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Description
Lilycove city shone like a gem amidst a sea of darkness. Night had fallen on the seaside metropolis and yet it's energy refused to go away. Light from countless highrises and streetlamps bathed the city in an unearthly glow that gave the illusion of sunlight while the harbor was alive with the lights of numerous ships docked for the night. The lights created a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere to the city that seemed to give it a life of it's own.

However, in contrast to the brightly lit city and harbor the beach that formed the eastern border of the city was surprisingly quiet and dark. Most vacationers had gone into the city for the night leaving the beautiful sandy beach nearly deserted save for a pair of Pokemon running through the shallows.

Ghost the Umbreon breathed heavily as he tried to keep up with the barely visible Linoone ahead of him, the yellow markings on his body glowing brightly in the moonlight as his powerful hind leg's propelled him forward through the surf. Ahead of him the Linoone stopped for a second and turned to look back at Ghost.

"(Come on Ghost, you better hurry up if you want to catch me.)" The Linoone said in a teasing feminine voice. Ghost just rolled his eyes in mock annoyance as he put on a burst of speed. The Linoone was Ghost's girlfriend Lin and at the moment she was playing hard to get both literally and figuratively.

The two of them had been having a quiet date on the beach when Lin had decided to have a little fun with her boyfriend by challenging him to a race. Ghost hadn't been in the mood but when Lin had pecked him on the cheek and taken off down the beach he hadn't been able to resist.
That had been five minutes previously and Ghost was starting to get tired. It wasn't like he was out of shape, it was just that Lin was significantly faster and her species was renowned for being able to move through water with ease. Something Umbreon's were not exactly renowned for.

As Lin started to gain even more distance on him Ghost had a sudden thought. Using his last reserves of strength he put on a burst of speed. Lin heard him gaining ground and looked back. She was already going slow for him and was considering putting on a little more speed when suddenly he disappeared into the darkness.

Lin immediately stopped in her tracks thinking that Ghost had fallen. But before she could run to where he had been Ghost suddenly appeared behind her and playfully tackled her to the ground. He had won thanks to a perfectly executed faint attack. However, Lin seemed less than amused as she looked up at her boyfriend standing over her.

"(Hey, that was cheating.)" Lin said in mock annoyance. Ghost just smiled and leaned down so their noses were only inches apart. "(Well you never said I couldn't use an attack. You should have been more clear on the rules. Now about my prize.)" Ghost said while leaning in closer to give Lin a kiss.

However, Lin wasn't going to let him have his prize so easily. Just as his lips were about to connect with hers Lin wrapped her back legs around Ghost's midsection and flipped him onto his back in the shallows. Ghost looked up into Lin's beautiful blue eyes as she leaned down. "(That was for cheating in the race Ghost.)" She continued to stare into his eyes for another second before suddenly kissing him full on the mouth. Ghost was a little surprised but quickly got over it and fell into the kiss.

After a minute they broke the kiss as Ghost gave her a quizzical look. "(And what was that for?)" Lin smiled while running a paw across his chest. "(For being the sweetest most lovable Pokemon a girl could ask for.)"

Without another word they both fell back into the passionate brace of the other as the cool water flowed around their warm bodies, never wanting the moment to end.

...

Two hours later Ghost and Lin were laying side by side farther back from the surf, letting the cool night air dry their bodies off.

As the two of them stared up at the night sky Lin let out a sigh of content. "(Oh Ghost. It's such a beautiful night isn't it? With the stars shining so brightly and the full moon shining off the ocean.)" She said with a dreamy look in her eye. Ghost nodded his head in agreement as he continued to stare up at the sky. "(Breathtaking. I can't think of any place I'd rather spend my last night in the Hoenn region. Or any Pokemon I would rather spend it with.)"

Lin frowned and didn't say a word as she thought about what Ghost had just said. She had known all day that this was to be his last day in the Hoenn region and although she had tried her best to avoid the subject she also knew that it was bound to come up at some point.

Ghost's trainer was currently a fugitive on the run and had taken shelter in the Hoenn region. However, after several run in's with bounty hunters in the region, including one occasion that had resulted in Ghost and Lin meeting and falling for each other, Sam had decided it would be safer to return to the region where he had committed the crime, Sinnoh. After all the last place anyone would expect him to go would be back to the region where he was wanted.

