Hello Pokemon world! First things first, this is not a FULL sorry. This will be a bunch of mini stories in one (or OneShots, whichever you prefer). They will take place within my established universe of Pokemon, revolving around 'End of the Journey'. So if you read these, you'll more than likely miss some things. Of course everyone is welcome to read regardless :) just letting you all know that some things probably won't make sense without having read 'End of the Journey.'

The names of each story will be the chapter title. Some may follow Ash, some may follow Gary, and some may follow an original character of mine. It all just depends on what comes to mind! I have a few stories already planned, so those will be written sometime in the future. Also, if anyone has an idea they think would be awesome, please share! Wouldn't it be cool to see a story idea of yours be worked into the overall story I've got going?

Anyway's, have fun with the mini stories, and I hope everyone enjoys them! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss when one comes out! Their releases will be random and sporadic, as my main focus will be in the sequel to 'End of the Journey'.

Ash Ketchum was not a patient man. Sure he had matured with his age, and learned how to keep his own impatience in check, but sometimes he just couldn't sit still. Yet...he had no other choice...

Currently he was cramped up in his office, tapping a pen against his desk continuously. Staring at the monitor of his computer, looking over the same screen he had been on for the last hour. Looking might not be the right word, his eyes were glossed over, and his brain was going a mile minute. Why? Well, for a lot of reasons.

To start, a week ago Lance had appointed him an honorary member of the Elite Four. Not just any member either, but the Champ! The Leader! The Master! Yes, Ash Ketchum was officially now a Pokemon Master. On paper that is. A while back he had decided that it was his strong bond he created with each of his Pokemon that made him a Master, not the official title itself. Still, it was awesome to hear people call him 'Master Ash'.

Another reason, Kanto and Johto were officially rebuilt. It may have taken nearly two years since the Dominion's had their downfall, but they were here, and that was an exciting prospect! Hoenn was nearing completion, with Sinnoh not too far behind. Unova and Kalos were fairing well, but the Orange Islands were the one part of the world still struggling. Much of the islands ecosystems were badly damaged from the near constant storms during the war. It would take much, much longer to restore the islands to their original states, and even then they may never be the same.

And finally, Misty. Yes his mind was always on his lovely wife, but recently it was more so than usual. And that was saying a lot with Ash. Nine months they'd been married, nine months had the fiery redhead been Mrs. Misty Ketchum. But that wasn't why she was on his brain recently. That honor was awarded to the little bundle of joy that was about to enter the world. The Ketchum's were having another baby! And it was due any day now.

He groaned, tossing his pen onto the desk and watched lazily as it rolled off the side and fell to the flat carpet. Pulling his PokeGear from his pocket, he checked it for the hundredth time that day. Which was unnecessary, just like all the other times, he had left the device on loud. Meaning that since he hadn't heard it ring or ding, that meant no one had called or texted. Another groan escaped his throat as he shoved the device back into his pocket. The anxiety was killing him!

There was a quick knock at his door, then it opened to reveal Lance stepping into his office. He paused upon seeing Ash's anxious expression, and blinked before he remembered. With a chuckle he said, "You gotta relax. She'll call the minute labor starts."

"I knoowwww!" Ash drawled. "But that doesn't make the waiting go any faster."

The Dragon Master shook his head, then glanced around the room. The office was his old one, light blue carpet, white walls, and one large window overlooking the grounds of the Plateau. Ash had redecorated, taking away much of the 'office' look. On his desk sat multiple photos of his family, his Pokemon, and his friends. Around the room were the same old filing cabinets and bookshelves that Lance remembered, but different Pokemon ornaments were now scattered here and there. A Pikachu plushie, a Snorlax bobble head, different paintings and drawings of Legendary Pokemon, etc.

Ash leaned forward and picked up one of the photo frames before him, looking down on it with the same anxious expression he had had for hours. The picture was of himself and Misty, standing together outside of their home in New Pallet. A one year old Delia was pulling on Ash's hair as he wrapped his arm around Misty. The baby seemed to almost be trying to leave her mothers arms and jump to her daddy.

