Leaves crumbled under the feet of Cerulean’s gym leader as she trudged through Viridian Forest. The last time she walked these woods she wore her short hair in a side ponytail, while wearing short denim jeans and a yellow halter top with red suspenders running over her shoulders.

Now her hair was down, letting the ends kick up to frame her face, a pale blue tank top, short denim jeans and a slightly darker jacket replaced what she once wore.
So much has changed. Misty thought as she looked around. Sometimes change scares me. To make sure not all her old life was gone, Misty hugged the Official Pokémon League cap Ash had given to her before he left for Hoenn. I miss you.

As the water Pokémon trainer wandered through the woods her mind started drifting, to memories of the boy that changed everything.

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“You and I will be married someday too,” Misty said while looking at Brock as he struggled to shake off Temacu. Hoping the day would come sooner, Misty squeezed Togepi. Time seemed to move too slowly.

Half hearing what Misty said, Ash nodded. “Hmm…”  Quickly the words became clear to the young trainer, who jumped in surprise. “Wha!”

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If only he knew how serious I was. Snapping out of the past Misty held the cap tightly against her body as she started running through the woods. Running from the past, well she was trying to. At the same time Misty never wanted to stop thinking about the past. More confused than ever, Misty ran faster. Regret, jealously, rage and hope. Hit her in a landslide, forcing her to the ground. The gym leader slumped over in defeat. Unaware of the small electric mouse in front of her.

“Pika!” Hearing the familiar voice Misty’s gaze shot up to meet that of a Pikachu, Ash’s Pikachu!

“What is it buddy?” Ash asked while looking at the clearing in front of him.
His voice is so… different. Ash’s voice now sounded deep and rich, easily carried by the wind whipping around the clearing. Misty stared at the back of him, blown away by the transformation.

“Pikachu, Pi! Pika, Pikachu!” Pikachu said frantically.

“What happened to Bayleaf? You’re talking too fast buddy,” Ash chuckled without shifting his gaze. Misty looked down as heat ran across her checks.

If his voice alone has this effect on me, how will I react to actually seeing him?

“Pikachu, Pi!” Pikachu cried out while pulling at Ash’s jeans. Shrugging Ash turned around.

Misty gasped at her best friend. He had another Official League cap over his overgrown black hair, his old blue jacket was replaced by a red and white one that covered a black shirt, he wore pale blue jeans that ran down to his ankles. Ash’s face had changed to show off a deadly smile and wider set eyes.

Ash moved a lock of hair out of his eyes, he froze seeing the familiar red head sitting on the forest floor. Her eyes reminded Ash of the rolling waves that Misty loved. Ash felt his heart beat harder the longer he looked at her. You’re certainly not the small little red head anymore, that’s for sure. You’re a woman.

“Oh, hey Misty,” Ash said in what he hoped to be a casual voice as butterflies fluttered inside of him. Misty stood up slowly while keeping the cap close to her.

“Ash?” Misty took a small step toward the trainer. Ash nodded and pulled a small pink hankie with a red sun and yellow rays on it.  Why is he bringing that out? Does he understand why I gave it to him? For some reason I doubt it. He’s too dense for that.

“I think you forgot something,” Ash said holding the hankie out. Misty felt her heart drop. She knew it was too good to be true.

“I guess so.” Misty reached for the hankie, jumping when Ash pulled it out of her grasp.

“Did you really think I was just going to hand it over? It…really means a lot to me.” Ash held the hankie behind him. Frustrated Misty lurched toward the trainer, reaching for her gift to him. Smiling, Ash put himself between Misty and her gift, causing Misty to run into his taut chest.

Smiling Ash wrapped his arms around her, causing Misty to blush again.

“It’s been a while, huh?” Ash asked the struggling Misty. “I really missed you.” At that moment Misty stopped struggling.

“Oh really?” Ash cringed; he knew what Misty was hinting at.