However, being on the run necessitated that Sam had to avoid Pokemon centers and as a result he was stuck with the six Pokemon he had with him when he committed the crime. Therefore Ghost had chosen to stay with his trainer rather than stay in Hoenn with Lin. Sam and his Pokemon were Ghost's family and when push came to shove Lin knew he wouldn't abandon them for anything in the world. Unfortunately that meant leaving her for a time.

That thought had been at the back of her mind the entire night. Ghost was leaving her to go with his trainer. True his trainer was in a lot of danger and Ghost obviously felt compelled to protect him but...doubts about Ghost still managed to enter her mind. It almost felt like he was betraying her for his master. Lin knew that wasn't the case but the thought continued to linger in her mind like a cancer she couldn't remove.

By this time Ghost had taken note of Lin's silence and turned his head to look at her. "(Lin? Is everything alright?)" Lin didn't respond for a second before slowly nodding her head. "(Yeah I'm fine I just...)" She trailed off.

Ghost knew her well enough to know what was really bothering her. They had both tried their hardest to avoid the subject of his leaving but Ghost had known it would come up sooner or later. He decided to just come out and talk to her about it. Better to get it out of the way so they could both go back to enjoying what little time left they had together.

"(Listen Lin I know your not happy that I have to leave tomorrow but I promise you that I'll come back and see you as soon as I can. This isn't goodbye forever and we both know that. I'll be back in a few months and then we can-)" Ghost didn't get any farther as Lin held up a paw and interrupted him.

"(That's not what's worrying me Ghost. I know that we are probably going to see each other again and this is only going to be for a few months. What's really worrying me is I feel like you're abandoning me by going with Sam rather than staying in Hoenn with me.)" She said it without even thinking and she could tell just by looking at Ghost's eyes that he was visibly hurt by the comment.

Lin immediately looked away from him. Ashamed at herself for having made such a selfish comment.

For his part Ghost was incredibly shocked by what he had just heard from Lin. He had known she wasn't happy about him leaving with Sam but he had never thought that he was abandoning her. A brief silence followed before Lin quickly spoke up.

"(Ghost I'm sorry I shouldn't have put it that way. I know you would never abandon me and you're just going with Sam because he's your trainer and you feel like you need to protect him. Please I swear I didn't mean anything by it.)" Lin pleaded while looking at the stoic Umbreon.

Ghost didn't say anything for a moment. He just continued to stare off into space. Then without warning her turned and stared right at Lin. His blood red eyes locked with her's and he seemed to be staring into her very soul. Very slowly he moved his right leg around so that Lin could see the thin white scar running the length of his shoulder.

"(Listen to me Lin. There is a very big difference between abandonment and what's happening here. This scar is a result of my trainer abandoning me. Someone I thought I could trust, someone who I thought was willing to protect me decided I was no longer needed and left me to die without a second thought. And when I was out of his sight he completely erased me from his memory as if I had never existed. That's true abandonment.)" Lin just stared at Ghost wide eyed. His voice was stern yet not threatening as he continued.

"(I swear on my life, on the lives of my friends and family I will NEVER abandon you Lin! You're a part of my life and that will never change. I will never forget you, I will never betray you, and I will never do anything to hurt you. And if that means staying in Hoenn with you then I'll talk with Sam and try to arrange something. That's how much I care about you Lin.)"

Ghost stopped and looked at the Linoone standing wide eyed before him. She turned her head away for a second and staring out to sea, apparently deep in thought.

She didn't say anything for a second before turning her head and looking at Ghost, trying her hardest to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes as every doubt she had ever had about him evaporated. "(Oh Ghost, I'm so sorry I ever doubted you.)" She said as the tears began to flow freely down her cheeks. Ghost took notice of them and gently placed a paw on her back before drawing her into a comforting hug. Ghost smiled and placed his mouth close to her ear. "(It's alright Lin I forgive you. You were just scared and got caught up in the moment. No harm done.)"

Lin sniffed a few times before wiping her nose and looking up into Ghost's eyes. "(It's not alright Ghost. This is the second time in our relationship that I've doubted you. How could I be so foolish?)" Ghost didn't answer at first as he wiped the tears from her eyes. "(Your not foolish Lin. It's natural to have doubts in a relationship. It shows maturity. So don't worry about it. Now how about we forget about all this and get back to enjoying what time we do have together. Sound good?)"

Lin looked up into Ghost's eyes. Ghost could see her juggling all the various thoughts and emotions she was feeling. Finally after a minute she smiled. "(I would like that Ghost. And...I don't care if you go with Sam. He's your trainer after all and you need to look out for him and your other friends. Besides I don't think they could last a day without your help.)" She said while giving him a light peck on the cheek.

