Chapter 44
"Ash?" the groggy redhead rubs her eyes. She was having a nightmare again, though they have been occurring less frequently with Ash gone. Therefore, when she felt pressure on the bed, she instantly woke up ready to defend herself. To her surprise, she recognizes the silhouette in the dark room.
"Hey, Mist." he smiles. The man is tired from the long journey, and he just wants to relax with her in his arms. They can deal with the whole scandal thing when they're awake.
"What are you doing here?" She snuggles into his chest.
Ash closes his eyes. "You guys need me." Pikachu is sleeping with Ariel, like he always does.
"We don't need you." Misty smiles.
Ash chuckles as he tightens his hold around her. "Well, I need you guys."
"We want you, Ash. Always." The soft voice of his girlfriend relaxes Ash some more. "We love you."
"I know." It's why he rushed here the moment Ariel called. He loves his family too much to lose them again. "Night, Mist."
"Night, Ash."
The next morning, Ash is still sleeping, and Misty calls in Ariel to be excused from school. This whole scandal thing is too much for a 10 year old who isn't a fan of her peers and teachers. With the gym closed as well as mounds of reporters outside, Misty chooses to stay indoors today. At least the curtains help hide them. She has her Pokemon taking shifts to keep the reporters off the property so that no one knocks or tries to peek in the windows.
"Hey, mom." the girl yawns with Pikachu on her shoulder.
Misty smiles when Pikachu hops into her arms. "Morning, you two."
"Is dad still sleeping?"
"You know him."
"Pikapi…" Pikachu sweatdrops, making the girls laugh.
After breakfast, Misty manages to vomit without anyone noticing. Ash had woken up to eat and spend time with Ariel who is glad her father is home. She doesn't want to be away from her parents during difficult times. Ariel would rather everyone be safely together. Once Misty and Ash finally are done with calls from the League, well they're on a break, the two collapse on the sofa in exhaustion.
Ariel worriedly looks at her parents. "What's wrong? Is it worse?"
Ash shakes his head. He doesn't want her to worry, but Ariel is too old and smart to not notice these issues anymore. "No. The League just told me the same thing they told your mom." Ariel already spoke to the Oak siblings yesterday, and the Oaks are on her side.
"Why don't we go on the news and say Melody is lying?" suggests the girl.
Misty sighs. "That might make it worse. They'll think we have something to hide because we're being defensive."
"But if you don't say anything, they'll think Melody is right!" insists the girl.
Ash groans. "I hate this stuff. I just like battling." He's tired of the League's rules. Being a Champion is more than just battling. It's mostly boring paperwork and meetings.
The redhead reaches a hand over to squeeze Ash's. "We'll be fine."
"But they're threatening your promotion." He reminds her.
Misty shrugs. "I don't care, Ash. I'm fine staying in Cerulean City."
"Mom…" Ariel wants her mother to get promoted. Misty works too hard as a gym leader not to.
Giving her daughter a reassuring smile, Misty asks, "Can you let me and dad talk, Ariel? Take Pikachu upstairs with you."
"But-"
"Ariel." Ash grins warmly at her too. "We'll come get you when we're done."
Sighing, Ariel looks down at Pikachu who returns the concerned gaze. "Fine, but we're a team. You guys need to tell me what you're gonna do!"
"Always." Ash nods at Pikachu who tugs at Ariel's pant leg before running upstairs. Reluctantly, the girl follows. When the parents hear the door shut upstairs, Ash turns to Misty, "So what's up?" He doesn't know what she wants to say to him that Ariel can't hear. Ariel already knows the consequences of this scandal due to the media.
Misty closes her eyes in frustration. "Should we answer the media's questions?"
"I never have when it's not about my job." Ash recalls ignoring their questions about his divorce and then when he started dating Melody. "I'm not gonna start now because I didn't do anything wrong."
"We know that, but they don't. Melody is lying."
"If you wanna talk to the media, you can, but I won't." Ash truly believes that ignoring this scandal will just make it all go away.
