Back. On. Track!

Yes, I have finally finished this chapter! I was thinking about saving it for next week, but I figured you've all waited long enough. Besides, with a major hurricane hitting where I live, I don't know how my power situation is gonna be from tomorrow into next week. Hopefully it won't go out at all, but it's not sounding too good right now.

So, I think I've tortured you all enough. Onto the story!

"It feels so good to be free!"

Ash chuckled as Misty stood outside the hospital, beaming at him with her bright emerald eyes. He knew very well that his pretty wife was not a fan of hospitals, so getting out of the overly sterilized environment might as well have been a holiday for Misty.

"I'm glad to see you so happy," Ash quipped, lifting Aiden further up on his chest so the boy's head was resting on his shoulder. As a result, Pikachu had been relegated to the opposite shoulder for the time being.

"As long as I have my babies and they're okay, then I'm happy," Misty's eyes continued to twinkle as she set them on a sleeping baby Michelle. "Where's Brock? Is he ready to go yet?"

"Yeah, he should be," Ash gently bent his brow, "I wonder where he went off to?"

"I'm right here!" Brock's voice suddenly announced as he marched over to the young couple.

"Where have you been?" Ash blinked.

"Oh, they had a little supplies place right down the road," Brock motioned towards it with his head, "I figured I should pick some stuff up before we get on the boat. It was great! I got some more medicines for both people and Pokémon, some ingredients to test out new types of Pokémon food…"

"That sounds wonderful Brock," Misty interrupted in a dull tone, "but if you don't mind, could we please get going? I'm rather exhausted and," she turned around to glare at the tall white building that stood behind her, "I don't like being in the proximity of these places."

"No problem," Brock smiled at the worn red head, turning on a heel. "We can walk right this way to the dock."

Ash and Misty followed slowly after the Pokémon doctor, each one taking a slow and careful pace for fear of dropping or injuring one of the babies. Brock didn't mind in the slightest, humming quietly to himself as the group walked along the grass bordered path.

After a lengthy, albeit stress free walk, the group finally reached the boat that would take them back to Kanto. It would take about a full day to get back, so there were bedrooms and even places to eat on the boat. Misty's first wish was to sit outside on the deck and relax in the warm, tropical sunshine, but Ash wasn't so keen on the idea.

"Well why not?" Misty sulked.

"Well, you just got out of the hospital," Ash reasoned, "I think it would be best for you to stay in the room and get some rest. Besides, we have to get used to having the babies around. You're going to need to take care of them."

"Excuse me," Misty narrowed her eyes, "but they're your children too. I'm not doing all of the work myself, mister."

"Of course not," Ash chuckled gently at the notion, "but that doesn't excuse the fact that you still need to catch up on rest."

"But…" Misty tried to argue, but Ash was quick to cut her off.

"Here, let me take you to the room," Ash smiled angelically at his wife, who in turn looked quite aggravated with him.

Once she was settled in the room, Ash left the twins in a crib that had been set up in the corner of the room. He quickly walked back to Misty and gave her a kiss on the head before walking back towards the bedroom door.

"Hey, where are you going?" Misty frowned.

"I have to go outside on the deck," Ash explained, "you know how Scott went home ahead of us? Well, he said he had a few important things he needed to talk to me about over the phone. So I'm just gonna take care of that now."

"And leave me all alone?" Misty scowled.

"Just for a little while," Ash comforted, "don't worry angel. I'll be back before you know it."

As soon as Ash turned and shut the door behind him, Misty let out a dissatisfied groan and threw herself down on the bed. And not long after that, one of the babies began to cry hysterically. Moaning, Misty covered her eyes before jumping up to retrieve the infant. This was definitely going to be one long boat ride.

XXX

"You imbeciles!"

Jessie, James, and Meowth all ducked down to the floor. Giovanni was leaning over his desk, angrily glaring at the trio with contempt filled eyes.

"We…we were going to tell you sir!" James began, his voice quaking nervously.

"Yeah, ya' gotta believe us!" Meowth groveled, his eyes closing tightly.

"They were planning no such thing."

The three operatives turned their heads towards the darkened corner of the office. Giovanni, meanwhile, didn't bother to turn around. He simply let out a low sigh and leaned back in his heavy leather chair.

"And why should I trust you, Alec? Your mission was also a complete failure."

"At least mine was a direct order, sir," Alec let his narrowed black eyes land on the trembling operatives, "unlike those three, who go about their own business."

"Now see here!" Jessie stormed, jumping to her feet.