Ghost grinned and returned the kiss. "(Thank you for understanding Lin. It really means a lot to me.)" Lin nodded as a small smirk came across her face. "(Your welcome Ghost. But how about now we do what you said and go back to enjoying the night. Besides, I still need to have a rematch seeing as how you cheated on our last race.)"

Ghost looked up and seemed to be thinking for a second when suddenly he gently pushed Lin so that she fell back and ran off. "(Okay first one to the other side of the beach wins!)" Ghost yelled as he put on a burst of speed.

Lin quickly got to her feet and shook the sand from her fur. "(Oh you're going to pay double for this one Ghost.)" She said with a devious grin on her face before taking off across the beach. Intent on making the most of what little time the two of them had left.

...

The next morning Ghost was standing on the pier at Lilyove harbor with his master next to him, waiting for the ship that would take them to the Sinnoh region.

Ghost yawned loudly as he stretched out his front legs. He hadn't slept at all the previous night, rather having spent every moment he could with Lin. Still it had been well worth it for the time he'd had with Lin.

However, exhaustion was one of the last things on Ghost's mind at that moment. What was really worrying him was that he wouldn't get to say goodbye to LIn before he left. The previous night she had said that she would come to see him off before they left but so far he hadn't seen her and they were scheduled to leave in a matter of minutes.

Sam had taken notice of Ghost's agitated state as the Umbreon looked around the dock for the hundredth time that morning, hoping against hope that he would spot Lin.

"Hey Ghost don't worry. I'm sure that she'll be here. Besides I have Axel's number on my phone. Even if they don't show up you can still talk to her right?" Ghost sighed and didn't answer Sam as he sat down on the dock and stared out to sea, horribly depressed over this unfortunate turn of events.

He sat there for several minutes, listening to the Wingull squawking and the sounds of the waves hitting the wharf. The sound of a ships horn blowing broke him out of his reverie as he looked up at the ship. Time was up, he had to leave with Sam.

Slowly Ghost got to his feet and started to walk towards the vessel when suddenly a Pokemon shouted out behind him. "(GHOST WAIT!)"

Ghost recognized the voice instantly and turned to see Lin running down the dock towards him. It took Ghost a second to get over his shock but as soon as he did he ran to her and embraced her in a tight hug. "(Oh Lin. I was so worried I wouldn't get to say goodbye to you.)" He said while holding her close to his chest, never wanting to let her go.

For her part Lin returned the hug and buried her head into his shoulder. Ghost could feel a few drops fall from her eyes and knew that she was on the verge of tears. "(Ghost I'm sorry I'm late but Axel ran into some traffic on his way from the hotel. I had to leave him behind if I wanted any chance of seeing you off.)"

Ghost nodded his head in understanding. "(It's okay Lin. I'm just glad you made it but...)" He trailed off while looking back at Sam who was anxiously waiting for him. Lin immediately understood.

"(I know you have to go now Ghost but I just wanted to come and tell you that I'll be waiting for you when you return. No matter how long it takes I'll be waiting for you.)"

Ghost pulled away a little and looked into her teary eyes. "(Don't worry Lin. I won't make you wait too long. I promise.)"

And with that they both fell into a deeply passionate kiss while holding each other close. Neither one wanted it to end but the boarding call from the ship forced them to let each other go.

Both stared into each others eyes with focused intensity. Hoping that they would see the other again soon. Finally Ghost got up the nerve and said the words he had dreaded. "(Goodbye Lin.)" As Ghost turned to go Lin placed a paw on his shoulder and looked back at him with teary eyes. "(Remember Ghost, I'll be waiting.)"

Ghost looked back at her for one last second. "(I keep my promises Lin.)" And with that he turned and ran towards the ship, too afraid to look back.

Lin continued to watch him until he disappeared onto the ship and the vessel left port. Even then she just continued to stare out at the sea.

By this time Axel had caught up with Lin and was panting heavily as he stopped right next to her. "Lin, is everything alright? Did you get to say goodbye to Ghost?" Lin nodded her head but didn't say anything as she continued to stare at the horizon.

Axel leaned down on one knee so he could speak with her and gently placed a hand on her back. "Are you gonna be okay?" Lin thought for a minute before responding.

"(I'm fine...I know I'm going to see him again so I'll be fine.)"

