I had the Epilogue up for literally 5 minutes and my phone got lit up with complaints of the ending. Since it DID seem abrupt, I will finish it here.
Epilogue Part 2
"And Napoleon hits his 11th consecutive three pointer! Man, this kid cannot miss!" the announcer shouted at the spectacle he was witnessing. It seemed like every time Napoleon received the ball, he scored. He was on course for a 50 point game, having 45 currently in an amazing showing against their league rival, the Viridian Hornets. They had struggled pre-league without Ash, going 5-3 rather than 7-1 last year with him. However, they found their groove in league, blasting off into a 4 game win streak and starting 4-0 in league play before facing off against the Hornets at home. Paul was also a monster on the rebounds and was able to grab missed shots and flush them to Napoleon who would hit the shot easily.
"With that three, the Warriors open up a 10 point lead on their league rival! They lead the Hornets 81-71 with 48 seconds left," the announcer finished. Napoleon had a smug look on his face as he high fived his teammates. A lot had happened in since Ash tore his ACL back in June. It was January now, and Ash was able to walk on it, but still couldn't play for precautionary reasons. He was slated to return for the last two games of the season in February, according to the doctors since his recovery was on the 9 month track rather than the 12 month one due to miraculous speed. They were all juniors now, and school still had the same feeling for the most part. Ash still maintained with Dawn, while Gary and Leaf had got together after talking for a long time. Napoleon and Paul still remained without a girlfriend, but it didn't seem to bother them.
Ash held his seat on the bench with his team, and he got up as Napoleon approached. He gave the sweating player and hard high five and a good bro hug. "Wow Napoleon, you're something! Where would we be without you?"
Napoleon smiled. "Thanks for the love Ash, but we still miss you man. It'll be great once you come back!" Ash nodded.
"Yes it will," he replied and then pointed towards the court. "Now finish those Hornets off!" Napoleon nodded and took the court. Ash couldn't help but smile when Napoleon raised both hands in the air towards the crowd, thanking it for the support for his amazing game, and got a loud response.
After the game, Ash and Dawn walked home late at night. The Warriors got the win; Napoleon dropped 47 with a final layup for the dagger at the end to win by 12.
"Good to see that the Hornets lost to us three times in a row now," Dawn laughed. Ash nodded.
"Yeah, I just wish I could be a part of the action, you know?" Ash sighed. Dawn felt bad for her boyfriend. He wanted to play so badly, and he couldn't due to such a freak accident that wasn't even his fault. She wrapped her arms around him to attempt to comfort him.
"Oh Ash, I know you'll get through this, and when you come back, you'll do great!" Dawn assured. Ash nodded. He knew it was only a matter of time before he would get to compete again, and when he did, he would come out swinging. He returned Dawn's hug. If it wasn't for her help; getting to school, moving around, everything basically; he wouldn't be in the condition that he was. She was an amazing help.
"I love you Dawn, forever," he promised. Dawn blushed.
"I do too Ash, until the end," she replied.
February came as fast as it could for Ash. Napoleon led the Varsity team to a 9-0 record, and was slated to take on the Viridian Hornets in hostile territory for their final game for back to back perfect years. Ash was slated to return a game earlier, but they decided it was best to give it two more days, and a minutes restriction to be sure against the Hornets. He couldn't argue with that, since he didn't expect to play at all when the injury actually happened.
The team took the floor and was instantly met by boos from the home side, but was almost drowned out by a very loyal away side and Warriors fan base. Due to their success, the passion for basketball was nine high at Kanto High. When Ash took the floor behind the team, the stands rose and clapped vigorously for his return. He couldn't help but raise one hand in the air to thank the overwhelming support. He picked out Dawn in the cheerleading group and pointed at her to thank her especially, getting a bright smile and blush from her.
"Ash Ketchum is slated to make a triumphant return tonight after suffering an ACL tear and will play on a minutes restriction," the announcer informed, getting a loud cheer from the crowd. Ash joined the layup lines behind Napoleon. He instantly turned around and gave Ash a big hug.
"Alright bro, don't push yourself, but let's put on a show!" he encouraged before he ran in to make his layup. Ash nodded and received the ball for his turn. As he put in the easy layup, he got massive applause from all over and he smiled. The support he was getting was amazing. He then looked over and saw signs all over that read: WELCOME BACK ASH!, and the slogan MAKE IT SPLASH ASH!, making him smile.
When the referees signaled for the teams to line up, Ash took the bench since he was slated to come off of the bench. Hundley won the tip for his team, and it was time to begin.
As the game went on, Napoleon once again had a field day against the Hornets, and grabbed 15 points in the first quarter, and the Warriors held a 23-20 lead going into the second. As the coach called out who was to take the floor, he called over Ash. The raven haired boy ran to his side. The coach whispered to him to take it easy but have fun and sent him on. Gary, Napoleon, and Paul fist pumped as he took the floor and raised their hands in the air for the crowd to ignite. Ash smiled as he took the floor and got a "let's go" from his teammates. As the Hornets took the ball up the floor and started their offense, Paul was able to grab the rebound from the missed shot and found Ash immediately. The crowd roared as he dribbled the ball, and brought tears to Dawn's eyes of pure joy as he was able to finally play again. Ash dribbled up with confidence. He walked up to the three point line at the wing and bent over. He sold a drive, but dribbled back to throw his defender off balance and then executed an ankle-breaking crossover than planted him on his rear. The crowd erupted as he took the three pointer after he broke his ankles. He sunk the shot without a problem, and hyped the crowd without an issue. Napoleon was freaking out of his mind and hugged Ash as the Hornets called a timeout.
"Don't do it Ash!" Napoleon laughed. "Be nice!" Ash laughed along as he finally felt the joy of the sport again after the excellent move. It was a hell of a comeback.
Ash received 15 total minutes and managed to drop 13 points in his return, lifting the Warriors to a 70-59 win over the Hornets and back to back perfect league seasons. As soon as the buzzer sounded for the game to end, the crowd got off their seat and jumped and cheered for Ash. Dawn hopped the railing and ran for her boyfriend. As soon as he saw her, he broke all conversation with his team and let her jump into his arms. They both kissed in place in pure joy for each other.
"You did this, didn't you?" Ash asked her. Dawn smiled.
"Well, I may have had a little role in setting this whole thing up for my one and only, yes!" she teased. Ash shook his head. Dawn was always one to be sarcastic of course. Dawn was so amazing. She did all of this for him, and to make him feel alive again.
"Thank you Dawn, for everything," he thanked as a tear rolled down his face. Dawn smiled and laughed.
"Of course Ash, I would do anything for you. I love you so much," she assured. The two once again went in for a kiss, this time much more passionate, and much more memorable.
OK, hopefully that was ending you were all looking for. I wanted to base this off of Paul George's comeback from his horrible leg injury, and I thought this came out pretty good! I would like to thank everyone for the support and hope that you all enjoyed this ride as much as I did!