“I’m sorry, for not calling or visiting you. My life just kept moving after you left.” Misty frowned in thought at Ash’s words. “Do you remember when you got your bike back?” Misty nodded against Ash’s shoulder. “I knew that moment after the phone call with your sisters that you’d have to leave .I remember you always used to talk about the fact that you were only following me about your bike, so-”

“Let’s get something straight here!” Placing her hands on Ash’s shoulders she pushed away from the trainer. “I didn't just follow you for the bike. If that was the only reason I would've looked really silly.” Noting Ash’s confused expression, Misty continued. “At first it was just about my bike, but after seeing how much you cared for your Pokémon I saw that I could learn from you, next thing I knew I was falling for you.” Misty ended quietly.

“How long were you travelling with me before that started?” Ash asked, hoping that she hadn't been waiting for too long.

“A few months,” Misty said carelessly.

“A few months!” Ash stopped and looked at the ground as a sinking feeling inside of him started to spread. “How long have you, you know, been waiting.” Ash looked up at Misty, Misty looked at the ground as she tried to put a timeline in her head.

“Around ten years.” Misty felt something sink as she saw Ash’s expression change to pain. Flustered Misty said the first thing that came to mind. “I did date other guys in that time, one even proposed.”

In an instant Ash forgot about what Misty had said before. His eyes directly met Misty’s. “What! Who was it? Where do they live? Did you like him?” Ash started walking around the clearing while muttering things to himself. Confused, Misty giggled.

He’s so cute when his all jealous. Misty looked up again to see Ash’s eyes were filled with a fire that Misty knew would only get bigger once she mentioned who. “Gary Oak proposed.” Taking a step back Misty saw Ash curl his hands into fists. “I said no, I didn't feel anything for the guy,” Misty said quickly. “I’m pretty sure you know where he lives,” she added quietly. Ash nodded before turning toward Pallet Town. Panicking Misty grabbed Ash’s arm. “Forget it, Ash. He hasn't come anywhere near Cerulean since I turned him down.”

“Gary has always been one step ahead of me, been better, and got everything he ever wanted. He could've taken you away from me.” Ash ended in a sad tone. Misty stared at the trainer for a few moments, not sure how to react. “I thought about staying at the Gym with you at one stage, but I knew if I was going to become a Pokémon master I had to keep travelling.” Ash looked up at the sky and smiled. “Even though I didn't know it as a kid, I've always seen you as more than a friend. I know someone that was more than a friend would interrogate my opposition in front of a huge crowd, because they thought my opposition had done something to stop me from attending our battle.”

“I didn't want you to miss the match because your Richie didn't have the guts to face you.” Misty said with a giggle. Suddenly remembering the cap Misty held and the one on Ash’s head, Misty tilted her head to the side. “Where did you get another one of those caps?”

Ash spun around to look at Misty. “I got it from Kanto Pokémon league officials. Didn't you hear the news? I’m the Pokémon master of the Kanto region.” Misty jumped as joy shot through her frame. Quickly the joy took control of her limbs, carrying her into Ash’s arms.

“That’s great, Ash!” Misty said while squeezing the trainer. Ash lightly tilted Misty’s head up so he could look into her eyes.

“I came down here to ask you to join me.” Confused Misty pulled away. Chuckling Ash continued. “Give me a second.” Ash got down on one knee and started untying the knot in Misty’s handkerchief.

“I know we haven’t spoken in a long time, and a lot’s changed, but I still feel like we were never apart.” Misty looked at Ash with a confused look on her face. “You always tried helping me, most of the time I never listened because I thought I knew everything, plus doing the opposite of what you said annoyed you,” Ash said with a chuckle. Misty glared at Ash which made him smile.

“Get to the point, Ash. I don’t know what you’re getting at here, and it’s really bugging me. And why are you down on one knee. It’s not like we’re getting engaged or anything.”Ash froze after hearing Misty’s last words. Shaking of off, Ash smiled while pulling the handkerchief off a gold ring with two small blue diamond’s framing a large white one.