Description
Lilycove city shone like a gem amidst a sea of darkness. Night had fallen on the seaside metropolis and yet it's energy refused to go away. Light from countless highrises and streetlamps bathed the city in an unearthly glow that gave the illusion of sunlight while the harbor was alive with the lights of numerous ships docked for the night. The lights created a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere to the city that seemed to give it a life of it's own.

However, in contrast to the brightly lit city and harbor the beach that formed the eastern border of the city was surprisingly quiet and dark. Most vacationers had gone into the city for the night leaving the beautiful sandy beach nearly deserted save for a pair of Pokemon running through the shallows.

Ghost the Umbreon breathed heavily as he tried to keep up with the barely visible Linoone ahead of him, the yellow markings on his body glowing brightly in the moonlight as his powerful hind leg's propelled him forward through the surf. Ahead of him the Linoone stopped for a second and turned to look back at Ghost.

"(Come on Ghost, you better hurry up if you want to catch me.)" The Linoone said in a teasing feminine voice. Ghost just rolled his eyes in mock annoyance as he put on a burst of speed. The Linoone was Ghost's girlfriend Lin and at the moment she was playing hard to get both literally and figuratively.

The two of them had been having a quiet date on the beach when Lin had decided to have a little fun with her boyfriend by challenging him to a race. Ghost hadn't been in the mood but when Lin had pecked him on the cheek and taken off down the beach he hadn't been able to resist.
That had been five minutes previously and Ghost was starting to get tired. It wasn't like he was out of shape, it was just that Lin was significantly faster and her species was renowned for being able to move through water with ease. Something Umbreon's were not exactly renowned for.

As Lin started to gain even more distance on him Ghost had a sudden thought. Using his last reserves of strength he put on a burst of speed. Lin heard him gaining ground and looked back. She was already going slow for him and was considering putting on a little more speed when suddenly he disappeared into the darkness.

Lin immediately stopped in her tracks thinking that Ghost had fallen. But before she could run to where he had been Ghost suddenly appeared behind her and playfully tackled her to the ground. He had won thanks to a perfectly executed faint attack. However, Lin seemed less than amused as she looked up at her boyfriend standing over her.

"(Hey, that was cheating.)" Lin said in mock annoyance. Ghost just smiled and leaned down so their noses were only inches apart. "(Well you never said I couldn't use an attack. You should have been more clear on the rules. Now about my prize.)" Ghost said while leaning in closer to give Lin a kiss.

However, Lin wasn't going to let him have his prize so easily. Just as his lips were about to connect with hers Lin wrapped her back legs around Ghost's midsection and flipped him onto his back in the shallows. Ghost looked up into Lin's beautiful blue eyes as she leaned down. "(That was for cheating in the race Ghost.)" She continued to stare into his eyes for another second before suddenly kissing him full on the mouth. Ghost was a little surprised but quickly got over it and fell into the kiss.

After a minute they broke the kiss as Ghost gave her a quizzical look. "(And what was that for?)" Lin smiled while running a paw across his chest. "(For being the sweetest most lovable Pokemon a girl could ask for.)"

Without another word they both fell back into the passionate brace of the other as the cool water flowed around their warm bodies, never wanting the moment to end.

...

Two hours later Ghost and Lin were laying side by side farther back from the surf, letting the cool night air dry their bodies off.

As the two of them stared up at the night sky Lin let out a sigh of content. "(Oh Ghost. It's such a beautiful night isn't it? With the stars shining so brightly and the full moon shining off the ocean.)" She said with a dreamy look in her eye. Ghost nodded his head in agreement as he continued to stare up at the sky. "(Breathtaking. I can't think of any place I'd rather spend my last night in the Hoenn region. Or any Pokemon I would rather spend it with.)"

Lin frowned and didn't say a word as she thought about what Ghost had just said. She had known all day that this was to be his last day in the Hoenn region and although she had tried her best to avoid the subject she also knew that it was bound to come up at some point.

Ghost's trainer was currently a fugitive on the run and had taken shelter in the Hoenn region. However, after several run in's with bounty hunters in the region, including one occasion that had resulted in Ghost and Lin meeting and falling for each other, Sam had decided it would be safer to return to the region where he had committed the crime, Sinnoh. After all the last place anyone would expect him to go would be back to the region where he was wanted.

