Hello, people!

Ta-daaa, I'm back, again with a brand new story! This is high school pearlshipping story which I was talking about! I know, I know, I just keep on releasing new stories...but, it's just that...once I wrote and publish the first chapter, the rest of the story comes out in a flow! Though, for now I'm working on TDTT... hopefully, after I'm done with that, I'll update the next chapter of Facing the Chilled Winds! No need to worry! I've got everything under control...I guess...

Actually, I was gonna publish this chapter two days, before but I got very busy in watching the ICC Championships Trophy! But, since there's no match, today...I thought I'd release it! ; P

Also, this story is gonna a bit confusing, alright? In this, I'll be adding a lot of flashbacks as single chapters... you'll understand it once I publish those chapters and I'll explain in more detail.

Summary: "Love is never too easy, it includes both pain and comfort..." Ash and Dawn's bond is more stronger than anything..but a sudden call from Dawn's childhood best friend, Serena changes everything. She starts to feel those emotions for Ash, she's not supposed to. What will become of Dawn and her relationship with Ash? Will she sacrifice her love for her best friend's sake? Will she break her ties with Ash, her only love? Or will she lose her friendship with Serena?

It's gonna contain Pearlshipping, slight Contestshipping, Oldrivalshipping and anti-amourshipping.

Oh and... I'm gonna make this story in Japanese version of schooling...or if you want then, I can change into our way of education... I've collected all sorts of information I needed to know about the Japanese schools... though, my way of schooling is entirely different from that. You all can tell me whether you want Japanese or normal way of schooling to understand.

Damn, I should stop blabbering, right? I'm sure I'm stopping you from reading it, but it's just that, I thought I should give you brief detail about this storyline. Urgh! I'm seriously talking so much!

You can start reading it, now! And, for sure...this time! Uh...I hope you all enjoy reading this chapter! ; )

Chapter - 1

Their Promise Of Love

"Ash, slow down!" Dawn yelled while holding onto her skirt and hair with either of her hands. She was riding on a motorbike with Ash driving it. She was seated behind him, both the legs on one side since she was wearing a skirt.

The raven-haired laughed, "Sorry, but this is necessary!" He raced it even more, causing Dawn to hold him, with her one hand.

"If you keep continuing this, then, I'll never ever ride on this bike! Especially with you!" She shouted on top of the air, anger evident in her voice.

Ash chuckled, as he slowed down the speed. "Sorry, sorry. You looked really pissed off, which was veryridiculous!" He laughed as he took a right turn.

She frowned, "Stop it." She couldn't help but place a hand at her heart, in relief. She had her bag on her lap, holding it with one arm while the other one was placed on his waist, holding it tight. "Just tell me when you're going to get your driving license. A car will be much more safer than this dumb bike!" She said, slightly irritated.

"If you're gonna say it that way, then I'd never need that thing!" He teased.

She pouted, "Ash!"

He nodded as he said, "Alright, alright. I'm giving the tests, weekly and I think I've passed it. I guess, I'll get it by next week or so."

"Of course, you'd pass," she shook his head at him. "You used to drive it even before you had turned eighteen."

He laughed, "Yeah."

She narrowed her eyes at him, "You should never break rules. And be sure to drive that car safely, okay? No rash driving."

"Alright. You and your lectures," he rolled his eyes at her. "We've reached the school, anyway," he said, still amused at her reactions. She didn't reply but nodded.

He stopped in front of their school gate, taking his motorbike into the parking lot. Dawn got off from it, while Ash parked it in a free space. After setting it up, he came to her, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Let's go."

She nodded as they both started walking, inside the gate. The gate was a huge one with a large white board on the top, with 'Zenith Prestigious School' engraved on it in blue colour.

It was one of the top schools of Sinnoh. Only very capable students could get admission into this group of institutions. Most of the students attending those schools come from from rich families. Those students who can't get an admission into this school, their parents who hold high posts in the city pay up high amounts to get their children into the school.

