Here it is, the last chapter of Hearts of Fiery Red Steel! There is an Omake (more like deleted scene) at the end!

Chapter-8: They Shall Meet Again

The next day, Ash and Zoey walked out of the Pokémon Center, after getting their Pokémon back from Nurse Joy. The two saw Brock, Dawn and her Piplup and Ash's Pikachu coming up from behind them. As they walked towards two separate paths, Ash and his friends turned around to see Zoey facing the other direction.

"These last few days had been crazy," Zoey said, "at least we manage to take down a ruthless criminal off the streets."

Brock smiled, "I'm just glad you and Ash were alright."

Dawn smiled as well, "You two had me worried!"

Ash blushed, before his smile disappeared slightly, "So, are you heading back to Snowpoint City?"

Zoey nodded, "Yeah, Miss Senior was going crazy, wondering where I was."

"You better not keep her waiting any longer or she might go nuts!" Ash joked.

Zoey smiled sadly, she was hoping to spend a little more time with Ash. Nevertheless, she knew Candice was waiting for her back home. The entire city was celebrating Zoey's victory at the Grand Festival at Lake Valor. Since last night, she and Ash became one. She wanted to stay with Ash, to be with Ash.

"Are you alright, Zoey?" Ash asked the Top Coordinator.

Zoey shook her head, "It's nothing, Ash. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, you can tell me."

"After the Sinnoh League, will we see other again? Before leaving the Sinnoh Region?"

Ash smiled, giving her a thumb's up, "Of course we will! We will see each other after the Conference! Promise!"

Zoey smiled at his response, "Promise!"

After they all bid farewell, they all went their separate ways. Ash looked back as he saw Zoey disappear over the horizon. Ash sighed as he turned around to face his friends. Dawn came up to him and lightly hit him on the shoulder.

"Cheer up, Ash!" Dawn said, "You'll see Zoey again soon!"

Ash smiled at her as Pikachu climbed on his shoulder.

"I sure hope so, Dawn," Ash replied.

"Pika!" Pikachu agreed.

Ash watched as Dawn adjusted her green scarf around. Ash looked at her, wondering where she got that scarf. He shook it off as the three heroes continued towards the Gym.

As they headed towards the Sunyshore Gym, Ash cannot stop thinking about Zoey. The two never did say those three words...

...I love you.

But, maybe they did. Their smiles during their lovemaking sessions speak for themselves. Ash lifted his hand towards his heart. When he meets Zoey again, he will tell her himself.

'I love you, Zoey.'

Zoey mirrored Ash's gesture, placing her hand where her heart is. She was thinking those exact words.

'I love you, Ash Ketchum.'

THE END

Chapter-8.5: Omake: Dawn's Scarf

Ash and Brock looked at Dawn as she walked ahead of them. The two noticed something was not right about Dawn. She looked okay...but what was the problem.

"Say, Dawn," Ash said, breaking the silence.

"What is it, Ash?" Dawn responds.

"Are you upset about me being with Zoey?"

Dawn shook her head, "No, I knew you and Zoey were meant to be. Ever since the Jubilife Contest in Jubilife City."

Ash scratched his head, "I remember that, but I don't think Zoey was interested in me then."

"Really, I thought it happened there..." Dawn pouted.

Ash laughed as he looked at Dawn, that's when it hit him.

"Dawn? Why are you wearing that green scarf?" Ash wondered.

Dawn's eyes widen as he said that. Brock stopped and looked at Dawn. Ash was right; Dawn was wearing a green scarf.

"I...bought it myself!" she lied.

"When did you buy it?" Brock asked.

"Last week?"

Ash grinned, "Nice try, Dawn. We all saw you wearing your pink scarf until yesterday. If you said that you bought the scarf last week, why wait until now?"

Dawn lowered her head in shame, "Guess I can't fool you guys, huh?"

The two males nodded.

Dawn sighed, "You're right, Ash. It's not mine...its Barry's."

Ash, Pikachu, Piplup and Brock's eyes widen in complete surprise. They had no idea she and Barry were in a relationship together.

Speaking of Barry, the hyperactive boy ran around Sunyshore City, wearing Dawn's pink scarf. He was trying to find Dawn and his green scarf.

He was going to fine her big time if something happens to his scarf...

...after all, he did lose the bet to Dawn!

END Thank you for reading!

After going over the poll, looks like Flannery is the winner! She'll light up Ash's life in my AshxFlannery fic: 'Burning Hot Passion!'

See you all next time!