"Won't be long and you'll have to retake the family photo," Lance spoke, moving to take the armchair across from Ash's desk.

The black haired man smiled and replaced the photo, "What brings you in here Lance? More issues with the Orange Islands?"

"Not this time," he said a little distantly. "It's actually about one of our official's reports."

Ash cocked his head quizzically. Since Lance had stepped down from the title of Kanto and Johto Champion, he had taken on the role of Mentor and Advisor to Ash. His official title was now the League's Ambassador. No report filed throughout the League went anywhere without first going through him. Why the sudden change of workflow for the Dragon Master? Maybe it was because he was tired of being the leader. Or maybe it was because he hadn't attempted to capture a single Pokemon since his team had been completely wiped out in the Dominion War. Or maybe it was so he could spend more time with Dawn. Whatever the reason, Ash had been supportive of anything and everything Lance had required.

"They were returning from a League meeting in Sinnoh," Lance continued. "Coming over the mountains he noticed a man down below. He was clad in a black shirt, with a red cap, and red jacket bearing a large C on the back."

At the mention of the red hat and jacket, Ash's brow knit together, "You don't think-."

"Unless your father dyed his hair blonde, then no, I don't," the Dragon Master said. "However, once this man spotted our Official, he grabbed a parcel and bolted."

"The Official didn't try to follow?"

"He wisely deemed it more necessary to inform us. Running after someone who doesn't want to be seen can have dire consequences."

"Good point," Ash nodded. "So, what do you advise? I think we should send a team to investigate what the man could've been doing out there."

"I agree," the former Champion smiled. "You're a natural at this you know."

Ash snorted, "If you say so. I didn't think being a Master meant I had to run Kanto."

"And Johto," Lance added with a laugh. "You have the entire League to assist you. It's not as daunting as it feels. You'll get used to it."

"I hope so-" Ash's pocket vibrated suddenly with a catchy tune. Almost as if he were having a spas attack, he jumped harshly and fumbled with getting his hand into his jeans. Finally he whipped out the device and read that he received a text message from May. Lance stifled his chuckle at the raven's expression. Flipping open the screen, Ash read...

MISTY IS HAVING THE BABY! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! I'm rushing her to the hospital right now, Cameron is on his way to get you. MISTY IS HAVING THE BABY!

One...two...three...Then his brain clicked into gear and he shouted, "MISTY'S HAVING THE BABY!"

Lance nearly shot out of his skin at the sudden outburst, and opened his mouth to speak, but Ash continued, "I GOTTA GO! Lance you got this right? Right! See you later!"

And he was out the door in a trail of dust, leaving Lance alone in the room. He hurled himself down the hall, bobbing and weaving through League individuals as they went about their work day. "Scuse me! Pardon me! Coming through!"

He sent a stack of papers flying from one man's hands, and he scoffed as Ash shouted a quick apology. Faster he ran down the hall, sliding to a stop outside the elevators. Over and over and over he pressed the down button. Again and again and again. He missed his daughters birth because he was saving the planet, he was NOT going to miss the birth of his son! HIS son! That sounded so perfect in his head.

"Uh Master Ash?" A woman approached him from behind. "The elevators are down for the month, remember?"

SHIT! How could he have forgotten that?!

"Thanks!" He shot her way, and bolted past her without another word. He raced back the way he had came, barreling into the man with the stack of papers. Sending the freshly collected documents into the air once more. The man had more than a scoff to say this time...

Ash didn't hear what he said though, he was throwing open the emergency escape doors, sprinting into the narrow stairway, and missing the first three steps. He stumbled down the first flight of stairs, barely catching himself on the railing before he hit the wall. Recovering as swiftly as possible, he was off once again, running down the multiple floors. Not soon enough for his liking did he burst into the lobby of the Indigo Plateau. Indigo...he still had to race to Pallet! Shitshitshit!

