Happy New Year's, everyone! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of this story. All rights go to Nintendo for use of their characters, etc.

Chapter 5: An End, and a New Beginning

The next morning, Pokémon and trainer alike awoke bright and early. Ash and May were in high spirits as they went about preparing for their departure from Castelia, no doubt vivified by their newly-declared commitment to one another. With a spring in their step, the two ate breakfast and began packing. The ferry wouldn't be leaving for another couple of hours, so there was no need to rush. They had plenty of time to just revel in the fact that they were finally together.

"So, Ash," May began, "You never did tell me: where exactly are we going?"

"Driftveil City." Ash replied. "We won't be there for long, though. I defeated the Gym Leader there just before I came back here. We're planning on heading to Mistralton City as soon as I get back." With a wink, he added "I'm sure, with all the places we'll be going, there will be plenty of Contests."

May smiled and nodded, but her response surprised Ash.

"Ash, as long as I get to be with you, I wouldn't care if I never won another Contest again. Just knowing that you're beside me, rooting for me every step of the way… that would be enough for me." she replied, reaching over and taking his hand.

Ash blushed slightly at this. Man, he thought, how could I ever be blessed with such a woman?

They finished packing soon after, and still had a little time to kill. Suddenly, Ash remembered something. He looked over at May, who had Manaphy seated in her lap.

"Hey, May?" he asked. "I nearly forgot, but have you actually caught Manaphy yet? Just to make it 'official'?"

May paused for a second, looking down at Manaphy.

"Y'know, I don't think I have." she replied, readying a Poké Ball.

"Wait." Ash said quickly. He dug around in his bag for a minute before producing a strange, solid-red ball.

"It's called a Cherish Ball." Ash explained, seeing May's puzzled expression. "It's supposed to commemorate some sort of special event or something. I think we've got enough of an occasion to commemorate." he finished with a grin.

May graciously accepted the ball before turning back to her little Seafaring Pokémon.

"Manaphy? You only have to be in here for a minute, okay sweetie?" she said.

Manaphy was more than happy to agree. May touched the Cherish Ball to Manaphy's forehead, and he went inside. After only a single shake, the confirmation click sounded. No sooner had this happened than the ball burst open and the little Water-Type jumped back into May's arms.

"Happy!" he squealed joyfully. He was finally a part of May's team, and nothing could have made him happier.

"Thanks, Ash." May said as she leaned over and gave Ash a quick peck on the cheek.

"No problem." he replied, blushing again.

15 minutes later, hand-in-hand and Pokémon by their sides, Ash Ketchum and May Maple boarded the ferry waiting to take them to begin their new life together.

/-/-/

There they sat, a few hours later, in their cabin. Pikachu and Manaphy had both dozed off, and May had followed suit. She slept now, her head resting on Ash's shoulder.

Ash watched her and the Pokémon as they slept, a small smile on his face. He sighed deeply, contemplating their future together. He knew things wouldn't always be smooth sailing. Every part of his adventure up to this point had proven that. He knew there would be challenges. He knew there would be times when their resolve, and even their love, would be tested. And he knew that, unfortunately, he would probably end up dragging May into some rather unpleasant things.

But at the moment, all those concerns seemed so distant and insignificant. Because right now, with May next to him and their loyal Pokémon alongside them, he felt as though he could take on the world. And he knew he would. He knew they all would. As a family.

Yes friends, the fic is over, but the story is just beginning! A sequel (more of a continuation actually) is already in the works. Please do check back in with me periodically, because I should have the first chapter of the sequel posted by the end of the month!

Again, I just want to thank you all for your support and words of encouragement. You guys are really awesome, and you've made me feel a lot more passionate about my writing. I hope you continue to read, support, and enjoy the sequel, which will pick up right about where this one left off. So until then, see ya!