She shoots him a glare. "Ash, I'm gonna lose my promotion and maybe even the gym. You're really not gonna speak to help me?" Of course Ash wouldn't lose his position. He's the beloved champion for the past decade. Misty, though, will for sure lose the promotion, and her gym will be passed onto Daisy. Therefore, Misty will lose everything.
He shakes his head. "Talking to them could make things worse!"
"How? We can tell them that Melody is lying!"
"What proof do we have?" questions the man. "Ever since Ariel's accident, we've been hanging out more often! I'm always alone with you and Ariel for our Wednesday dinners! The media will portray it as the time we would sleep together!"
"You can tell them that all we did was eat together."
"You really think they're gonna believe that? People love drama, so the media will give it to them." Ash lays into the couch cushions. "Misty, listen to me." He pleads with his warm brown eyes. "I don't wanna lose you again."
She's too mad to care about his words right now. He's not even willing to fight against Melody. Just because Ash's title is safe, that doesn't mean he needs to ignore the problem that is going to make Misty lose everything. She doesn't want to just be some house wife. That's not who she is. Furiously standing up, she shakes her head. "You're gonna lose me if you keep doing nothing." Despite telling Ariel she won't do anything, Misty won't lose anything she currently has. The League can take back their Elite Four offer, but they can't take her gym.
Ash watches her storm upstairs, and he closes his eyes in frustration. He truly believes that defending himself and pointing out Melody's lies will just make the situation worse. What if Melody has something up her sleeve for if he does retaliate? However, he sees where Misty is coming from. She doesn't want to lose her gym. Nevertheless, Ash won't lose Misty again.
Flashback
"Hey, champ!" smiles the raven haired man as his 5 year old daughter tackles him in a hug.
Sniffling, like she occasionally does once she arrives in the Pallet Town home, Ariel tells him, "Why can't you and mommy be together again?" It's been months since the divorce, and Ariel is still not used to the separation. She always asks her parents this question.
Ash sighs while hugging her tightly. He gives his mother a grateful smile for dealing with his ex outside. "Sometimes, people don't get along."
"But you always make me get along with Jace and Lauren!"
"When you're adults, it's more complicated than fighting over a toy."
Ariel shakes her head. "No! I want you and mommy with me!"
The man gives Pikachu a pleading look who pretends to sleep. Pikachu is also upset about the divorce. He thinks Ash and Misty could've talked it out and settled their problems rather than ignore the problems and let it blow up like this. Ariel doesn't deserve to suffer. It's a reason Pikachu has been somewhat rebellious against Ash lately.
"Your mom and I can't be together anymore. I'm sorry, Ariel."
"I don't want her with Mr. Rudy! I hate it! You're my daddy!" cries the girl, causing Ash to stiffen up. Rudy?
"What about Mr. Rudy?"
"Mommy is always kissing him! I want her to kiss you! You're my daddy!" Ariel has finally been told that Misty is dating Rudy. The girl cried, but Misty asked her to give him a chance. Ariel liked Rudy before he started dating Misty. Ariel is tired of seeing Rudy kiss her mother, especially so soon after the divorce.
Pikachu worriedly opens an eye to watch his trainer shut his eyes in pain. Ash takes in a few deep breaths to calm his anger and pain. The ache in his chest is worse than it's ever been. It's only been a couple of months after the divorce, and his ex moved on so quickly? And she moved onto the very man she told Ash not to worry about? The man she told Ash was just a friend. Good thing he got that damn divorce.
Clutching Ariel tightly, Ash whispers into her hair, "You're right, champ. I'm your dad. I'll always be your dad." Rudy won't take Ariel away from him. The Trovita Island gym leader already took Ash's lover, but Rudy will never take Ariel. Ash will make sure of it, even if the League hounds him to stay at the Indigo Plateau on the weekends. The champion will sacrifice anything for his daughter.
Flashback Over
Light knocks on the door makes Misty look over to see her boyfriend's nervous gaze. It's late. Ever since their little spat earlier, the two haven't been saying much to each other. Ariel and Pikachu noticed the tension. They hope this won't be another breakup between the parents. Ash just put the girl and Pikachu to sleep in her room before coming to check on his girlfriend. He plans to sleep on the couch where he already placed a pillow and blanket.