The patrons of the large room watched him curiously as he ran, moving out of his way so as not to be ran over. His PokeGear rang as he crossed the threshold to the outside, and with a quick motion, he flipped it out and answered, "Hello?!"

It was Cameron, "Ash! I've just left Viridian, give me twenty minutes tops and I'll be there!"

"You've just NOW left Viridian?!"

"Do you know how FAST I'm driv-" SMASH! Ash's shoelace must've come untied during his running, because it caught under his other foot and he fell face first into the dirt. The PokeGear shattered beneath him, splintering into thousands of pieces. He groaned into the grass and pushed himself up, seeing the broken device beneath him. Dammit! What now?! Cameron wouldn't be able to find him now...unless he met Cameron at the highway into Indigo.

His impulsiveness kicking in, his shoes slipped on the grass as he tried to gain traction. Of course, forgetting to tie his shoelace back up, and tripping on it once again only ten feet away. DAMMIT! In a frenzy, he tied it into a messy knot he was sure wouldn't come loose. Now, finally! He was off across the grounds of the Plateau, racing for the gates. The League guards watched him quizzically, turning to each other in confusion. Like a sonic boom, Ash roared past them, not bothering to check out with his I.D. They should know who he was anyways. He'd deal with the repercussions later.

The town of Indigo sat at the bottom of the hill, and he carelessly maneuvered his way down the path. The noonday sun beat down on him, and the breeze informed him of the massive quantities of sweat forming on his skin. That's ok, he'd take a shower later when-His foot caught a small rock, and his balance was lost.

"AAAAGGGHHHH!" The shout escaped him as he slammed into the dirt and began to roll down the hill. Toppling head over heals, feeling the burn in his eyes and the taste of dust in his mouth.

"Ivysaur! Grab him!" Something snaked its way around Ash's midriff and he halted with a loud 'oof!' Jus time too, he blinked once to fix his blurry eyesight and found himself face to face with a large boulder. Wrapped around his torso was a thick, green vine holding him in place. It set him down gently, and he stood up.

"Are you ok?" A green haired woman approached him, looking worriedly over his dirty and tattered state.

"Just fine!" He called as he started to sprint away again. "My wife is in labor! Gotta go! Thanks for the save!"

And he was out of earshot before she could say another word. He made it down the hill and into town without another incident, running as fast as he was able. Ignoring red 'do not cross' lights, and swerving around the people making their own way through town. Things may have been back to normal for a while now, but it was still odd to Ash that people were just out walking around.

"SHIT!" He shouted as two Machoke, carrying a large mirror out of a building, cut off his path. Thinking fast, he dropped, sliding underneath the mirror as the two Pokemon called their names alarmingly. In what would probably be considered graceful for Ash, he hopped from the slide to his feet and resumed sprinting. The owner of the shop shouted after him as he raced further away.

How much longer did he have to intercept Cameron? Uhhh, good question. Another large hill was coming up, with the sidewalks and road curving down to the bottom. A group of teenagers were playing near the top with skateboards, and one panicked as he saw Ash coming. His feet slipped off his board and it shot straight for Ash. The Master's mind somewhere else currently, he stepped directly onto the wheeled wooden board, and shouted as it took off with him on it. He fought to keep his balance as he rapidly approached the hill, and his terrified screams faded from the teens as Ash went over.

Faster and faster he picked up speed as he rocketed down the hill...straight into oncoming traffic at the bottom! "NonononononononNOOOOOOO!"

His hands instinctively went up to shield his face, blocking his view as the skateboard carried him right into the road. The wind of cars rushed by him, and horns blared loudly. An impact he was waiting for never came, and he peeked through his fingers. Relief washed over him as he noticed he was back on the sidewalk and out of harms way. Digging his heels into the pavement, he stopped the board and bailed off, returning to his running. He wasn't a skater, that much he knew for sure!

Finally, sweet, sweet finally! He made it to the edge of the town, coming to a stop by the highway and leaned against a tree for support.

