"Finally... Finally... You two are finally together! You know how hard it was for me to watch all this way?!"
Ash & Misty: ...
You're crying because of this? Anyone who doesn't know might think Team Rocket attacked and stole your Pokemon. Is this tears of joy?
The two exchanged a helpless glance, but couldn't help but show a slight smile. Reflecting back, Brock indeed was constantly trying to match them up, only one was totally unaware and the other lacked courage, causing them to come together only now.
Once everything was out in the open, it seemed like the two getting together was a natural development, especially after Ash won the Champion title, the timing couldn't have been better.
Then, Brock told Misty and Ash to sit tight, leaving dinner to him. He wanted to make a feast to celebrate them being together, saying he was the witness, and dining together was completely reasonable.
The newly minted couple sat on the sofa, leaning on each other, recounting the overlooked details during their travels, like how many times Misty hinted to Ash, whom acted blind to them, and how many girls along the way might have had similar thoughts about Ash.
Ash's memory was definitely not bad; he remembered Misty's hints clearly, but he wasn't thinking in that direction at the time, so his responses to Misty varied greatly, none were romantic.
Upon learning Ash's inner thoughts at those times, Misty couldn't help but laugh. Reminiscing those scenes after being together truly felt amusing.
Of course, if they hadn't gotten together and recalled those moments, it wouldn't be amusing, but rather unparalleled sadness... Luckily, that didn't happen.
Soon, Brock finished preparing dinner, and the spread amazed Misty and Ash; it was more lavish than the Champion victory feast.
Delia, Professor Oak, and Gary had returned to Pallet Town after the celebration dinner held for Ash. Had he not been planning a date with Misty, he might have returned with them.
Because of this, Ash felt a bit regretful not being able to share the moment of being with Misty with his mom.
Come to think of it, Delia always worried whether Ash's emotional intelligence would find him a girlfriend. Ash never thought about it, summing it up in four words, "Let it be." When the time for a girlfriend came, it would, and if not, he could spend his life with Pokemon.
As it turned out, it came quite naturally and quickly; in barely half a year of traveling, he found his other half. If Delia knew, she'd probably be happier than him becoming a Pokemon Master.
"Now, to celebrate Ash and Misty being together, cheers!!" Brock raised his glass of orange juice to congratulate them.
"Cheers! *2!"
...
After eating and drinking their fill, the two went out for a walk while Brock cleaned the dishes. Initially, Misty and Ash wanted to help, but Brock chased them away, suggesting they take advantage of the remaining time to go out since they'd be returning to Pallet Town the next day.
The two were somewhat helpless about Brock's suggestion, but they were just returning to Pallet Town, not going to Hell. They had plenty of time to see more of the world together, so there was no rush.
Ultimately, they couldn't refuse Brock, so they went out. The Quartz Plateau was still brightly lit at night; only two days had passed since the Quartz Conference's conclusion, keeping the place lively.
But within a week, the Quartz Plateau would likely become deserted since the conference ended, spectators wouldn't linger here as it's not a tourist spot. What would they do staying here?
While the plateau was still bustling, Ash and Misty could enjoy the lively atmosphere, and walking around in it felt like a couple's outing.
That night, as usual, they had Mewtwo conceal their presence, making them unrecognizable to others. Along the way, they walked to the edge of the Quartz Plateau, a place Ash frequented during the conference.
This edge resembled a cliff edge, overlooking dense foliage and cities with sporadic lights, offering a perfect spot to unwind and vent.
Despite Ash's seemingly easygoing demeanor in battles, the pressure he felt internally was significant. After all, he was up against elite trainers with eight badges!
One loss meant saying goodbye to the conference; it wasn't like Gym battles allowing multiple challenges.
Yet, in the end, it proved Ash's pressure was unnecessary; in the entire conference, including Paul, none were his match.
Still, this place offered Ash great emotional relief, and today he brought Misty along.
Together, they sat at the cliff's edge, gazing at the distant scenery, absorbing the breathtaking night view, their hearts peaceful.
"...Ash, I might not be able to continue traveling with you ahead," Misty leaned on Ash's shoulder, speaking softly.
Ash's body trembled lightly, and Pikachu beside them showed shock and confusion. What was going on? They just got together, now they had to part?
"Is it because of the Gym?"
"Yes, I'm the Cerulean Gym Leader after all. Being with you has allowed me to grow enough, and it's about time to return to my Gym responsibilities. I can't keep letting my sisters shoulder the burden of the Cerulean Gym~"
Though Misty tried to speak lightly, Ash still detected a hint of reluctance in Misty's words. It's not just about parting from travel mates, but having just gotten together, she had to return to the Gym; it's understandable why she'd be reluctant.
"I..." Ash really wanted to say he'd accompany Misty back to the Cerulean Gym, but the words got stuck. Staying at the Gym meant he couldn't pursue his dream.
"What are you thinking, Ash? I'm not telling you this to make you stay at the Cerulean Gym. I'm just giving you a heads-up; though I have to return to the Gym, there's no rush. We can still travel together for one or two more months; even if I immediately had to return, you couldn't come with me!"
Misty raised her head and stretched her fair hand to turn Ash's face to face her, speaking seriously, "You forgot the goal you told me initially? To become a Pokemon Master! Before achieving your dream, I wouldn't want you to halt your steps, especially not for me!"
"If you really made that decision, I'd have a guilty conscience for life. So, Ash... whether I'm here or not, keep moving straight toward your dream! With your talent and effort, I believe you'll achieve your dream in a few years, then... come and marry me with pride!"
"Misty..." Ash's mouth opened slightly, his eyes reflecting light ripple. He had many things to tell Misty, but couldn't decide what to say now; it seemed words couldn't fully express his feelings for Misty at this moment.
The next second, a warm sensation directly pressed on Ash's slightly open mouth, under the bright moonlight, the boy and girl embraced and kissed.