However, being on the run necessitated that Sam had to avoid Pokemon centers and as a result he was stuck with the six Pokemon he had with him when he committed the crime. Therefore Ghost had chosen to stay with his trainer rather than stay in Hoenn with Lin. Sam and his Pokemon were Ghost's family and when push came to shove Lin knew he wouldn't abandon them for anything in the world. Unfortunately that meant leaving her for a time.

That thought had been at the back of her mind the entire night. Ghost was leaving her to go with his trainer. True his trainer was in a lot of danger and Ghost obviously felt compelled to protect him but...doubts about Ghost still managed to enter her mind. It almost felt like he was betraying her for his master. Lin knew that wasn't the case but the thought continued to linger in her mind like a cancer she couldn't remove.

By this time Ghost had taken note of Lin's silence and turned his head to look at her. "(Lin? Is everything alright?)" Lin didn't respond for a second before slowly nodding her head. "(Yeah I'm fine I just...)" She trailed off.

Ghost knew her well enough to know what was really bothering her. They had both tried their hardest to avoid the subject of his leaving but Ghost had known it would come up sooner or later. He decided to just come out and talk to her about it. Better to get it out of the way so they could both go back to enjoying what little time left they had together.

"(Listen Lin I know your not happy that I have to leave tomorrow but I promise you that I'll come back and see you as soon as I can. This isn't goodbye forever and we both know that. I'll be back in a few months and then we can-)" Ghost didn't get any farther as Lin held up a paw and interrupted him.

"(That's not what's worrying me Ghost. I know that we are probably going to see each other again and this is only going to be for a few months. What's really worrying me is I feel like you're abandoning me by going with Sam rather than staying in Hoenn with me.)" She said it without even thinking and she could tell just by looking at Ghost's eyes that he was visibly hurt by the comment.

Lin immediately looked away from him. Ashamed at herself for having made such a selfish comment.

For his part Ghost was incredibly shocked by what he had just heard from Lin. He had known she wasn't happy about him leaving with Sam but he had never thought that he was abandoning her. A brief silence followed before Lin quickly spoke up.

"(Ghost I'm sorry I shouldn't have put it that way. I know you would never abandon me and you're just going with Sam because he's your trainer and you feel like you need to protect him. Please I swear I didn't mean anything by it.)" Lin pleaded while looking at the stoic Umbreon.

Ghost didn't say anything for a moment. He just continued to stare off into space. Then without warning her turned and stared right at Lin. His blood red eyes locked with her's and he seemed to be staring into her very soul. Very slowly he moved his right leg around so that Lin could see the thin white scar running the length of his shoulder.

"(Listen to me Lin. There is a very big difference between abandonment and what's happening here. This scar is a result of my trainer abandoning me. Someone I thought I could trust, someone who I thought was willing to protect me decided I was no longer needed and left me to die without a second thought. And when I was out of his sight he completely erased me from his memory as if I had never existed. That's true abandonment.)" Lin just stared at Ghost wide eyed. His voice was stern yet not threatening as he continued.

"(I swear on my life, on the lives of my friends and family I will NEVER abandon you Lin! You're a part of my life and that will never change. I will never forget you, I will never betray you, and I will never do anything to hurt you. And if that means staying in Hoenn with you then I'll talk with Sam and try to arrange something. That's how much I care about you Lin.)"

Ghost stopped and looked at the Linoone standing wide eyed before him. She turned her head away for a second and staring out to sea, apparently deep in thought.

She didn't say anything for a second before turning her head and looking at Ghost, trying her hardest to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes as every doubt she had ever had about him evaporated. "(Oh Ghost, I'm so sorry I ever doubted you.)" She said as the tears began to flow freely down her cheeks. Ghost took notice of them and gently placed a paw on her back before drawing her into a comforting hug. Ghost smiled and placed his mouth close to her ear. "(It's alright Lin I forgive you. You were just scared and got caught up in the moment. No harm done.)"

Lin sniffed a few times before wiping her nose and looking up into Ghost's eyes. "(It's not alright Ghost. This is the second time in our relationship that I've doubted you. How could I be so foolish?)" Ghost didn't answer at first as he wiped the tears from her eyes. "(Your not foolish Lin. It's natural to have doubts in a relationship. It shows maturity. So don't worry about it. Now how about we forget about all this and get back to enjoying what time we do have together. Sound good?)"

Lin looked up into Ghost's eyes. Ghost could see her juggling all the various thoughts and emotions she was feeling. Finally after a minute she smiled. "(I would like that Ghost. And...I don't care if you go with Sam. He's your trainer after all and you need to look out for him and your other friends. Besides I don't think they could last a day without your help.)" She said while giving him a light peck on the cheek.

