A/N: I know this was a faster update. I had been wanting to write this chapter since day 1 about a month and a half ago. While I am surprised how many have already read this adaption of two very different genres. I am glad so many of you clearly have enjoyed it. This is the last chapter and while I am sure some of you will feel it is not as long and could not be sufficient. I promise I did not feel when writing it like it was too short. I feel the message about love and the choices we make really are the heart of this conclusion. Maybe in the future I will write other Pokeshipping work that isn't based in this universe. I do not know but I am happy to have done this and hope many more of you will read it now that it is finished. As per usual I have no ownership of Pokemon or Bridgerton, if I did I would probably live a far more comfortable life right now then I do. Plus absolutely make Pokeshipping canonically two sided. Now onto the conclusion.

After the Rain

-Misty POV-

After my courses had finished, Ash and I were sitting in front of Tracey as he was painting our duke and duchess portrait. He said he was close to finishing. Ash was standing up while I sat in a chair with his arm extended onto the chair. He looked over at us while he was getting into the detail work or at least I hope it is the detail work.

"You are permitted to smile, you two." Tracey spoke up, I let out a breath and tried to fake a smile when he said, "Might you both move a bit closer as well?" Ash moved maybe an inch closer as he grunted trying to maintain his pose. Tracey nodded like it was better, but before the canvas could hide his face it looked like he scrunched his face in concern over how we were acting.

"Once this portrait business I settled, I shall quit the Plateau." Ash said in a lower volume. "Tonight perhaps."

"And draw new whispers about the state of our marriage?" I retorted softly. "I would prefer otherwise. Now that we know I am not with child, you should depart at the end of the season, with the rest of the Plateau, as planned. It is but a few more days."

"Very well." Ash responded defeated this time. I was expecting a bigger fight from him.

"And as to the matter of the Pallet ball on Friday…might I count on your attendance?"

"I have little choice in the matter, seeing as I am one of the hosts."

"It shall be your last such commitment. This time next week our ruse will be well and truly over." I said flatly but quietly so Tracey could not hear.

"Apologies, but this is not working." Tracey spoke up, "Perhaps Ash might place his hand on your shoulder Misty, so that you both can look as happy as you surely must be." Ash didn't hesitate that much though he did it slowly but as I felt him place his hand on my shoulder. I felt a jolt run through my body and met Ash's gaze and he met mine and my heart began to beat faster. He even had a slight smile cross his face and I wanted nothing more than to kiss him, begging him to not leave me.

"My word." I heard Tracey say, "The very picture of devotion." He complimented.

Going through the market later with Daisy, I informed her, "I have made my decision. The duke and I are going our separate ways." Daisy just shook her head, "It is for the best truly."

Pulling me to the side Daisy said, "I know I do not always say the right things. And then the things I do say, well…They are not always what you wish to hear. I am only able to offer you what I know. However difficult forgiving someone may be, it is necessary to move forward."

"That is not up to me, Daisy." I insisted I would if Ash would listen to me but anytime I have tried to talk to him. "The duke is choosing to nurture some grudge against his father instead of allowing himself any…any kind of happiness. However am I supposed to forgive that? However are we supposed to move forward from there?"

At that a couple of ladies and their maids commented on how much they were looking forward to coming to the ball. Sadly, this interrupted our conversation that I desperately wanted some advice but was not sure Daisy had any for me. Later in the day I received a letter from Giselle thanking me for assisting her. The unborn child's father had apparently died while helping put down a Rocket insurrection in Johto. She was going to the country where his family said they would help her raise the child when it came. I wrote back telling her if she ever needed anything my home would always be welcome to her. Overseeing the preparations for the ball I came across a hallway I hadn't been down before. Ash all sudden came out of one of the rooms and surprised me when I said, "Your grace."

"Your grace." He responded politely but flatly.

"Heading to the Pokémon exhibition match?"

He merely nodded before asking, "Will you be accompanying me?"

"No. I have much to do for the ball." He looked a little down at that, "But you of course should show your support for Brock and his students." Ash began to walk away at that, when I called out, "Ash…." He stopped as I hesitated to ask, "What did your father do to make you take that vow in the first place?"