Misty jumped away from Ash and placed a shaking hand over her mouth.

“Funny you mention that.” Ash paused. She doesn't look happy to see the ring. Maybe I should have waited. I guess it’s too late to turn back now. “Misty Waterflower, will you marry me?” Ash held the ring between shaky hands, expecting rejection.

Misty pinched herself and squeezed her eyes shut. This has to be a dream. There’s no way the real Ash would propose. Misty opened her eyes to see Ash still down on one knee holding the ring out in front of him. Misty felt tears of joy forming as she nodded while holding out a shaky hand.

Ash froze in shock, almost going to pinch himself to make sure this wasn't his dream. She said yes? This can’t be reality, can it? Shyly Ash slipped the ring onto her finger.

Misty looked at the diamonds sparkling on her finger, the picture was soon blurred by her tears. This has to be the best day of my life so far. Without a doubt beats all those years I spent at the gym. Not wanting to ruin the moment for herself, Misty erased all thoughts of the gym from her mind.

Both felt like they were walking on air, as they shakily got on their feet. Auburn met turquoise quickly before both looked in opposite directions and blushed. Misty smiled remembering how many times that happened during their journey. “Just like old times, huh?” Misty said while glancing at Ash, who was doing the same.

“Yeah,” Ash said quietly. Shyly Ash wrapped his arms around Misty. Misty happily swung her arms around Ash’s shoulders. “So who do you want to tell first?” Misty paused in thought. Someone important to both of us.

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“Hello Mrs. Ketchum.” Misty said with a friendly wave. Delia looked up from her garden to see a red haired woman walking through her gate.

“Who might you be?” Delia took off her gloves and motioned Mr. Mime over to her. Misty smiled while moving a lock of red hair away from her eyes “It’s me, Misty.” Delia’s eyes bulged as she looked over the water Pokémon trainer again.

“Of course you are! My, you’ve grown a lot haven’t you?” Misty looked down at herself and giggled.

“I guess I have changed a lot since I last came here.” Delia nodded while patting Mr. Mime on the head. “So, how have you been?”

“I’ve been great. It’s even better when Ash stops by.” Delia went back to her gardening to hide the smirk forming on her face.

Misty paused considering the fact that Ash may be in town. Deciding it was worth a shot Misty asked if Ash was around. Delia shook her head. Misty’s looked at the ground as her heart dropped. Delia turned away from her gardening to place a reassuring hand on Misty’s shoulder.

“I hope he opens his eyes soon.” Misty looked up confused. “Something similar happened to me and Ash’s farther.

“Oh, I’m not-”

“I’d know that look on any woman’s face from a mile away.” Misty opened and closed her mouth a few times, but no words came out. Defeated Misty looked at the ground. “One thing I know is my son’s one lucky trainer.”

“Thanks Mrs. Ketchum.” Misty smiled. “Would you like some help with your gardening?”

“Yes please.” Misty got down on the ground and looked at the variety of plants in Delia’s garden. “Would you like to stay for dinner?” Delia asked suddenly. Misty nodded. “There’s one condition though.” Misty looked over at Ash’s mother suspiciously. “You have to tell me the moment you two get engaged.” Looking at the plants Misty nodded, trying to hide the fact she was blushing.

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“Your mother,” Misty said with confidence in her voice. Ash looked down at Misty, completely confused by what she said. “I made her a promise.”

Shrugging Ash lead Misty to Pallet Town.

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“I still remember when you forgot about the bike, but Brock reminded you after my victory at the Cinnabar gym,” Ash chuckled.

“Yeah, and I was still following you.” Misty jokingly shook her head at her younger self.