"Ash?!" Cameron's voice made him jump, and he turned to see the man in May's little red car. Looking at him as if he couldn't believe Ash was standing there. "Did you run down here?!"

His luck was doing good today! Here's to hoping Ash didn't have to push it anymore, "Yea-...hurry-let...'s go!"

Gasping for breath, he moved around the car and quickly hopped in the passengers seat. Realizing something, he asked, "What's May taking Misty to the hospital with?!"

Putting the car back in gear, and doing a u-turn, Cameron replied, "Serena was visiting. So they took her car."

"Oh, ok," the black haired man breathed out, relaxing into the seat. The air conditioner felt good on his sweaty skin.

"Dude, you reek," Cameron wrinkled his nose. "Why on earth did you run down from the Plateau?"

"Smashed my phone," Ash told him. "Had to make sure you could find me."

"Didn't want to stay put? I KNEW you were at the Plateau."

Ash turned a little red, his brain had been in overdrive and running seemed like a good idea at the time, "Guess not."

Cameron rolled his eyes, cracking Ash's window just slightly to air out his sweaty stench. On they drove, speeding through the countryside and speeding into Viridian. At Ash's urging, Cameron barely paid attention to the traffic signs. Slowing just enough to make sure they wouldn't crash into someone else.

"So, you asked May yet?" Ash asked suddenly.

"Asked her what?!" The brown haired man asked a little too quickly. The smirk spreading across Ash's face only caused Cameron to gulp. "No...I haven't."

"Dude!" Ash tried to sound like he was going to scold Cam, but he couldn't help the chuckle in his voice. "You trained a friggin Groudon, but you can't propo-"

"I need a special moment!" Cameron interrupted. "It has to be perfect, she deserves no less."

That hit home for Ash, "I guess I can understand that."

"I'll do it," he affirmed. "Brock and Gary are on my case about it too. Even Serena has been dropping massive hints."

Ash laughed out loud, "She's always been a romantic."

"It's a wonder she hasn't asked Gary," Cameron remarked playfully. To which Ash nodded his agreement as he continued to laugh. Soon they were leaving the city limits of Viridan and into the countryside between it and New Pallet. A flock of Pidgey took to the sky as they rocketed past, the birds scattering frantically. After a while, Ash took a glance down at the speedometer.

"Hey Cam, think we can go faster?"

"I'm going ninety-five!"

"So, not faster?"

"If we destroyed May's car, she'd destroy us."

"Oh, ok. I guess. If you say-SO!"

His anxiety to make it home in time took over, and Ash lunged over to Cameron's side of the car. He shoved on the drivers leg, pushing it into the gas pedal hard. The car jolted forward harshly, rapidly picking up speed.

"ASH!" They reached a hundred and thirty before...BOOM! The hood of the car blew off its hinges, shooting smoke into the air and filling the cabin. They coughed and gagged as Cameron tried to roll down the windows. Ash stuck his head outside, gasping for fresh air as the plumes of smoke billowed behind them. Slowly the car rolled to a stop, hissing and puffing from the engine. They bailed out, waving their hands to their faces for faster fresh air.

Turning back to the car, with water pouring from his burning eyes, Cameron cried out, "Oh noooooo, May's going to kill me..."

"Seems to me like she needed a new car," Ash sputtered, blinking to help with the itching the smoke had caused. They made their way to the front of the vehicle, staring hopelessly at the funnel of black smoke rising from the now hoodless front. "Looks like we'll have to ride on your Charizard."

Snapping, Cameron rounded on Ash, "We wouldn't have to ride ANY Pokemon if you wouldn't have forced us to blow the engine!"

"You were going too slow!" Ash countered, his subconscious scolding him because he knew the other man was right.

"Nearly a hundred was too SLOW?! That's how fast BOTH of us will have to go when we tell May what happened!"

Noting that a confrontation about the vehicle would have to come, Ash decided it should be later with the brunette instead of between the two males, "We'll deal with it tonight. For now, let's just get me to the hospital. I can't miss this."