Ash wrapped his arms behind his head as he said, "I'll drop you to your class." He was wearing the male uniform, which consisted of white button-up shirt with a navy blue blazer on top of it, the logo of its school imprinted on their right side of the chest, navy blue pants with a red coloured tie around the collar. Ash's tie was very loosely hanging, with his top collar button open and the blazer, unbuttoned.

"It's not new, Ash," Dawn replied, in an obvious tone. She was wearing the female uniform. Her white shirt was buttoned up till the collar with the red tie tied around her collar, in its place, her blue blazer buttoned-up, very properly and her blue skirt reached till her mid-thighs. Her white socks reached just below her knees and black shoes. She had a badge of 'Female President' on the right side of her chest, just below the school logo. Her blue hair was let loose with bangs hanging on her forehead .

Slowly, Ash slipped his hand into Dawn's, to which the blunette blushed. One thing was sure that he was enjoying her reactions.

They walked into the school building and saw many students in the same uniforms. Some were gossiping, while some were making their way to their classes. Inside, there were three buildings which were placed like a half-rectangle. Straight ahead, it was block B which was for the secondary and senior secondary school, that is, the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders. On it's right, it had the block A, which was for the primary school kids, which are of first to fourth grades. Then, on it's left, it had the block C, the sub-junior and junior school, that is, from fifth to eighth standards. All the three buildings were connected by bridge kind of thing. Each building had five floors.

In the centre of the three buildings, there was a rectangular shaped ground with tiled floor. In the middle of the place, a very styling white fountain was arranged. It was seemingly really attractive to look from outside.

At the backside, of all these buildings was the school playground. And a small cottage type room, where all the sport supplies were kept.

Ash walked the blunette to her class which was on the fifth floor. They both walked through the hallway, still holding hands. When they reached Dawn's class, he released her hand and waved at her, "See you, soon!"

"Ooh~ Look, Ash has come to drop his girlfriend, yet again!" Leaf teased, who was standing in the doorway with some other girls with her.

Dawn blushed in embarrassment as she looked down. She was surprised when Ash wrapped an arm around her shoulder. He said, "Yeah, so what? Feeling jealous that your boyfriend didn't do the same for you?"

Leaf leaned to his face and said, "Nah, I'm good. It's just that...you look very overprotective of your girl."

He scoffed, "Oh, please. What if I am? I can't possibly let any other boy get near her, can I?"

Dawn decided to finally stop those two, she came in between those two, saying, "The bell has already rung, the teacher might come, anytime soon. So, Ash, go back to your class and Leaf, get inside the class."

"Oof, your presidency started!" Ash groaned.

She glared at him, "Go back to your class."

He shrugged, giving a peck on her cheeks and walked away. She blushed at his actions, as she entered the class. Leaf came to her and walked to her seat, which was in front of Dawn.

Leaf was wearing the same uniform as Dawn, but her blazer wasn't buttoned-up and the collar was left open. She wore ankle socks with black shoes. Her hair was also kept open with a small clip on her head. She asked, "Did you see May?"

"No, maybe she's in the boys' side, chatting with Drew?" The blunette shrugged.

There were separate sections for boys and girls. Either of them had three classes, each. Teachers and principal thought that if girls and boys are in the same class, they'd rather be distracted than concentrate in the class. They could meet during lunch break and after school ended. They did have some classes, together, though.

"Yeah, maybe."

"Sorry! I'm late!" May dashed into the class, with her hands on her knees, panting heavily. After some time, she looked around and asked, "The professor didn't come, yet?"

She was wearing only her white shirt with that tie, not bothering to out on her blazer. Her skirt was the of the same length as others and even she was wearing ankle socks. Her hair was tied in two pigtails with a blue bandana over her head.

Leaf shook her head. "Nope."

She sighed in relief as she made her way to her seat, which was next to Leaf. She said, "Ash said that the professor had come and I had to rush, here! That stupid lied! Just wait until I get my hands on him!" She grumbled as she cracked her knuckles.