"Hey." mutters the woman.
Ash awkwardly rubs the back of his head. "Hey." Misty gets into the bed to pull the blanket over her. "Want the lights off?"
"Yeah."
When Ash turns off the lights, he rests his hand on the doorknob. "Good night."
Before he can shut the door, Misty says, "I'm cold."
Ash smiles to himself as his eyes linger on the woman in front of him. Her cerulean blue orbs expectantly watch him in the doorway. "Me too." He enters the bed where she instantly latches onto him. They've both learned that no matter how mad they are with one another, they don't want to be separated again. Thus, it requires swallowing a lot of pride.
"I love you." mumbles the woman.
"I love you too, Mist." Ash kisses the top of her head. He loves Ariel and he loves Misty. Therefore, he will do everything he can to protect them. He wants them to be happy. Besides, he knows his happiness lies with them.
The next day, Ariel is still home from school, though her school has emailed Misty her assignments. The gym continues to be closed, but Daisy and Tracey plan to arrive over the weekend to run it. This allows Ash and Misty to focus on how they're going to move past this scandal as well as how to handle the potential repercussions.
With Ariel and Pikachu in her room doing schoolwork, Ash and Misty are in the living room doing their own work. Ash has been speaking to the League's public relations coordinator to figure out what the best course of action is for something like this. Unfortunately, Ash was told that Misty needs to rescind her acceptance of the Elite Four position. She will be able to keep the gym depending on how the backlash is, but at least, Ash doesn't have to break up with her. The PR expert said breaking up would just confirm to the public that Ash is guilty, which could result in his removal from his title.
"So bad news?" Misty asks her frowning boyfriend who collapses on the couch beside her.
"I'm gonna call Melody."
"Don't. She'll use it against you." Misty reminds him. Misty would've given Melody a piece of her mind if she wasn't pregnant. After some time, Misty realized that fighting Melody would just make Melody the victim and Misty look guilty. Misty can't cause any more negative news than there already is about her and Ash.
Ash shakes his head. "This is so stupid! I don't know why she's doing this! She has nothing to gain!"
"Her music career is getting more attention. People feel bad for the woman who was cheated on." the redhead rolls her eyes.
"How about we go to Pallet Town tonight? Hop on Charizard and fly under the cover of the dark sky?" suggests the man. Pallet Town is a lot smaller with less reporters. Cerulean City has too many people constantly watching the house. Plus, Ash is feeling claustrophobic, and he believes Ariel will be a lot happier near the Oak siblings.
"I can't wait." Misty agrees.
After some time of them silently sitting together, Ash sighs. There's another outcome he thought up, but he wanted to wait and hear a professional's answer today. Seeing as how the PR expert says the best course of action is for Misty to lose her Elite Four offer and possibly the gym, Ash can't let that happen. Thus, he knows his idea is the best option. He just hopes it won't make him look guilty to the public, though he knows it will.
"Hey, Misty?"
"Hm?" she curiously looks over at his anxious eyes.
Letting out a long breath, Ash says, "I'm gonna resign."
To his surprise, she doesn't gasp or frown. Instead, she glares at him. "That's stupid." Ash shouldn't lose the thing he spent his whole life going after. He loves being a champion, especially the Kanto champion. Misty doesn't mind just being the Cerulean City gym leader. Plus, she already sees Ash every day now, so it's fine with her. Of course, his commute sucks, but he hasn't let it bother him.
"I've been thinking about it-"
"Doesn't seem like you put much thought into it." remarks the woman, making Ash shoot her an annoyed glare.
"Hey! I'm trying to come up with a solution for us!"
"You resigning just makes you look guilty! Obviously, we're gonna get more negative publicity!" Does Ash really not think things through? Now both he and her will be out of jobs! That's not right because they did nothing wrong!
The man bites his inner cheek. "I know. But I can't let you make the sacrifice, Misty." His warm brown eyes gaze into her furious blue ones. "You're always making the sacrifice for us. For my career. I can't let you do it again."