Cameron visibly relaxed, but his shoulders slumped, "Guess I shoulda mentioned...I didn't bring my Pokemon."

"WHAT?!"

"Hey! I was kinda shoved out the door the minute Misty's water broke! Where's YOUR Pokemon at?"

Ash turned red, "I kinda left them at the Plateau."

A silence rang between the two as they both simultaneously realized what that meant, and coming to the same conclusion, the two friends broke into a rapid sprint.

"AAAGGHHHH!" Misty screamed, sweat dripping from her bangs. She lay in one of the most uncomfortable hospital beds she had ever encournered, her legs propped open with a doctor between them. Beside her stood May, Serena deciding to wait in the lobby, and a handful of nurses shuffling back and forth as they worked. May, holding Misty's hand, winced as the red heads hand crushed her own.

"You're doing great Mrs. Ketchum," the doctor said. "Just try not to push so much."

"Agh!" She grunted. "May! Where! Is! ASH!"

The man's name escaped her like a Demon, and May had to fight the urge to run for cover, "He's coming! Cameron should be almost back by now!"

Glancing up at the clock, May scowled. They actually should have been there ten minutes ago!

Down in the lobby, Serena paced frantically. Constantly looking at the clock behind the front desk with every minute change. Joining her with their worries, but seated in the waiting chairs, were Dawn, Lance, and Gary. Who was holding the nearly two year old Delia, having been handed to him by Serena.

"Where are they?!" She finally cried, throwing her arms into the air. Dawn stood up, moving over to the window to see if she could see them coming. The parking lot however, was nearly empty with no signs of either Ash or Cameron.

"No need to worry," she tried to reassure the group. "I'm sure they're almost here."

"No need to worry," Gary started in his usual, mocking tone. "Even though Lance beat Ashy here?"

The former Champ raised a brow, "He has a point. Ash left much sooner than I did."

"Why didn't he just catch a ride with you?" Serena asked him pointedly, to which Lance replied with a slight smile, "You think he wanted to wait around on me?"

The honey blonde groaned, knowing Ash as well as anyone else, she replied, "No."

"Well we'll be in for some entertainment," Gary smirked as he adjusted a sleeping Del in his arms. "Misty will KILL him if he's late."

"THERE THEY ARE!" Dawn suddenly exclaimed, pointing a finger out the window. Serena raced to the bluenette's side, practically flattening herself against the glass. Sure enough, Ash and Cameron were sprinting across the pavement. Dirty, tattered, out of breath, and glistening with sweat.

"Why are they running?" Dawn asked. "Didn't you say they had May's car?"

"Oh please let them have done something to her car," Gary crossed his fingers. "Please, please, please!"

"You're not helping Gary," Serena snapped at her boyfriend, who simply shrugged with a grin.

The front doors burst open, and the two running men raced inside. Ash immediately began to frantically shout, "Misty! Misty! I'm here!"

"Ash! This way," Serena told him firmly, and he took notice of everyone there for the first time. She grabbed his arm and hauled him through a set of double doors beside the receptionists desk. The lady behind the counter went to stop them, but Ash was in to much of a hurry to hear her.

"Sooo," Gary practically sang, smirking Cameron's way as he leaned against the window gasping for breath by Dawn. "What'd you do to May's car?"

May jumped as the door exploded open and Ash rushed in, immediately followed by Serena. Misty shouted his name in relief, and he took May's spot of holding his wife's hand, "Made it!"

"And I'm going to kill you for being late-Agh!"

"Excuse me, are you the father?" A nurse tried to budge between them.

Misty didn't like that, "OF COURSE HE'S THE FATHER! WHY ELSE WOULD I THREATEN HIS ASS FOR BEING LATE!"

Everyone in the room recoiled at her shout, and the nurse immediately moved away. Focusing on a new task, "Alright, only the father is allowed. Shoo! Shoo!"

She ushered Serena and May outside, with the brunette opening her mouth to retaliate, "But I've been in there the entire-"

The door slammed shut in her face, "-Time."