"Alec is correct," Giovanni interrupted, lacing his fingers together. "You three went completely behind my back, only to fail. Can you give me any reason as to why I shouldn't exile each and every one of you from this organization?"

"It won't happen again sir!" James sat up and clasped his hands together. "Really, it won't!"

"What if we went on another mission, this time under your orders?" Jessie suggested, her eyes clouding over in serious thought. "And this time, we'll succeed."

"How foolish," Alec chuckled, folding his hands behind his back.

"You seem quite determined about this," Giovanni scanned his narrowed eyes over the magenta haired woman; "you've planned something out, haven't you?"

"Of course," Jessie smirked, planting her hands firmly on her hips.

Giovanni thought carefully for a moment before leaning forward in his chair, resting his elbows against the desk. "Enlighten me."

XXX

Nearly three hours later, Ash stepped back into the room, a wide smile spread across his handsome face. That smile disappeared instantly, however, when he locked eyed with Misty.

She had exhaustion written all over her face, a crying Michelle held weakly in her arms. Ash gasped quietly and moved closer to Misty, gently taking the baby from her.

"Misty, are you alright?" Ash asked quietly.

Misty looked down at the miserable baby girl, closing her eyes sadly. She crawled away from Ash, throwing herself down so her head hit the pillows. Ash stroked Michelle's soft hair and got off the bed, once again moving closer to Misty.

"Misty?" Ash whispered.

"Leave me alone," Misty grumbled, turning so her back was facing Ash.

Ash frowned and went back to work on trying to soothe Michelle. After bouncing her around for a few minutes and murmuring sweetly to her, the baby fell asleep. Smiling softly, Ash gave her a kiss on the forehead before putting her back in the crib. Turning on a heel, Ash now turned his attention back to Misty.

"Why are you so upset?" Ash prodded, climbing onto the bed so he was next to Misty. She kept her eyes shut and said nothing in response. "Misty…"

"Ash, just shut up," Misty grumbled, burying her face into a pillow. At this, Ash shot up, a rather fierce sting traveling through his body. Misty was actually really angry with him! He had to find out why.

"Misty, are you upset with me?" Ash just wanted to be certain.

Misty slowly raised her head, shooting Ash an incredulous glare. He gulped silently and Misty's glower slowly melted into a sneer, which she supplemented with, "wow. Did you just figure that one out?" And, just as quickly as it had appeared, the sneer was replaced with a look of disdain. "You really are dense, aren't you?"

"Why are you so angry with me?" Ash asked, the shock he had been experiencing within his body transitioning into a terrible numbness.

"Don't worry honey, I'll be right back," Misty imitated Ash with a false smile and a mocking tone. When she saw the realization ripple across his face, Misty's mouth bent back into a frown as she added in her own, fuming voice, "three hours later."

"I know, and I'm sorry," Ash leaned in closer to Misty, who gave him a slap on the side of his face. It wasn't full force, like the one she had given him when they first met, but it wasn't light and playful either. It was just enough to leave a little sting on Ash's now rosy red cheek. "But you know I wouldn't do that on purpose. Not ever. Scott just wouldn't stop talking, and…"

"You should've told him to shut it," Misty accused, her dark green eyes narrowing. "Seriously, he knows what's going on! He was here! And you just gave into him like it was nothing."

"I know, and I'm sorry," Ash continued to apologize. "I'll tell him off next time. I promise."

"No, you always promise that!" Misty whined, sitting up on her knees so she was eye to eye with her fretful husband. "Ash, I swear, sometimes you're too nice for your own good! You keep giving and giving, and that makes you forget the important things!" Ash simply blinked in response, so Misty let out an agitated sigh and continued on with her rant. "I wanted to spend time alone with you, Ash. Just you, me, and the babies. I thought even you and I could get some time to ourselves when the twins fell asleep. But we couldn't. You've been out all afternoon. And you know what? The babies don't sleep! They just cry! All afternoon, it's been nothing but them screaming for reasons I can't figure out, because it all sounds the same, and I think maybe it might've been easier if someone had been here to help me! Someone like, I don't know…my husband?"

"Misty…" Ash breathed out, his voice quavering, "you're…you're right. You're completely right. I'm so sorry. From now on, you three come before anything. Any other person, or demand, even before my own job."

"Ash you're the Pokémon master for Arceus' sake," Misty groaned, rubbing her temples. "You can't just abandon your job! It isn't possible."

"But Misty…" Ash tried.

"Look Ash, it isn't that I'm mad at you," Misty grumbled, lowering her hands so she could nervously twist her fingers together to try and relieve her stress. "I understand that this job is your dream. It always has been. I'm not going to keep you from it."