The brunette said, "Hey, be quiet. Dawn might get angry!"

"Nope, I'm not. He should get punished for lying, so I don't mind what you do to him," she shrugged, focusing back on the novel in her hands.

Leaf said, in disbelief, "That's certainly not how a girlfriend is supposed to be! Damn, I can't understand her." She slapped a hand on her forehead as she turned around, back in her seat.

Professor Juniper entered the class as she wished, "Good morning, girls!" With that she started teaching her subject, science, which was boring to a lot of girls, except some which included Dawn and Leaf.

Soon, it was the lunch break. Dawn, along with Leaf and May were going in the school ground to eat their lunch with the boys. On their way, they noticed two boys fighting with each other, punching and kicking, each other.

Dawn took a deep breath as she walked over to those boys, pushing past the crowd. As soon as went there, students began whispering. One of them said, "Looks like she is going to stop them!"

"Oh, damn! She is gonna end the drama!" Another one said.

Ignoring their comments, she walked to those two boys and half-yelled. "Stop it, both of you!" Those two quickly stopped when they heard her voice. She said, sternly, "This is not the place, where you're supposed to fight. This is a school, where you gain knowledge not a street, where you can fight like wild animals. Since, you both fought on the school grounds, your punishment is to clean your classroom, after school. Understood?"

They nodded as they muttered, "Yes."

There were many cases where the boys started fighting, and to resolve that problem, there was a new rule. The students who are found guilty are supposed to clean their classrooms, after class and if they get this punishment three times, already then they get suspended.

"Ooh! The prez handled it very easily, like always!" One girl to exclaimed, in awe.

Dawn sighed as two boys made their way back into the building, still glaring at each other. She walked back to where Leaf and May were. The bandana girl clapped her back, in appreciation, "Good job, prez!"

She winced, "Ouch!"

"Dawn, I can't believe that even after learning karate, you can get hurt by that!" Leaf exclaimed as she glanced at the two boys. "Those two seem like they are from eleventh grade, I guess."

The blunette frowned, "Let's find the boys. I wanna give Drew a piece of mind." She walked ahead of them, with an increased pace.

"Ah, she is just too strict!" May rolled her eyes as they sped up to walk alongside her.

Drew, Gary and Ash were sitting on the grass with their lunch boxes next to them, waiting for the girls. The brunette muttered, "Why are girls always late?" He was dressed the in the same style as Ash but, be didn't wear his blazer, remaining in his half-sleeved white shirt.

Ash said, "Hey, Drew. I see, some crowd gathered, there...I guess, you're supposed to go and check what's happening." He pointed in the right direction, where a group of students were crowded.

"Nah, it's alright. I'm sure Dawn will handle it," he replied, with a carefree attitude. He was wearing the uniform in the same way as Ash. He also had a badge of 'Male President' pinned below the logo on his blazer.

The brunette asked, biting on to his apple, "Are you sure? I bet she will be mad at you."

Just then, Dawn came to them with a furious expression on her face. "Drew." The chartreuse haired boy looked up to see the blunette standing above him. "What kind of president you are?! There was a fight going on between the boys, there and you were chit-chatting, here?!"

"Why should I be worried when my sister's there?" He grinned, as he wrapped his arm around May, who had sat down next to him.

"Why, you?!" She sighed, "I don't know how you got elected as the male president." Just then, she was pulled by Ash, making her sit next to him.

Ash smiled, "Stop worrying about others. I'm the one you should have on your mind."

"Ah! Here goes Ash and his flirting!" Leaf teased as she sat down, next to her boyfriend, leaning on his shoulder.

The raven-haired shot her a look, "Oh, jealous, again? That Gary doesn't do the same with you?"

She countered, "Why would I be jealous! Gary is much more sweeter than you're."

They were about to get into an arguement, when Gary kept a hand around his girlfriend's mouth, saying, "Leaf, I'm hungry. Let me have my lunch."