Misty massages her temples. She appreciates Ash's thoughtfulness, but right now is not the time for that. "I'm not gonna leave you over this stupid scandal that Melody started."
"I'm not saying you will-"
"Ash." breathes out the woman. "Let's talk to the media. We've done nothing wrong." She offers him a small smile. "Gary still has that talkshow in Goldenrod City, right? The one he goes to every other week." Just because they're speaking to the media, it doesn't mean they speak to everyone. No. Misty is going to choose a station that won't make her and Ash look bad for drama. She won't choose someone who misconstruels their statements.
"I think so?"
"We're going on there."
"Won't the media just say Gary is our friend so he's making us look good?"
"The public respects us and the Oaks, Ash. Gary is a professor. He'd never lie." she reminds him.
"Yeah, but Gary only reports about research and Pokemon. His station isn't a drama or relationship one." Ash knowingly remarks.
Misty rolls her eyes as she pulls out her pokenav. "He owes us a lot, Ash. And you know he wants this scandal gone as much as we do. You do know Gary and Leaf have been trying to set us up."
Ash worriedly looks at his lap. "Okay. Let's say we do this. Gary lets us on his talkshow and we say our side of the story. What if Melody has something else to use against us? To make it look like we're lying?"
"We'll never know if we don't try." Ash used to tell her this all the time; however, he's the one being so hesitant.
Groaning loudly, the man exclaims, "I like battling! That's all I wanna do! I don't care about the media or the fame or the paperwork! I just wanna train and battle!"
Misty is concerned seeing Ash so upset. She knows the tolls of work have been a lot on him, and it even led to their divorce. With the added drama of Melody's scandal, Ash seems to be falling apart. He's been trying hard to keep himself and his family together, though the fear of losing them again or making things worse is getting to him.
Moving closer to him, Misty wraps him up tightly in her arms where Ash rests his face in the crook of her neck. His breathing slows down while he finds the strength to bring his arms up around her. In a soft soothing voice, Misty speaks into his ear, "I love you, Ash Ketchum. I won't lose you again, so please calm down." She squeezes him. "We're in this together. We're a team. We'll get through this together."
When Ash slowly nods, Misty lets out a breath she was holding. Ash has always been her strength, so she wants to be his. It's the least she can do for the man she loves. "I love you too, Mist." His lips brush her neck when he speaks. "You don't know how much I love you."
"I have an idea." she giggles.
Ash slightly shakes his head. "It's not enough." He lost her before. He knows he's loved her since they were young, and that love has grown over the years. The divorce sent him to a dark place. If he didn't have Ariel, Ash doubts he would still be the champion right now. He's not even sure he'd be alive either. "I'm still gonna resign."
"Ash-"
"Listen to me, Misty." pleads his small voice. "I know it'll make me look guilty, so I don't have to resign right now, but I will resign this year."
"Why?" her hands on his back hold onto his shirt tightly. She doesn't know why he would give up his life goal like this. This is not the Ash Ketchum she knows and loves.
"You're right. Ariel will be in danger as long as the champion is her father."
"She already agreed to take Charizard!"
"But it's not enough! What if he's not enough? What if she keeps getting chased? Jace will be with her too! I can't let something happen to both of them!" Ash pulls away to plead with Misty. "Also, I'm done being the champion. There's too many things I hate doing. I hate it more than what I love. I rarely battle."
"Are you really gonna give up the dream you've spent your life achieving?" questions the woman.
Ash nods. "Ariel is worth it." He grabs her hand. "You're both worth it."
Misty rolls her eyes, making Ash frown again. "Don't do things for us, Ash! Do it for you!"
"I am! But it helps that you guys will be happier too!"
Shaking her head, Misty narrows her eyes at him. "I married a pokemon master." This is definitely not the Ash Ketchum she remembers falling in love with. The one with dreams who is carefree and loves life. The one who doesn't ever give up no matter how tough the situation gets.
"But you also divorced the Kanto champion." he knowingly responds while keeping his gaze away.
"No. I divorced a husband who prioritized his career over his family."
"Isn't that the same thing?"
