Chapter 78: A New Life Begins

Professor Kukui smiled as he made his way back to the living room, cup of tea in one hand and a good book in the other. Finally, a quiet evening. Burnett was sleeping, the baby hadn't caused them any problems, Ash and Lillie were off on a date, and he'd finished everything he needed too. Pleased, he plopped down into his favorite seat, briefly leaning down to stroke his Rockruff's fur, much to his partner's pleasure.

"Rrrruff."

"I hear ya, buddy. Finally, some me time! Nothing can ruin this evening. Just you, me, and..."

"Kukui!"

...Well, maybe not, Sighing, he picked himself up out of his chair. "This had better be good," he muttered to himself as he made his way to the bedroom..

"What is it, honey?"

Burnett appeared in the doorframe, clutching her stomach.

"My water just broke. I'm going into labor!"

Kukui closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He just had to say it.

Deep in Akala Meadow, Ash and Lillie were lying in the soft grass, stargazing as the cool Alolan night air breezed past them. After the whole spying on Brock fiasco, they'd decided it to give the new couple their space and took their own date elsewhere. So they bought some malassadas from the local stand and headed out to the Meadow for a starlit date.

"Now this is more like it! Peace and quiet with the girl I love."

"I still feel bad for spying on Brock like that."

"Don't worry, he's not mad at us. Besides, did you see his face when Olivia said she wanted to go on a second date? I haven't seen him that happy in a long time."

Their rest and relaxation was cut short by Ash's phone ringing. Sighing, he checked it to find Professor Kukui calling.

"No offense, Professor, but Lillie and I were hoping for some alone time, so unless this is important..."

"Burnett's gone into labor and I'm freaking out! We made it to Hau'oli General, but I could use some support right now!"

Ash's annoyance was quickly replaced with panic, and he was quickly up and on his feet.

"We'll be there as soon as we can! Just try to remain calm."

With that he hung up and quickly began packing up the food, much to Lillie's confusion.

"What's wrong, Ash?"

"Burnett's gone into labor and Kukui's going crazy with fear. We need to get back to Melemele now!"

Realizing how serious the situation was, Lillie helped pack up the food before they ran for the port. They could tell they were in for a long night.

The receptionist glanced up as they ran into the lobby, panting heavily.

"You here for the Kukui family?"

"How did..."

"Lucky guess. Suite 3A, Third Floor."

"Thanks."

When they reached the hospital suite, they found it surprisingly packed. Hala, Hau, Brock, and Olivia were seated, either flipping through magazines or surfing the late night channels. Sun and his sister Moon were sitting in the corner on the floor, sleeping. Misty, Max, Cilan, and Iris were crouched around a small table, playing blackjack.

"Man, I didn't expect it to be so crowded in here."

"What, did you think you were the only ones who wanted to meet the baby? Get in line."

Ash decided to join the card game, crouching down beside Misty as Max dealt him in.

"Any word on the happy couple?"

Misty shook her head as she looked at her hand.

"Last we heard, she was progressing normally, but that was about an hour ago."

"Alright everyone, read it and weep!"

Everyone revealed their hand, Ash winning with 21 exactly.

"What, no way!"

"Beginner's luck."

"Best 2 out of 3?"

"Oh, you are on Ketchum!"

A few hours passed, and everyone was exhausted. The game of blackjack had long since passed, and everyone was either sleeping or chugging coffee trying to stay awake. The operating room door swung open, revealing Kukui. Immediately, everyone swarmed him, a big smile creeping up on his face.

"Who wants to meet my baby boy?"

The nurses would only let them in a few at a time, so Kukui led Ash and Lillie in first. There, tired but proud, sat Burnett, a bouncing baby boy in her arms.

"Wow, he's beautiful!"

"What's his name?"

"Well, we thought long and hard, but we decided on..."

"Kukui Jr.!"

Burnett shot her husband a glare before turning back to their guests.

"Lei. Its Alolan for beloved child."

"Congrats, guys!"

"Would you like to hold him, Ash?"

Ash hesitated, but eventually held his arms out to gently take him. As soon as Lei was in Ash's arms, the baby began to giggle, reaching up and grabbing Ash's hat. Instead of being upset, Ash laughed.

"Looks like we have a future Pokemon Master on our hands here!"

Everyone laughed as Ash gently rocked the baby, helping him go to sleep. Lillie smiled gently.

"You sure are good with kids, Ash."

"Hey, I guess I am! You know, I always wanted a little brother."

"Well, you'll be the first person we turn to for a babysitter!"

"It'll be good practice for when you two have children of your own."

Ash and Lillie's faces went beet read, making the new parents laugh.

"Relax, you two! We're just teasing. Although..."

"Kukui."

"What? I'm just saying."

Everyone had one last laugh before Ash and Lillie left so the next group could make their way in. Needless to say, everyone wanted to meet Alola's newest citizen.

"Ash, have you...thought about having children? You know, you and me?"

"A couple of times, yeah. I mean, not a whole lot. I'm still a teen, you know."

"Oh, yes, of course!"

"But...I'd love to start a family with you. You know, someday."

Lillie smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"As would I, Ash Ketchum. As would I."