She pouted as he removed his hands. "Alright."

The brunette smiled as he started eating his lunch, which was being fed by Leaf. Gary asked, "Are you all free after school?"

May and Ash nodded, "Yup, I am."

Leaf said, "I guess, I'm free, too."

Drew though about it before saying, "Uh... yeah."

Then, all the eyes turned to Dawn, who was quietly chewing onto her vegetable sandwich. She looked up and shook her head, "Nope. Not me."

"Why?!" The raven-haired groaned.

She sighed, "As you know, those guys who fought just now, has to clean the rooms and I have to keep an eye on them. Also, I have some paperwork to do." She narrowed her eyes at Drew, before saying, "Actually, Drew is supposed to stay with me...but, I'll handle it."

Her brother just gave her one of his sheepish grins. "Sorry, but if you're staying alone, then, I'll accompany you."

Ash frowned, "Why did you ask, by the way?"

"I was thinking we all could hang out in the park. It's been a while since we had done that," the spiky-haired boy replied, casually.

Dawn said, "You all can go, without me. I'll join you, next time."

"But..." She gave Leaf a stern glare, to which she sighed, "Alright. But, make sure you're free, next time!" The blunette nodded.

Slowly, the raven-haired asked, "Dawn...you're going to be alone in the school with those boys?"

"No, the professors will be there in the faculty room," she replied.

"But isn't that on the ground floor? And their classrooms are on the third floor?" He interrogated, with a tiniest amount of concern in his eyes.

She scrunched her eyebrows in confusion, "Yeah, why?"

The others knew where he was getting at, as they eyed him, amused. He said, "Mm. Then, I guess, I'll stay with you, till you finish your work." She was about to protest but was interrupted by him. "It's final, don't even try to convince me."

The other four burst out in laugher. Gary teased, "What an overprotective boyfriend you are, Ashy boy!"

Ash narrowed his eyes at him, "Don't call me by that name. Besides, you would be, too if you knew that your girlfriend is going to be alone on one floor with two boys."

"Oh, yeah, Ashy boy?" The brunette teased, even further. Now, he was enjoying teasing him!

"Cut it out, gare bear!" He countered.

"What was that?!"

"Gare bear is gettin' angry~"

"Say that, again and I'm gonna make you pay."

"Let's see what a bear like you can do."

"You-"

"Stop it!" Dawn shouted as she glared at the two boys. "Stop acting like immature kids. You're all grown up, so atleast act like one."

They both smiled, sheepishly, "Sorry."

"Mm," she frowned as she got up and threw the packet in the nearby dustbin.

May wondered, "But, boys, don't you have football practice, today?"

Drew shook his head, "Nope, today our coach has some work to do and besides, we are in no mood to play football."

"Oh, look it's already time for the classes. I guess, the bell will ring in a few minutes or so," Leaf said as she glanced at the watch on her wrist.

Her boyfriend groaned, "Aw, damn! I really don't wanna go back to the class!"

At his words, the blunette glared at him, "Gary, I warn you not to skip your classes and waste your time, here."

He grumbled, "So much for having strict prez in our group."

"C'mon, let's go to our respective classes. I don't want anyone to be late," she said, pulling her boyfriend up by his arm.

Gary complained, "Man, you're such a drag!"

May rolled her eyes, "And that's the reason, you haven't gotten any detention for the past few months."

"Actually," the chartreuse-haired grinned as he wrapped an arm around the blunette's shoulder. "I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful sister like her! She saves lot of work for me!"

She felt a warm feeling in her heart, when he complimented her but decided to not show it. She narrowed her eyes, "If your flattering is over then, shall we get going to our classes?"

He smiled at her, warmly as he released her from his hold. "Sure."

Just then, Ash pulled her towards him, by grabbing her arm. He started pulling her while running towards the entrance. He turned around and waved, "Later!"

The rest of the gang stared at his retreating figure. May said, while shaking her head, "He is just too stupid."