"No. Because you're still a Kanto Champion right now, but I like the Ash right now." The woman sighs. "When we divorced, you made sure to see Ariel every weekend. That's the most she's ever seen you. And I came to accept that our divorce is the best thing to happen to her." Regardless of his title, Ash is in charge of his own character. He was the champion back when they were married, and he was never around. He's still the champion now, and they see him every day. His title doesn't matter. It's his priorities.
Ash gives her a small grateful smile. "Okay, but being a Pokemon Master is a lot of work."
"Being a Pokemon Master and a champion are two different things." Misty recalls a certain challenger she had during her first year as a gym leader who reminds her of Ash. "You know Red Aka is a Pokemon Master."
The man rolls his eyes thinking about that quiet guy up on Mt. Silver. How Red can just spend his life up there, Ash doesn't know. Ash has met him a few times. Apparently, Misty says Red used to talk a lot and be energetic until an incident with Team Rocket led to his family's death. "And he's lonely too."
"He has his Pokemon. All he does is train and battle trainers who are able to make the trip up to find him." Red Aka is considered the Kanto Pokemon Master. He's a really strong trainer, though Ash has never battled him. Ash has only seen Red when the League wants to recruit Red for tough missions. There are a lot of strong trainers who bypass the gyms and League because they deem defeated Red as the ultimate feat of being a Pokemon Master.
"So what are you saying?" grumbles Ash. He hates hearing Misty talk highly about other men.
Giggling, Misty snuggles into Ash's chest while placing his arm around her shoulders. "You don't need to be the champion to be a Pokemon Master. All you wanna do is train and battle anyway. That's all Red does, and he's a Pokemon Master."
Ash shakes his head. "That's not all I wanna do."
"Oh really? Mr. Pokemon Master has new goals?" teases the redhead.
Ash smiles as he uses a hand to lift Misty's chin. Their eyes lock, and he can't help but gaze into those playful blue orbs of hers. She always knows how to make him feel better. "Yeah. I do actually."
"Oh. What are they?"
Closing in on her, he whispers, "I wanna be the best dad to Ariel, and the best man to you, Mist." He then softly plants his lips on hers for the two to share a passionate kiss.
When they pull away for air, Misty is blushing profusely at the surprisingly romantic man in front of her. Her heart is beating rapidly, and she is reminded of why she married him. The woman just wants to continue spending her life with him and their family. He wants to sacrifice so much for them, so he deserves everything from her. He gives her his everything. The guilt and weight on her shoulders feel really heavy after this conversation due to Ash's immense kindness.
Even Ash is amazed with himself. The moment just felt so right. Moreover, he needed to correct Misty about his new aspirations. Being a champion and Pokemon Master was a fun childhood dream, but now, Ash just wants to be a family man. Ash watches his girlfriend with concern. Why isn't she saying anything? She seems to still be in a daze, which makes him proud that he still has this effect on her, though he is worried. "Mist?"
"I'm pregnant."
Bonus Scene - Alternate Scene
I wrote this scene a while back. I didn't plan on having Ash and Misty date again. They were supposed to have only had sex that one time and then get closer together while denying their feelings for each other. However, I ended up making them date, but I like this scene too much to not upload it lol. It's an alternative ending I guess. Read it if you want, but it doesn't pertain to the story anymore.
"I married a pokemon master." Misty narrows her eyes at the defeated man.
"But you also divorced the Kanto champion." he knowingly responds while keeping his gaze away.
"No. I divorced a husband who prioritized his career over his family."
"Isn't that the same thing?"
Misty shakes her head at him. "No. Because you're a Kanto Champion right now, but I like the Ash right now. When we divorced, you made sure to see Ariel every weekend. That's the most she's ever seen you while we were together, and I came to accept that our divorce is the best thing to happen to her."
He chuckles. "What about now?"
Shrugging, Misty leans into her seat beside him. "You're better. We see you every day."
"That's because the League wants me to lie low."
"No. Even before the whole slander thing, you came around more often." Misty sighs in the air. "Who would've thought our divorce would bring us closer together than our marriage?"