"But you're my dream too," Ash whispered, pressing his forehead against Misty's.

"Maybe so," Misty let out a shuttered breath, "but your first dream has always been becoming the Pokémon master. It was your dream way before I ever showed up." Misty gently pushed Ash away from her so she could lie back down. "I'm sorry, I'm just tired."

"I understand," Ash murmured, brushing his fingers up and down Misty's arm. "You should get some rest. But I love you. You know that, right?"

"Yeah," Misty mumbled, snuggling deeper into the bed.

As Ash went to lie down next to her, the sound of tiny whimpers caused him to alertly raise his head. He glanced down at Misty, who kept her eyes shut but furrowed her brow in deep frustration. The cries became increasingly louder, until finally Misty slammed a fist against the mattress and pulled herself up.

"No Misty," Ash hushed, gently grabbing the young woman's shoulders and pulling her back down. "You rest. I'll take care of them. It's alright."

Misty let out a shallow breath before reluctantly putting her head back down. As Ash slipped out of bed, Misty looked lazily over her shoulder and found Ash lifting a hysterical Aiden out of his crib. It only took about a minute for him to settle the child down, and Ash sealed the action with a smile and a kiss to Aiden's head.

Misty, meanwhile, looked back to the wall that sat in front of her, while broodingly thinking about what a terrible mother she was.

XXX

The family's return to Pallet the next day was exciting, to say the least.

Delia had gone positively insane over the babies. Ash was sure he'd never seen his mother get so thrilled by anything else before them. She had squealed and shrieked and instantly taken both of the infants into her arms in order to coo and fuss over them. All of the noise had woken up Aiden who, instead of getting upset, simply looked up at his grandmother with curious brown eyes.

"Oh, hello there sweetheart!" Delia greeted, her face glowing with such great joy that even the downtrodden Misty was finding herself to be smiling. "Well, aren't you just the cutest little boy I've ever seen?"

"Hey," Ash pouted as he crossed his arms over his chest. From his shoulder, Pikachu laughed teasingly at his trainer, who in turn deepened his sulk.

"They're both so beautiful," Delia murmured, waltzing into the family room. Ash, Misty, and Brock followed behind, Delia giggling as she placed both of the children in their perspective cradles. "Such darlings!" She stood up straight and turned towards the other adults, her light auburn eyes sparkling with light. "You three must be so tired. Especially you Misty!"

"Yeah, I guess," Misty ran a hand through her soft red hair. Her smile had faded back into a frown, and Ash was now glancing worriedly at her.

"I think I'll make some tea for all of us," Delia announced, moving towards the kitchen.

"Oh, you don't have to make any for me," Misty piped up in a small voice. Delia turned around and looked Misty over with concern.

"Are you alright dear?"

"Yeah, fine," Misty looked down at her feet. "I just want to get some sleep, I think. Do you mind if I go upstairs to mine and Ash's room?"

"Not at all!" Delia quickly shook her head. "You go right on upstairs. And don't worry about the babies. I'd be happy to take care of them for now!"

"Thank you," Misty gave a small nod before walking off in the direction of the stairs. Ash watched her go and then hurried after his mother, something slowly sparking in his mind.

"Hey Mom," Ash began, nervously wringing his hands together. Delia turned her head slightly, to indicate that she was listening. "I kind of think something might be wrong with Misty…"

"What do you mean dear?" Delia frowned, heating up the water she needed.

"Well…she's just been so miserable, ever since last night." Ash folded his arms and twisted his mouth in deep thought. "You'd think she'd be so happy right now. And she was! Up until last night. I mean…we have the two cutest babies I've ever seen! Misty's got the family I know she's always dreamed of. So why isn't she happy?"

Delia sighed and looked into her son's pained russet eyes. She could tell that all the young man wanted was for his wife to be happy. Misty meant the world to him, after all, and seeing her upset simply wasn't acceptable for the raven haired master.

"I may have an idea of what's going on," Delia answered slowly, "and if I'm right, then it isn't Misty's fault."

"What do you mean?" Ash murmured.

"Ash dear…I'm afraid Misty might be depressed."

"Depressed?" Ash repeated. That hardly seemed feasible to the young man. "Why in the world would she be depressed?"

"It isn't easy Ash," Delia explained, "You have two new babies instead of just one. And Michelle isn't completely healthy, the poor thing. Misty probably just feels very overwhelmed by everything."

"So what do I do?" Ash whimpered.

"Just help her out," Delia smiled sweetly as she touched Ash's shoulder. "Make sure you show her lots of love, and take good care of the babies. Just be the sweet and wonderful husband she and both I know you are."