“I know,” Ash smirked. Misty pushed Ash playfully as they approached Pallet Town. Ash took in the town as it came into sight. This was where he had started his journey, now he was returning as champion of this very region. I wonder how much has changed around town. I doubt the local radio station has retired. Ash smiled remembering the elderly lady that made all the towns announcements. One time she was told by Professor Oak to keep something quiet, but she proved to be untrustworthy.

As the couple inched closer to town, Ash caught sight of his house. I was so desperate to get out of there as a kid. I’d just grab my bag and go without a single word to mom. Mom. I wonder how she’s going.

Misty stopped Ash in front of his mother’s house. Ash looked up at the house, his shoulders crept up to his ears nervously. “It’s been awhile, I wonder if she’ll recognize me.”

“Of course she will! She’s your mother.” Nodding Ash knocked on the door, the sound that once annoyed him now filled him with joy.

The door swung open seconds later Delia looked at the man in front of her door for a moment before swinging her arms around him.“Oh, Ash. It’s so good to see you again.” Without hesitation Ash hugged her back.

“Long time no see, huh?” Ash asked. Pulling away Delia nodded, and gestured Ash inside. After Ash walked in Delia noticed Misty behind him. “Hello, Misty. What brings you here?” Misty grinned.

“I made you a promise, remember?” Misty whispered while holding up her hand, feeling joy well up inside her once more. Delia squealed in delight as she hugged Misty.

“I knew he’d come to his senses,” Delia whispered back. Overhearing the conversation Ash turned around, far from impressed.

“Hey! I heard that!” Delia grinned at her son, patting his check as she walked past him.

“Good.”

Running over exposed and twisted tree roots. People would think I'm crazy, if they didn't know what I was running from. Is he still behind me? I don't know. I don't really want to check. If I trip he'll catch me. Than what? I'm guessing he'll gag me with chloroform again, tie me up and… I can't remember what he did next, and I don't want to find out.

It's hard to believe this is meant to be Viridian Forest. It used to be filled with trees and Pokémon, bug Pokémon. I hate bug Pokémon, but right now I would love to see one, at least.

When will I be able to stop running? I feel like I've been doing it for hours. Why would someone chase me that long? On second thoughts this guy I crazy and I'm Cerulean City's gym leader. Unless he wants something from my sisters.

I can't do this for much longer; my legs feel like lead lumps. I hope can get a break from dancing around tree roots ahead, if these trees don't get me the fog ahead will, it's too thick to see anything. Being chased by a mad man and Mother Nature is doing everything it can to slow me down. Typical luck.

"Come to me, Misty." Panic shot through me. Who was that, and what did the voice want from me? I forgot about the tree roots by my feet and focused on looking around for the source of the voice. Since I'd been dancing around tree roots for so long I should be able to while I have a look around.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah." My body landed on some more tree roots with a bunch of crunches. My head was surrounded by them, my legs were tangled in them and my arms, well I can't really feel my arms at the moment. That voice, it's going to pay for distracting me.

Painfully I sat up and had a look at my injuries, I cringed as I saw all the blood on my arms and legs. This was going to slow me down. Not good. I didn't know where my injuries were, there's too much blood. But I know I have to keep moving, somehow.

"Come to me, Daughter of the Sea." Not that voice again! Hang on, what does she mean by Daughter of the Sea I don't like any of this, nor do I understand it.

"Help, someone please help!" Unfortunately my words were torn out of my mouth and crushed before anyone had a chance to hear it. I wanted to cry, yet I know I can't despite my injuries and how lost I feel. I was once told that everything happens for a reason, I fail to see the reason behind this.

Using the trees I kept moving. I was too determined to let this beat me. Thanks to Ash I've learnt that determination is extremely powerful. I miss him. I can't remember when I saw him last, one maybe two years. I don't know anymore. Unfortunately now isn't the time to start reminiscing. I have to get out of here.

"Hello Misty." I felt a chill run up my spine; it's that same voice from before. Quickly I grabbed my bag and started swinging it around, but it only cut through the fog. I pulled the bag to my chest, squeezing it tightly.