Leaf and Drew nodded, agreeing with her. Gary smirked, "Ashy boy looks like he owns Dawn or something."

The bandana girl said, softly, "Actually, I guess I can understand him. He had to go through so much trouble to have her, afterall...so, it's kinda expected."

"Yeah," the green-eyed smiled, as wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer towards him. "I never thought she would actually accept feelings for him, but now that she has, I'm very happy."

"Ah, guys! Look at the time, it's almost five minutes since the bell had rung! Let's go, quickly! Or else Dawn won't leave us," Leaf exclaimed, while glancing at her watch and dragging the brunette by his ear, who was very unwilling to go back inside.

"Ouch! Leaf, it hurts!" He yelled in protest, holding her arm, in an attempt to get rid of her hold.

Drew commented, "They are such a unique pair of a couple!" With his eyes hoeing a glint of amusement, to which May giggled as she leaned onto his shoulder.

"We aren't so bad, ourselves, are we?" He joked.

"Of course, we aren't!"

The school had ended an hour ago, Ash and Dawn were seated in the student council room, doing the paperwork they had to. Those two were sitting on the chair, across the tables.

Ash leaned back on his chair, stretching his hands. He sighed, "How much more? It's more than an hour since we started the work!"

She replied, with her eyes on the paper on the table with a red pen in her right hand, "I never asked you for help, did I? I knew that the work was so much, that's why I don't wanted you to waste your time on this. You can keep the work, aside."

He sat back, up straight, continuing on his work with a profound energy. He grinned, "No! I can handle this! No need to worry!"

She sighed as she looked up at him, "Ash, you don't have to push yourself. You can rest, if you want. I won't mind."

"No. I wanna finish this, quick and take you out, somewhere!" He said as he started filling he papers with such great speed.

"Huh? Where?" She cocked her head to the side, with a confused expression. "Where do you want to take me?"

He grinned, "It's a surprise!"

She frowned as she pouted, slightly. "That's the thing I hate about you the most!"

He placed his arms on the table with his one palm resting under his chin. He said with admiration, "You know, you look so cute with that expression."

She blushed as she tucked some strands of her hair behind her ear, as she said, "T-thanks..." Ash couldn't help but stare at her and sigh, dreamily. Their eyes met and they found themselves, completely lost in it.

They were snapped out of their staring competition by the sliding of the door. They blushed as they turned their heads, to see the two junior boys standing in the doorway. One of them said, "We've completed our work."

"Yeah," the other one nodded.

Dawn shook off the blush from her face as she gave them a serious look. "Don't fight, again, alright?"

"We'll try not to," the first one shrugged.

"Good. You may go, now," she permitted as those boys nodded and went away. She turned to the bundle of papers, on the table as she sighed, "Let's finish this quick."

Ash nodded. "Yeah."

The two of them continued their work, trying to finish it, quickly. After what seemed like an hour, their work was completed.

"Finally!" Ash sprang up from his seat, in ecstasy as he pumped up his fist. He rushed to Dawn's side and started saying, "C'mon, c'mon! Let's go!"

She chuckled at his eagerness, "Ash. Let me at least keep these in the cupboard." She picked up the bundle of papers which were connected by a paperclip. She went to the cupboard as Ash opened the door and she placed them, neatly. She locked the cupboard and removed the keys.

"Now, can we go?" He asked, impatiently .

She nodded, "Yeah, yeah." They both exited the room, switched the lights off. After coming out, she locked the door, removing the keys and keeping it in her pocket.

They keys had to be kept with a responsible member of the Student Body Council . All the members had agreed that Dawn would be the one, taking care of it. She wanted Drew to be the one but he had denied. So, in the end, she was the one carrying it around.

Ash folded his hands behind his head, saying, "I'm so happy that our work is finally over!"

"Actually, I'm glad you were here with me...or else I would still be busy in that," she smiled at him as they both climbed down the stairs.