The two girls stood there for a moment, taken back by the sudden way they were thrown from the room.

"Guess we should go wait in the lobby with the others," Serena half suggested, and May scowled, then nodded. She followed the honey blonde back into the lobby, the frown still evident on her face. Upon entering, she noticed someone wasn't there.

"Where's Cameron?

"Bathroom," Gary instantly informed her. "Said he needed to go badly."

The smirk on his face was unsettling, but May let it slide. Sometimes you just never knew what Gary was getting at. Unbeknownst to her however, Cameron was in the bathroom ridding himself of the sweat covering his skin.

Finally, after two long hours of waiting, the group in the lobby were called up. Brock had arrived not long after Ash himself, carrying in the twins. Dawn, May, and Serena had fawned over them. Fussing happily over Brent's bright pink hair.

As they made their way to Ash and Misty's room, the women were giddy with excitement, while the men watched them with amusement. Baby Del, now back in Serena's arms, had awoken. Clapping vibrantly as she looked around at the expectant faces. The nurse slowly opened the door to Misty's room, and they funneled inside. An audible gasped escaped the three women.

Ash sat on the edge of the bed beside Misty, who was sitting up holding a tiny bundle of blankets. Both parents had wide, beaming smiles on their faces. Sticking out from the blankets, was a tuft of black hair resembling Ash and baby Delia's. As they approached the bed, Serena handed Del over to Ash as he reached for her.

Misty unfolded the blankets to better reveal the new baby to the audience. Each of them, including the men, gasped at the miniature version of Ash. The baby had a wild mess of jet black hair, the same facial features as its father, and even a crooked smile. The one and only difference discernible by everyone, was the bright, sparkling aquamarine eyes that were identical to Misty's.

"This is Kaiden," Misty introduced the baby boy to their friends. "Say hi Kaiden."

Naturally the baby didn't say hello, but merely blinked as it glanced from person to person. Del looked over Ash's arm curiously, wide eyed staring at Kaiden, "Baby?"

"That's right Del," Ash said softly. "That's your baby brother."

"Baby butter?"

The group chuckled aloud, making the little girl smile.

"May I hold him please?" Dawn asked quietly, moving closer to the bed. Misty nodded happily and carefully extended her arms. The Bluenette softly took Kaiden from his mother and beamed down at his bright eyes. "He's gorgeous!"

"It's those eyes," May added, leaning over Dawn's shoulder to see. "He has Misty's perfect eyes."

"I don't know about that," the red head blushed.

Both Darcy and Brent were leaning off of Brock as they tried to see better, mumbling something to each other only.

"So, when is it your turn?" Gary decided to poke May in the back. "Got one in the oven yet?"

May, turning a massive shade of pink, spun around and stuttered, "When I'm- I mean we- er, the time isn't- shut up Gary!"

Cameron himself had turned pink, his mind going over the conversation he and Ash had had in the car.

Gary simply laughed, "I'm just pulling your chain Maple, chillax."

"How about when it's our turn Gary," Serena asked seriously, raising a brow his direction.

The effect was immediate, he turned an even brighter shade of pink than either May or Cameron combined, opening and closing his mouth like a fish. Serena's facade broke, and she burst into laughter, "I'm just pulling your chain babe, chillax."

The women all giggled at Gary's flummoxed and embarrassed expression, with May giving the honey blonde a high five.

The group relaxed into the room, taking seats and moving into various conversations, but the majority of the attention was still on the new addition to their ranks, Kaiden. He was passed from person to person, and even set down on the bed so the three two year olds could get a better look. Kaiden reached out and pulled on Brent's bright pink hair once.

A nurse reinterred the room, bringing a few items to check up on Misty with, and a menu for dinner. Which caught Ash's attention. May had to vacate her seat by the bed so the nurse could work, and she wound up by the window. Taking the moment to peer outside, her eyes went over the people walking down the street and eventually into the parking lot...where she noticed something peculiar.

"Cameron," she started. "Where's my car?"