Looking over at her, Ash smiles warmly. "You know, besides my mom, you're my biggest supporter. Like we're supposed to hate each other right now, but you're still supporting me."
She looks into his chocolate eyes and fights the urge to fall for them again. "I'm doing this for Ariel. She'd be disappointed if she found out that's how her father left his title. You need to lose it honorably."
Fast Forward
"I love you, Mist."
"I'm pregnant." Damn it, Misty! You're not supposed to say that yet! You're supposed to tell him you love him too! She instantly winces from her words, but the shocked man blinks in confusion.
Had he heard that right? Is she okay? Is Misty freaking out? "What?"
Sighing, the redhead walks over to her purse where she pulls out a small photo. Handing it to Ash, she repeats, "I'm pregnant."
Ash remembers Ariel's ultrasound because it was one of the happiest days of his life, so he can read this ultrasound picture well. There's Misty's name in the corner and the date is from two weeks ago. The fetus is pretty small, which is why Ash can't tell as he looks at Misty's abdomen. However, he frowns as he realizes this is probably why she can't be with him. She's pregnant with someone else's child.
Seeing his frown makes Misty give one of her own. He's disappointed. Maybe he really doesn't love her and he was just saying it. Now that they have another life together, another commitment to keep them around one another, he's upset. Sighing, Misty grabs the photo back. "I'm keeping it."
Her words shake Ash from his thoughts. "Uh. Yeah. It's your body." Closing his eyes to prevent her from seeing his pain, he says, "Congrats, Mist." Ash can't even fake a smile as he speaks, but it's his fault he lost her. He had her, and he lost her.
Congrats? Misty glares at the man who has his eyes closed. How dare he talk to her like she's raising this child alone! "You're gonna be involved!"
He opens his eyes in shock. Although she's pregnant with another man's child, Ash doesn't care because he loves her. If she wants him in her life, he'll stay. With a warm grin on his face, he replies, "If you'll let me."
While their divorce was messy, Misty had thought they were past that already. "Of course I'd let you! I'm not a monster! I let you be involved with Ariel."
"That's cuz Ariel's mine."
Groaning, Misty glares into his sad brown eyes. "And this one is too!" Mew, he's so dense! Is this why he has been asking all of these questions like he isn't involved?
However, Ash is blinking at her in confusion. How is this kid his? He and Misty only had sex 2 months ago at her hotel room, and it was one time. It took them a year to have Ariel, so Misty couldn't have gotten pregnant after one time, right?
Seeing the confused man, Misty sighs. "Ash, I'm 7 weeks pregnant."
With hesitation, he peers into her annoyed cerulean blue eyes as he prays this isn't a joke. Ash has always wanted more children, but he could only ever see himself having them with Misty. Mew, please let this be real. "Is it mine?"
Rolling her eyes, Misty responds, "I already said it is, so you're gonna be involved, Ash Ke-" His lips crash onto hers before she can finish the sentence, and she finds herself passionately kissing him back. Mew, she's really missed him.
When they separate for air, Ash's goofy grin is on his face as his eyes are glossed over. "I'm so happy, Mist. I always wanted us to have another one."
With a smile on her face, Misty says, "Ariel's leaving soon, so maybe we can give this one a playdate?"
"Or two playdates?" Ash pecks her lips.
"No. That's too many kids, Ketchum." she narrows her eyes at him.
Hearing her say his last name, Ash gazes into her eyes again. "Can you be a Ketchum again?" When Misty opens her mouth to respond, Ash cuts her off. "I promise I won't lose you again, Mist."
She kisses him as a few tears leak from her eyes. "I was gonna say the same thing, Mr. Pokemon Master."
Melody slanders Ash (says he cheated on her with Misty) → media pressures to make him resign → Ash decides to resign, but Misty won't let him because she supports him (Misty knows she's pregnant at this point but hasn't told anyone) → Ash lets her know that he doesn't mind resigning because he wants to be a family man → Misty tells him to not give up on his dream → they fall in love again → she confesses her pregnancy and how she didn't want to tell him because she wants him to love her and not be with her due to the baby