I stood there in disbelief with my mouth agape. Still trying to process what had just happened. The phrase constantly repeating in my head, and the feeling of being impaled by a knife in my chest.

'I'm Sorry... I just... Can't'