Hi. I been listening to a song called 'The Long Goodbye' by Ronan Keating, and it's got me thinking about the scene in DP188 where Ash and Paul end their rivalry and say goodbye. This is in Ash's POV. Enjoy!

"Infernape is very strong," Paul stated. I couldn't believe my ears! Just a couple of hours ago Paul had said Infernape was as weak as when it was a Chimchar. But I replied calmly saying: "Infernape is doing very well Paul. But where will you be going now?"

"I'll be going to Snowpoint city to re-challenge Brandon," he said.

"So . . . you're leaving?" I was saddened. Needless to say, he nodded solemnly.

Just then, my eyes filled with tears and a song came into my head:

I know they say if you love somebody,

You should set them free. (So they say)

But it sure is hard to do

It sure is hard to do

And I know they say if they don't come back again

That it's meant to be. (So they say)

But those words ain't pulling me through

Cuz I'm already missing you

I spend each day here waiting for a miracle

But it's just you and me going through the mill. (Climbing up a hill)

This is the long goodbye

Somebody tell me why

Two ex-rivals though the love is right here

Just what kind of love keeps breaking a heart?

No matter how hard I try

You're gonna make me cry

Come on rival, it's over, let's face it

All that's happening here is a long goodbye

Sometimes I ask my heart did we really

Give our rage a chance (just one more chance)

And I know without a doubt

We turned it inside out

And if we walked away

Would make more sense (only self defense)

But it tears me up inside

Just to think we still could try

How long must we keep riding on this carousel?

Going round and round and never getting anywhere?

(On a wing and prayer)

This is the long goodbye

Somebody tell me why

Two ex-rivals though the love is right here

Just what kind of love keeps breaking a heart?

No matter how hard I try

You're gonna make me cry

Come on rival, it's over, let's face it

All that's happening here is a long goodbye

This is the long goodbye

Somebody tell me why

Two ex-rivals though the love is right here

Just what kind of love keeps breaking a heart?

No matter how hard I try

You're gonna make me cry

Come on rival, it's over, let's face it

All that's happening here is a long goodbye

Are you ever coming back again?

Are you ever coming back again?

Are you ever coming back again?

"I might."

I suddenly came to my senses and realized I'd sung that song out loud. Oh well.

"In the meantime Paul, I'm sure gonna miss you . . ."

My eyes were filled with unshed tears, though they weren't unshed for long. I just stood there crying, waiting for Paul to call me pathetic.

Surprisingly, he didn't. Instead, he came up and pulled me into an embrace. I didn't pull back like I thought I would. It felt . . . safe. And . . . comforting. Slowly, I wrapped my own arms around him and blushed deeply, him doing the same.

After a few minutes, we parted.

"Goodbye Paul."

"Goodbye Ash."