He flashed her a toothy smile and said, "It was my duty!" He glanced at the watch and exclaimed, "It's almost five! Wow, I didn't know that it was already sunset."

Dawn nodded. "Yeah, time sure flies."

By the time, they had already exited the school gate and were making their way to the parking lot. Ash had gone to bring his motorbike, while she waited for him to come back. in just a few minutes, he had brought the vehicle in front of her.

"No, no, no! I'm not going on this stupid bike with you as the driver! No way!" She shook her head with hands waving in front of her face, in complete denial.

He laughed as he climbed on the bike seat, starting the engine. "Actually, you'll have to! You don't have any other choice."

She frowned as she growled, "Why do you even bring this thing?!"

"To save our energy?" He replied, while checking the fuel. "Are you coming or not?" He raised an eyebrow, amused.

She stomped her feet, "Urgh! Fine!" She slowly, got on the seat, behind Ash, pulling her legs closer to each other. She placed the bag on her lap, holding it with the other arm, wrapped around his waist. "But, promise me that you won't speed up!"

"Yeah, yeah. I promise." Ash couldn't help but smile , triumphantly to himself. In the last, she had to listen to him!

"You wanted to bring me, here?" Dawn asked, with eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

"Yep! It's really been a long time since we last came, here," the raven-haired replied, switching off the engine and taking his keys. He went next to her and grabbed her hand, asking, "Let's go, shall we?"

She nodded, "Yeah."

They went and sat down under their Sakura tree, which was blooming with a number of cherry blossoms. It was in a large park, down the lake. There was no public since it was not a place, where many people came.

They had found it, almost unintentionally and since then, it had been their little place. They would visit it, whenever they felt like it.

Dawn sat down with her back, leaning on the broad trunk of that tree, with her legs folded under her. Ash quickly laid down on the ground with his head on her lap.

"It feels so nostalgic," the blunette whispered, closing her eyes as she ran a hand through the ebony hair.

He nodded, "Mm. Brings back sweet memories!" A warm breeze brushed past their cheeks, swaying their hair.

Just then, they both felt a vibration. Dawn quickly took out her mobile from the pocket of her skirt. She unlocked the password and saw it was text message from Drew. She felt a smile creeping on her face.

Ash looked at her, intently as he sighed, "Is that a text from your overprotective and nosy big brother?"

"Hey!" She lightly hit him on his head, scolding him. "He's not nosy! He's my good, big brother! Besides," she smirked. "you're the same with May, aren't you?"

He grinned, "Yeah! You could say that!"

She shook her head at him, as she clicked the text. It displayed:

Dawn, is your work done? Where are you? With Ash? If you are then, tell that dumbass to drop you home, immediately! It's getting late! ~ 5:28 p.m.

She couldn't help but smile, widely at his concern. The raven-haired saw her smiling, brightly and snatched her mobile from her hand. "Sorry, but I'd like to have that!"

She gasped, "Ash!"

"What, dumbass, huh? Oh, so this is how he speaks to you about me...lemme check the other messages, too!" He started scrolling up to read their conversations.

With a frown, the blunette snatched back her device from his hand, saying, "It's bad manners to read others' messages."

He jerked up from his place, sitting up straight, across her. He smirked, "You're not 'others', you know."

"Uh-huh," she shook her head at him, amusedly, focusing her eyes back on the screen.

He saw her smiling, to herself while typing something. He groaned, "Hey, c'mon! Concentrate on me rather than that dumb mobile!"

She sighed, "Okay, okay." She clicked button, putting it at sleep and kept it back in her pocket. She looked up to him and said, "Speak up."

"Mm, you remember our first meeting, right?" He asked, with a glint of mischief.

She nodded, "Yeah, of course. It was the most embarrassing moment of my entire life. How can I not remember that! Why are you asking, by the way?" She asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Nothing, just asking," he replied, casually. Just then, a petal of cherry blossom fell on her nose, causing her a bit of discomfort. When she was about to take it off, Ash said, abruptly, "Wait!"

