PS Love Lost and Found

Ash, Dawn, and Brock were continuing their travels through Sinnoh. Brock was cooking, Ash was polishing his 4 badges, and Dawn was… Dawn was sitting away from her friends and Pokemon. Dawn was having a bad luck streak. She lost 3 contests in a row, and lost 2 Pokemon battles. She sat on a log thinking what she was doing wrong. ‘Sure the contests had good competitors, but I was making stupid mistakes. And the battles, I should have won.’
Ash noticed Dawn sitting with her knees up to her chest. He could tell she was upset, and walked over and sat next to her. “You alright Dawn?” She didn’t answer, but he could tell she was crying. “If it’s any consolation, I can’t even remember how many times it took me to beat Brendan at the Battle Pyramid.” Dawn looked up and said, “There’s a big difference Ash. You were facing one of the best trainers in the world. I’m loosing against regular trainers.” “Dawn, remember you’re still new at the trainer thing. It’s not something you learn overnight. Come on; let’s go train some to get your mind on other things.” “I don’t want to battle with YOU Ash.” Ash seemed taken back by Dawn’s remark. “Why not?” Dawn started yelling. “Because you think you’re such a great trainer you think you can just tell me how to battle!” “Dawn, I was just trying to help.” “Well stop helping! In fact don’t even talk to me! I wish I’d never met you Ash Ketchum!”
Dawn realized what she said. She saw Ash looked hurt and he got up and walked away. “Ash, wait! I didn’t mean it like that.” Ash ignored her and went into his tent. Brock looked at Dawn and said, “What was that for Dawn? Ash was trying to be a good friend and help you out.” “I know, I was just mad and…” “And you took it out on him. I understand that you’re frustrated, but that’s no reason to take it out on Ash.” “Pika Pi.” Pikachu was outside Ash’s tent. Ash unzipped the door enough for Pikachu to come in. before he went in, Pikachu gave Dawn a look that said ‘What’s wrong with you?’
“Dinner’s ready everybody!” Brock called. He gave all the Pokemon their food, and fixed a plate for himself and Dawn. “Ash, time to eat.” Brock called. Ash unzipped it a bit, Pikachu came out, and Ash called back, “I’m not hungry.” It was then Brock realized how bad Ash felt. Ash missing dinner, it had to be serious. Dawn felt worse now. Pikachu told the other Pokemon what happened. Ash’s Pokemon looked surprised. Dawn’s Pokemon looked at her as if to say ‘Why?’
Ash came out after dinner to help Brock clean up, but he didn’t say a word. He called his Pokemon back, and got a fire started. “Brock, I’m going for a walk. Pikachu stay here. I’m leaving my Pokemon too.” “Alright Ash, just be back before midnight, It’s gonna get cold tonight.” “Right.” Ash disappeared into the woods. “Brock, do you think I should tell him I’m sorry?” “Of course I do, unless you really meant it.” “No I didn’t mean it! I didn’t realize what I said until after I said it.” She remembered Ash’s face after she told him. She didn’t remember the last time she saw someone that hurt. “I’m going.” Brock replied. “Good. But I wouldn’t expect him to welcome you with open arms. It might take a while to repair your friendship.” Dawn realized how much she hurt Ash, and took off after him.
Ash sat on the bank of the creek that ran through the woods. Dawn’s words echoed though his head. ‘Maybe I shouldn’t travel with her anymore. I was stupid to think she liked me back.’ Ash looked up at the moon, then down at the slowly moving water. He slowly pushed himself off the bank into the cold water. He didn’t feel the physical cold. Just the emotional cold of a broken heart. He drifted up to a boulder that stopped his moving downstream. He just lay there feeling the cold, soft current brush by him.
Dawn frantically searched the woods for Ash. She came to the creek and looked downstream for Ash. She saw his motionless body up against the rock. Her heart sank, thinking what may have happened. With tears in her eyes she ran down the creek to where Ash was floating. “Ash! Ash, are you ok?” Ash heard the screams and saw Dawn running toward him. She ran through the water, and pulled him out of the water onto the small beach. Unknown to Dawn, Ash was awake. She put her ear to his chest, and heard breathing. She looked up and saw Ash staring at her.
Dawn cried and hugged her soaked friend. “Oh, Ash I thought you drowned! Ash, I’m sorry what I said before, I didn’t mean it! Please forgive me.” Ash didn’t say a word, just leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. She blushed heavily and said, in shock, “Ash, you just kissed me?” “Yea and I wanted to since the moment I met you. The thing is Dawn, I… I love you.” Dawn cried tears of joy and hugged Ash again. “I love you too Ash. I won’t ever hurt you again.” “Shhhhh… no more crying, It’s alright.” Dawn realized Ash was shivering. “Ash, we gotta dry you off before you get hypothermia! I have a towel in my bag. First we gotta get you out of that wet shirt.” Ash took off his vest and t-shirt. Dawn wrapped the towel around him and rubbed him to warm him up faster. “Come on, let’s get back to the fire.” Dawn said. Ash and Dawn spent the rest of the night close together, and Brock fought to not let his jealousy that Ash got a girlfriend before he did show.