I jumped when I saw a light coming toward me. I wasn't sure what to do. Run and never find out, or wait and hope it's someone here to rescue me. I want to run but my feet disobey me, as if some mystical force was holding me in place.

"Hello Misty. We meet at last." My eyes meet a tall lady with long flowing black hair, contrasted by pale skin and ice blue eyes. The dress she wore was white with long sleeves and tendrils of fabric floating around her. "It's an honour to meet you, Daughter of the Sea." The lady extended a long elegant hand in my direction. I quickly took a step back. I didn't know if I could trust this lady.

My eyes scanned the area desperately, and found my eyes drawn to the light next to the lady. It had four glass panels that had vines engraved on each piece. Each panel was separated by exposed metal, which meet at the top and intertwined.

I tried to say no but I was being drawn toward the light, I could hear it calling to be, asking for my help. Help with what?

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"Misty, wake up!" I jolted upright, the harsh light blinding me. After my eyes cleared I looked around, completely confused. Grass, Pokémon and Ash. Was I going mad? Maybe it was the light, playing with my head. "Come one Misty. We found a way to get outta here."

My eye's meet Ash's auburn ones. Stuck between dream and reality I struggled to my feet as if the injuries were still hampering my efforts to move. I never took my eyes off Ash. I wanted to make sure he was really here. My gaze followed the young trainer as he walked toward a little light, showing it off to me. He acting as if it's impressive, but for me it's a nightmare. It was exactly the same light I saw earlier! Well I think it was earlier, was it? I'm really not sure. Maybe it was here to zap me into another reality. Maybe not. There was one thing I knew, I wasn't going anywhere near that light again.

Fanfiction for: Cars
Rating: K+
Genre: Hurt/Comfort

Prologue

The old car couched and spluttered as he opened his eyes. Light barely touched his room through the windows but the town of radiator springs could be seen clearly.
He shifted uncomfortably. Everything felt locked up, and his engine felt like it wasn't his own.

Looking around the darkened room the car tried to get a sense of his surroundings. The walls were covered in posters that had pictures of a Hudson Hornet on it. The floor was made out of wood that shone wherever the sunlight touched. A little table sat at the front of the room with a newspaper on it.

With another glance around the room the car went to move, freezing when the door opened to reveal a Mercury Police Cruiser followed by a 1957 Chrysler Dart and a Tow Truck. Quickly the disorientated car closed his eyes, hoping the other cars would leave soon.

The police car looked at the car in front of him. "Hey, Doc." He whispered as he looked up at his old friend. A sense of loneliness washed over the veteran police car. Doc had been one of his closest friends for a long time. Now all that was left were memories. While it pained him the police car knew everything happened for a reason, and that everyone had to go one day.

"Just came by to say that we all miss you." The Chrysler Dart added. "Lightning is a little broken up today… I still can't believe it's been five years since you left us." She looked up at Doc's still body. It didn't seem that long ago since he was yelling at his rookie to go around the track faster or to get to training on time. At the time it annoyed the Radiator Springs residents, but now the Chrysler would do anything for it to happen again.

"McQueen's now known as the Bestest Race Car in the Whole Wide World." The Tow Truck said with a sad smile. "You'd be real proud of him, that's for sure." The Tow Truck adjusted his hook, remembering the times Doc had sent him to fetch McQueen because training had gone wrong. The rookie race car had a knack for driving into the closest cactus. Which annoyed Doc.

"Who are you talking about?" Doc asked in a small voice, just daring to open his eyes. He wanted to curl up into a tiny ball, go unnoticed until these cars left, but he had gathered they were talking to him. It made Doc feel ill at ease. However another part of him was too stubborn to show any weakness to these people.

The other cars looked at him stunned for a few moments before driving out of the building faster than Mater running from the Ghost Light.

