" Go Misty!" Ash yelled as he gave a thumbs up to his girlfriend, and she smiled and waved back nervously.

" Don't worry, it's okay Ash.... Ash who I haven't seen in, like forever... With another girl.... Seeing my underwater performance...." Misty muttered.

But suddenly she slipped her mermaid tail making everything slippery. With a thunk, she hit the diving board and blacked out

Everyone gasped, and Ash grabbed the railing. " Misty!"

He turned to Serena and shoved Pikachu into her arms. " Hold Pikachu."

" Huh?" Serena asked, confused. " Where are you-"

But Ash was already too far to notice.

A security guy, who was ordering people around, saw Ash running their way and held a hand up. " I'm sorry, but this is ristric-"

Ash shoved the guy out of his way. " Excuse me!"

" ... Ted area."

Ash turned his cap backwards. " Hold on, Misty!"

Then he dove in.

Meanwhile, Misty was sinking, not even knowing she was sinking. She was in the verge of losing air when someone grabbed her hand.

Ash.

He pulled her hand towards his body and grabbed her waist, pulling her to his body and swimming back up.

There, a medic helped Ash get Misty out of the pool. He coughed and gasped for air, looking at Misty as the medic felt her pulse.

Nothing.

Ash pulled his body onto land. " Misty?!"

The medic looked at him. " Go on that side." He ordered

Ash obeyed.

" Okay,. let's walk you through this. Tilt her head back. Immediately after I stop pumping, you breathe!"

Ash blinked as the medic did CPR on her chest.

Everyone watched.

" BREATHE!" the medic yelled

Ash took a deep breath and put his lips over hers, just like he had done so many more times before.

Serena watched. " Eh....?"

Then she fainted.

Meanwhile, the medic held a hand up. " Okay, let's try that again."

" A.. again.... In front of all these people....?"

Then he looked at hks girlfriend and nodded. " Okay."

They did it again.

Nothing.

Ash looked at Misty with tears in his eyes, hands clenched on knees. " Misty...."

Then Misty shot up, coughing the water out.

" Misty!!"

Misty didn't even have time to react before Ash grabbed her body and pulled her in tightly. Misty blinked and side hugged back, smiling at the concerned medic

" You should know he touched your lips." The medic whispered.

Misty didn't even flinch. " Oh, that's fine."

Ash blinked tears and turned Misty's face so she could face him. " Don't you dare do that again!"

Misty gave Ash a weak smile. " Oh, Ash. I'm fine."

Ash shook his head. " No, you're not. As soon as all these people are gone I'm taking you to the clinic."

" Bu-"

Ash put a finger on his lips. " Shush. You're not going to argue."

Misty blinked sheepishly. _ what about that girl?"

" Oh, you mean Serena?"

" Yeah. Don't you like her now?"

Ash grabbed Misty's hands. " Misty, I always loved you. Always have, always will. Isn't that what I told you before I left for Kalos?"

Misty smiled. " Yes, I suppose it is."

She turned to the audience and waved a hand. " Everyone, I have an announcement!"

Everyone turned silent.

" See this amazing boy next to me? The one who saved my life?"

" Ma'am!" The security guy yelled. " That boy is trespassing!"

Misty smiled at the man. " Billy, this is my boyfriend."

" Your.... Boyfriend?!"

The audience erupted into a mix of gasps and cheers as Misty’s announcement echoed throughout the pool arena.

Ash’s face turned beet red. "Misty!" he hissed, leaning closer to her. "Was that really necessary?"

Misty smirked, her usual fiery confidence returning despite her weakened state. "What? You saved my life. The least I could do was let everyone know you’re mine."

Ash scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, his heart racing. "Well, uh... I guess thanks?"

The security guy, Billy, seemed to be struggling to process this revelation. "Your boyfriend? Ma’am, he still technically trespassed—"

Misty cut him off with a sharp glare. "Billy, let me ask you something. Did you dive in and save me when I nearly drowned? No? Then maybe you should stop harassing my boyfriend and get back to doing... whatever it is you do." She waved him off dismissively.

Billy stammered. "B-But—"

"Bye, Billy!" Misty said sweetly, before turning her full attention back to Ash.

The audience cheered louder now, clapping and whistling in support. Serena, still holding Pikachu, finally stirred awake. She blinked groggily, realizing what had just happened, and sighed. "Of course."

Meanwhile, Ash was trying to process everything. "Misty, you really didn’t have to do that in front of everyone..."

Misty shrugged, leaning into him slightly for support. "Hey, I almost died. I think I earned the right to embarrass you a little."

Ash chuckled despite himself. "Fair enough. But you’re still going to the clinic after this."

Misty groaned. "Ugh, fine. You win. But only because you saved my life."

The medic, who had been standing quietly nearby, cleared his throat. "If I may interrupt, you should probably let her rest now. It’s been an eventful day for both of you."

Ash nodded firmly. "Yeah, you’re right. Let’s get you somewhere safe, Misty."

As the crowd began to disperse, Misty leaned her head on Ash’s shoulder, a small smile playing on her lips. "You know, for a guy who supposedly doesn’t like public attention, you sure know how to make a scene."

Ash rolled his eyes but smiled. "Hey, I wouldn’t have to make a scene if you didn’t go and get yourself knocked out on a diving board."

Misty laughed weakly, her grip on his arm tightening as they walked. "Touché, Ketchum. Touché."

And with that, the two of them left the arena, leaving behind a story the audience—and Serena—would never forget.