Ghost grinned and returned the kiss. "(Thank you for understanding Lin. It really means a lot to me.)" Lin nodded as a small smirk came across her face. "(Your welcome Ghost. But how about now we do what you said and go back to enjoying the night. Besides, I still need to have a rematch seeing as how you cheated on our last race.)"

Ghost looked up and seemed to be thinking for a second when suddenly he gently pushed Lin so that she fell back and ran off. "(Okay first one to the other side of the beach wins!)" Ghost yelled as he put on a burst of speed.

Lin quickly got to her feet and shook the sand from her fur. "(Oh you're going to pay double for this one Ghost.)" She said with a devious grin on her face before taking off across the beach. Intent on making the most of what little time the two of them had left.

...

The next morning Ghost was standing on the pier at Lilyove harbor with his master next to him, waiting for the ship that would take them to the Sinnoh region.

Ghost yawned loudly as he stretched out his front legs. He hadn't slept at all the previous night, rather having spent every moment he could with Lin. Still it had been well worth it for the time he'd had with Lin.

However, exhaustion was one of the last things on Ghost's mind at that moment. What was really worrying him was that he wouldn't get to say goodbye to LIn before he left. The previous night she had said that she would come to see him off before they left but so far he hadn't seen her and they were scheduled to leave in a matter of minutes.

Sam had taken notice of Ghost's agitated state as the Umbreon looked around the dock for the hundredth time that morning, hoping against hope that he would spot Lin.

"Hey Ghost don't worry. I'm sure that she'll be here. Besides I have Axel's number on my phone. Even if they don't show up you can still talk to her right?" Ghost sighed and didn't answer Sam as he sat down on the dock and stared out to sea, horribly depressed over this unfortunate turn of events.

He sat there for several minutes, listening to the Wingull squawking and the sounds of the waves hitting the wharf. The sound of a ships horn blowing broke him out of his reverie as he looked up at the ship. Time was up, he had to leave with Sam.

Slowly Ghost got to his feet and started to walk towards the vessel when suddenly a Pokemon shouted out behind him. "(GHOST WAIT!)"

Ghost recognized the voice instantly and turned to see Lin running down the dock towards him. It took Ghost a second to get over his shock but as soon as he did he ran to her and embraced her in a tight hug. "(Oh Lin. I was so worried I wouldn't get to say goodbye to you.)" He said while holding her close to his chest, never wanting to let her go.

For her part Lin returned the hug and buried her head into his shoulder. Ghost could feel a few drops fall from her eyes and knew that she was on the verge of tears. "(Ghost I'm sorry I'm late but Axel ran into some traffic on his way from the hotel. I had to leave him behind if I wanted any chance of seeing you off.)"

Ghost nodded his head in understanding. "(It's okay Lin. I'm just glad you made it but...)" He trailed off while looking back at Sam who was anxiously waiting for him. Lin immediately understood.

"(I know you have to go now Ghost but I just wanted to come and tell you that I'll be waiting for you when you return. No matter how long it takes I'll be waiting for you.)"

Ghost pulled away a little and looked into her teary eyes. "(Don't worry Lin. I won't make you wait too long. I promise.)"

And with that they both fell into a deeply passionate kiss while holding each other close. Neither one wanted it to end but the boarding call from the ship forced them to let each other go.

Both stared into each others eyes with focused intensity. Hoping that they would see the other again soon. Finally Ghost got up the nerve and said the words he had dreaded. "(Goodbye Lin.)" As Ghost turned to go Lin placed a paw on his shoulder and looked back at him with teary eyes. "(Remember Ghost, I'll be waiting.)"

Ghost looked back at her for one last second. "(I keep my promises Lin.)" And with that he turned and ran towards the ship, too afraid to look back.

Lin continued to watch him until he disappeared onto the ship and the vessel left port. Even then she just continued to stare out at the sea.

By this time Axel had caught up with Lin and was panting heavily as he stopped right next to her. "Lin, is everything alright? Did you get to say goodbye to Ghost?" Lin nodded her head but didn't say anything as she continued to stare at the horizon.

Axel leaned down on one knee so he could speak with her and gently placed a hand on her back. "Are you gonna be okay?" Lin thought for a minute before responding.

"(I'm fine...I know I'm going to see him again so I'll be fine.)"