"Who am I?" Doc added before letting the darkness invade his vision,

The only sound that could be heard was small footsteps crushing leaves. Graves lined paths and chilled the air. Flowers wilted in front of the graves, as they waited to be taken away. Were they left there by a grieving family? Or someone wanting to say their final goodbye? Piper didn't know, in fact she didn't really care, there was only one thing that mattered to her at the moment as she moved through the rows of shaped stone.
"Where was it again?" As she paused to look around her hands grew tighter on the bunch of flowers in her hands. Was he next to his parents? Or wherever he fit?

"Need some help?" Piper spun around to see an elderly man in denim overalls, a toothy grin and a thin ring of grey hair around his head. "Who ya lookin' for darl?" Piper stared at the man for a few seconds before opening her mouth and closing it again. The old man raised a brow at her, swallowing hard Piper thought of what to say to the man.

"I-I'm looking for a-an old friend." Quickly Piper spun around on her heal and started walking in the other direction. Her teeth clamped her tongue in an attempt to prevent herself from crying in front of a stranger. Her shoulders moved toward her ears as she felt the man's gaze following her, watching every step she took as if he were expecting something, or trying to work out what she was doing.

"Hang on! I know you, your that lass that hooked up with the last Nightwing!" Piper froze as memories of Aerrow ran through her mind like a bulldozer after a moving red skimmer. Biting her tongue harder Piper forced her eyes shut, willing away the tears. Without turning Piper nodded sorrow quickly turned to surprise as the old man grabbed Piper's arm and started pulling her along. "Didn't recognise ya at first, outfit threw me off." Piper looked down at her arms, they were covered in a thin black fabric which ran up to her neck, supporting it lightly. The fabric fell over her shoulders to run along the ground. Her hair, worn long blended in with the dark colours of the gown.

"Do you know where he is?" Piper asked in a small voice. She snarled at the old mans back as he laughed at her question.

"Yep, I clean his grave daily. I figure since he sacrificed everything for us he deserves a lil respect." Piper nodded, afraid to speak because of the sorrow welling up in her throat. "Yep, the kid gave his own life to save the entire Atmos. That takes guts. That kid has my respect."

"It's a pity that people don't get respect until their dead." The man stopped and looked over his shoulder, it took him one second to work out he had said the wrong thing.
"Sorry lass, I can get a lil carried away." He paused waiting for Piper to raise her head or show some other sign that would've told him she was listening. "There's just one thing you have to remember," now Piper looked up her eyes filled with tears "when someone does they live on, in the hearts of those close to them."

"What happens when those people die?" The man stood shocked looking at the former Storm Hawk, unable to believe she was the person he had heard about. Without making another sound he pointed to a grave with the words In loving memory of Aerrow Nightwing written in bold across the top. Piper waited as the worker walked away, as he walked out of earshot Piper fell to her knees. The flowers she was holding were rubbed into the dirt, rocks cut away at the skin on her hands as tears were streaming down her face.

"Why, Aerrow? Why did you have to put your life before the life of the entire Atmos?" As the words stumbled out of Piper's mouth she realised Aerrow would never forgive himself if he let the Atmos fall. He wanted to finish what his father started. "But why Aerrow? What about someone that didn't value life and wanted theirs to end?"

"Piper?"

"Oh great," Piper huffed "now I can hear his voice in my head. I never thought I'd go mad, but I've been wrong before."

"Piper? Piper? Piper!" Piper scratched at the head trying to stop the voice from playing over in her mind. The pauses were long enough to fool Piper into thinking it had stopped. Piper looked up at the sky as thunder clouds continued to roll over.

"Well I hope your happy now universe, you've almost taken everything from me." Piper placed a hand on her stomach.

"Piper?" Shaking her head Piper tried to ignore the growing urgency in the voice.
"Because of you this child will grow up without a farther!" Pausing for a moment Piper tried to catch her breath, yet it seemed impossible with so much weighing her down, crushing her.