She asked as he held her arm. "Why?"

"I'll take it off," he said, as he brought his hand to her nose, brushing off the petal from there. Just then, he held her nose, causing her eyes to widen, flabbergasted.

"Ash! Let go!"

He laughed as he still held it, lightly, "Haha... I'm sorry! But... no! I..I can't! It's just that, you look too cute with that expression! Hahaha!"

She glared at him, "Hey!"

"Okay, I'll let go but at one condition," he grinned, mischievously.

The blunette sighed, "Hurry up and say! I'm not able to breathe!"

"Liar. I'm not even holding that tight," he shook his head at her exaggeration as he continued. "Mm, the condition is that you'll have to say 'I'm much more stupid than Ash' and done. I'll free your nose."

Her jaw dropped, "No way! I'll never ever say that!"

"Really?" He asked as he tightened his hold on her nose, lightly.

She winced, "Ow, ow, ow! Alright, alright! I'll say!"

He loosened it, quickly, resisting the urge to chuckle at her actions. He said, "C'mon, say it. I'm waiting!"

"Fine," she heaved a deep breath. "I'm gonna say it, only once. So, make sure to listen, properly."

He nodded as he leaned closer to her, "Hm.. I'm listening."

"A-hem," she cleared her throat as she shut her eyes. "I'm saying...'I'm much..more..s-stupid than Ash.'"

"Excellent!" He exclaimed, still not letting go of her nose.

She said, "Ash? You said you'd leave my nose."

He shook his head, "Nope. I'm not letting it go."

"Hey! That's cheating!" She pouted.

He laughed before, finally releasing his hold but grabbing her hand. He brought her skinny hand to his cheek, leaning into her touch and closing his eyes, with great pleasure. "I'm so glad that you are finally my girlfriend."

"Oh, Ash..." She stared at him with half-lidded eyes, softly. "We've been in a relationship for almost six months now."

"I know but, I'm still not grateful enough," he said.

Suddenly, a thought occurred in the blunette's mind as she slowly, said, "Ash...I want you to make a promise..."

He opened his eyes as he stared at her, with a raised eyebrow. "Promise? What kind of promise?"

Dawn took a deep breath and said, "Promise me that you'll be with me, forever... Never leave me, alone."

He smiled as he leaned, closer to her face, bringing her hand to his lips and pressing a soft kiss. He stared into her sapphire eyes, lovingly. He said, as he released her hand, "...I don't know."

"Oh..w-what?!" She asked with eyes wide. "What did you say?!"

Ash laughed, "Of course! I'd agree on that one, stupid!" He hit her head, lightly.

She sighed a breath of relief. She brought her pinky up saying, "C'mon, promise me! Hurry up!"

He smiled at her as he brought up his pinky, and interwined it with hers. "I promise that I'll never leave your side."

Dawn couldn't contain the smile of ecstasy, edging on her face. Ash interlocked his fingers with hers and brought the back of her palm to his heart. And with that, he leaned closer to her face, bringing hip lips down to her, connecting them. She closed her eyes and kissed him, back.

It was their seal of promise.

They pulled reluctantly as he murmured, staring into her eyes, "I love you, Dawn."

"I love you, too, Ash," she whispered, smiling at him. And after a few minutes of gazing, he pulled her into a kiss, again, hoping that it would never end.

...But, neither of them knew what was waiting for them, ahead...

Hash, done! So...what did you think of this chapter? Was it enough?

Mm, this is just the first chapter and I know that it didn't have anything major but.. It's something which is necessary for the plot to process. Their promise holds a larger meaning than you actually think... Actually, the entire story depends on this promise! Hope you keep reading to know what it's future holds.

Also, this story is gonna contain all kinds of genre, actually. Like... Romance, drama, humour, tragedy and pain/comfort.

So, please do tell how you found this story, via review and PMs, of course! Be sure to leave one! ; )

Please, favourite, follow and review! Will be waiting for those!