Ash opened his mouth to respond, but was quickly cut off by a startling shriek; a loud scream that sounded like it was coming from upstairs.

"What in the world was that?" Delia gasped, her first thought being the babies' safety.

"Misty!" Ash cried after a short moment of deliberation. He spun around and darted up the stairs, Delia watching after him with great concern.

The Pokémon master hurried down the hallway, stopping himself at the guest room by grabbing onto the door frame. He leaned in carefully to make sure it was in fact Misty sobbing. It only took a few seconds for Ash to confirm his suspicions.

"Misty," Ash called softly. Her screaming stopped, although she continued to whimper violently. Running into the room, Ash stopped by the side of the bed and looked down at his wife. Her eyes were closed and her lips were trembling, her fingers busily flexing as she anxiously twisted her head left to right.

"She's asleep," Ash mumbled darkly to himself. Leaning down, he gently shook the red head's shoulder, trying desperately to wake her up. "Misty! Misty, come on. You've gotta wake up."

Misty's eyes snapped open as she let out a harsh gasp, her hands flying up in order to clutch Ash's shirt. She pulled him down towards herself and brushed her face up against his, deeply breathing in and out.

"Whoa!" Ash tried to pry himself away from Misty, but with no such luck. "Mist, are you alright? What was that all about?"

Misty began panting again as she slowly pulled herself away from Ash. Turning her dark eyes upwards, Misty seemed to just realize it was Ash she was holding onto. Moaning softly, she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Ash frowned and began rubbing her back before lightly putting her back down onto the bed.

"Misty," Ash tried again as he sat down next to the flustered young woman, "what was that about?"

"I…" Misty began, reaching towards her heart, "I had a nightmare…"

"About what?" Ash asked softly as he stroked her cheek. At that delicate touch, Misty burst out into tears, sitting up in order to draw her knees close to her chest. Ash, in turn, grew wide eyed at his wife's reaction.

"It…it was about the babies," Misty whispered miserably, rubbing furiously at her puffy, tear filled eyes.

"What happened?" Ash asked sweetly, hoping to coax an answer out of the visibly upset gym leader. "You can tell me, sweetheart."

"No," Misty sniffed, hugging her legs closer to herself, "you'll get upset with me."

"No I won't. I would never get angry with you for having a nightmare, honey. I want to help you. But I can't do that unless you tell me what the nightmare was about."

Taking a deep breath, Misty made sure to look away from Ash before murmuring, "it was awful. The babies…they got hurt."

"Hurt?" Ash whispered. Misty nodded in corroboration. "What hurt them?"

"A person," Misty replied quietly, "a very bad person."

"Who?" Ash's eyes burned, "Team Rocket?"

"No."

"Then who?"

Lowering her legs and wrapping her arms around herself, Misty turned sharply towards Ash and answered strongly and miserably, "me."

"Y…you?" Ash's head lowered.

"I don't understand why I would ever, ever dream of that!" Misty stormed, fresh tears forming in her dark emerald eyes. "I would never hurt our babies, Ash! You have to believe me, I wouldn't!"

"I know you wouldn't," Ash hushed, rubbing her shoulders, "it's okay Mist."

"No it isn't!" Misty sobbed. "I would've died for them Ash! I…what kind of a mother has dreams like that?"

"Don't freak yourself out," Ash wrapped his arms around Misty's trembling body. "I think you're just really tired is all. Why don't you try and go back to sleep?"

"No," Misty frantically shook her head, "I don't want to have another dream. Please…no."

"But Misty, you need rest."

"Rest, not sleep," Misty growled lowly. "I'll just lay here, thank you very much."

"Alright," Ash threw his hands up in surrender and began to back out of the room. "Just…call me if you need anything. Okay?"

"Yes," Misty grumbled, her eyes looking just as dull as they had before. Ash sighed sadly and walked completely out of the room, his mind racing rather furiously.

What in the world was he supposed to do about Misty?

Poor Misty. All of the stress has really gotten to her.

Now, my updates will not be as strict as they were before. I simply cannot get a new chapter up every Monday and Thursday. They're going to be alot more sporadic, just whenever I can get things up. But don't worry, they'll go up, and you'll enjoy them! Err...hopefully :)

Thank you for your patience during my little melt down. I always knew I had awesome readers! I mean...we're only 8 reviews away from 200! That's CRAZY! Thank you thank you thank you!

Good bye until next time! And for everyone on the east coast of America (such as where I am) watch out for the hurricane! Everyone keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best :) Next time you hear from me, it'll be another update!