"Piper!" Piper picked up a hand full of stones in each hand letting the sharp corners dig into her skin.

"Or are you going to take my child to? Are you going to try to take away the last thing Aerrow's left behind!" Piper threw the stones on the ground letting them scatter like leaves. "Or are you satisfied with what you already have?"
"Piper!"

"Oh, I get it! You're going to drive me insane so the child gets taken off me. Thank you universe for turning my life into a living-"

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"Piper!" Arms and tears flew as Piper sat up, pushing at everything around her. "Piper, are you ok?" Piper looked around, unable to say anything. She looked over at Aerrow finding it hard to believe he was with her, slowly Piper reached out touching his check lightly.

"A-Aerrow?" Slowly Aerrow grabbed Piper's hands and rubbed small comforting circles on the back of her hands. After taking a few calming breaths Piper looked around again, this time she was able to calculate where she was and why Aerrow was next to her. Piper looked the floor away from Aerrow as heat ran across her checks.

"Piper, what happened?" Topaz met emerald and held. Aerrow nodded, while it looked like a nod Piper knew different. It was a sign of support, caring, understanding and leadership. Piper allowed her nerves to clam a bit more knowing that explaining what happened in her dream would cause her to get all wound up again.

"It was just a nightmare." Aerrow raised an eyebrow at the young navigator, Piper sighed knowing she wasn't going to be able to escape with just that. "Ok, well, at the start I was walking through a graveyard. I'm not sure where it was, it didn't seem familiar. I was dressed in a black cloth that I passed off as a dress and I had a bunch of flowers in my hands." Aerrow cringed as memories flooded his mind. He knew where Piper was talking about, his only been there once but once was enough. The location of his parent's bodies, that knowledge was always there, reminding him of what he was fighting for. How was he so sure it was the same place? Aerrow had the same dream except in his Piper was dead.
"There was an old man, he complimented you on your bravery. There was just one problem with him-"

"He didn't know when to stop talking." Piper looked up at Aerrow completely confused as they finished his sentence together. Aerrow smiled lightly knowing they were in this together, they were going to get past this nightmare, as one.

"You sacrificed yourself to save Atmos," Aerrow said, regret was clear in his voice. Piper stroked his check; Piper's soft touch was enough to convince Aerrow everything was going to be alright.

"And I could hear your voice, it was calling to me." Aerrow's hand covered hers, squeezing lightly. Piper shifted so she was seated next to Aerrow they looked into each other's eyes, knowing that no more words had to be said.

"I love you, Piper." Aerrow lowered his head letting their hair mix, their foreheads met lightly, eyes staying locked.

"I love you to, Aerrow." Piper angled her head letting their lips touch lightly. Right now the nightmare didn't matter, only the moment and the fact that both were alive and well.

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"Aerrow? Oh come on, Aerrow we need you." Finn hugged his side trying to stop the bleeding. He looked over at Junko, the wallops body was limp and very pale but there was a burning determination in the wallops eyes. Stork was perched on a rock, x-ray peepers held to his eyes cringing as the merbs injuries gnawed away at him. Jet was nowhere to be seen, Finn didn't know if he had made a lucky escape or he was turned into ash by the explosion. Finn looked up at Stork, crystals piled up at his side.

"Good thing Stork knew how to use Piper's crystals." Finn jumped at Junko's soft voice. The injuries had clearly weakened the wallop, yet without medical attention he would only get worse.

"Yeah, but I don't know how to heal." Stork said flatly.

"Stork, buddy. Why so sad? You saved us?" Stork looked down at the sharpshooter. The look in the carrier pilots eyes told Finn everything he needed to know. "Well you've done your part now Aerrow needs to do his." Finn reached for the radio again cringing again as his injury shot pain through him, this caused him to stumble and fall next to the radio. The sound of laboured breathing was picked up by the microphone and sent it to an abandoned earpiece on Terra Nerverlandis.