Somewhat looking back at me he said, "We do not need to have this conversation."

"Do I not deserve an explanation as your wife?"

"You deserve more than that indeed. I…" He looked torn Pikachu peeked his head around the corner of the hallway observing us. Ash turned towards me and said, "You may not understand this now, but Misty, you must know I am doing this for your own good."

"I can decide for myself what is –"

"You will be better off without me." At that Ash turned and left the hallway. I was surprised when Pikachu decided to not follow him but came up to me and pulled on my dress gesturing to a painting. I looked up and realized this man in his regal stance must be Ash's father. He looked similar and handsome like Ash but clearly something he still wouldn't talk about happened. At that moment I decided I would try to find out since Ash wouldn't tell me.

Finding the room that must have been his father's old study. I kept rifling through boxes and drawers trying to find anything. Pikachu just stayed near me as I kept searching. His old desk didn't offer anything except old accounts, then I found something odd. They looked like letters in Ash's handwriting, addressed to his father. They were still sealed, and there were many letters. I started opening and reading them. With each one I read my heart pained for Ash, each new revelation of his feelings of inadequate talent his father felt about him were present in each letter. I was finishing the last of the letters when I heard, "Your grace." Looking up I was surprised to see Delia standing there ready for the ball. I had forgotten that she was coming over early to help finish overseeing while I got ready.

Standing I replied, "Delia."

"Did you forget I was coming to help with the preparations for your ball? Daisy is also here waiting in the parlor."

"I shall be there momentarily." She didn't seem to be judging me as she began to walk back towards the parlor when I called out, "Delia." She stopped at the doorway looking back at me. "Did you know about these letters?" She opened her mouth looking a bit closer at what I was looking at, "The ones Ash seem to have written to his father as a boy?"

"I did." She stated. "And now, apparently, so do you."

"I had no idea…" Tears were formed in my eyes as I spoke, "that Ash had trouble speaking as a child."

"How could you have?" Delia said sympathetically, "He worked very hard to eliminate the problem. He was…well he was very proud. It is why he wrote those letters in the first place."

"To keep his father informed of his progress." Delia merely nodded but looked a bit sad before I continued, "The late duke never even dared to read them. How could…" I hesitated not feeling confident I should speak ill of her former husband, "What kind of father –"

"One that not only expected but demanded perfection in his son." Delia stated so I did not stumble about what could drive a man to be this way. She walked closer to me like she felt I was about to crumble, "And when that was not achieved….Well…" Delia hesitated like she herself wasn't sure how to explain it as she sat in front of me saying, "I shall leave it to you to imagine."

I sat down at her words thinking back to Ash and how some of our interactions seemed clearer and almost, more beautiful knowing now what I know. "Ash could not be any more different from a man such as that."

"Of course. We know that to be true, Misty." She said smiling.

I smiled back at her and said, "You guided him, helped him overcome his…impediment."

Delia shook her head at my compliment saying, "I merely showed him what he was capable of all along. And if he needed some encouragement, a push from time to time, that was something I was happy to provide." Delia stood now looking at me, "But at the end of the day, Ash's triumph was his and his alone. It had to be." At that Pikachu jumped up into her arms and she hugged him. I smiled looking at that knowing they were probably the most important beings to Ash. Though Delia looked at me after their exchange and seemed to encourage me to realize I was just as important to him. Though his vow made me feel like I wasn't.

-Ash POV-

I was a little surprised that Pikachu decided to stay with Misty and not come to the exhibition fights that Brock's students were going to be doing. It was quite lively many spectators had come down and were making bets on different matchups that were planned. I saw Brock and Solidad getting the students prepared for their matches with their Pokémon. Gary, Tracey, Steven, and even Joe came down wanting to see these matches. Tracey had a sketch pad to try and sketch some of the highlights from the matches. Brock had a look on his face I hadn't seen, and I wasn't understanding why he kept eyeing a particular Lord who seemed to be hovering near the arena. I sat with Solidad watching each match impressed by how prepared many of them were. I was quite enjoying myself but did not know how to feel about Brock who looked stressed after every match. When his match came up, I saw very early that he wasn't giving it his all. Looking at Solidad she seemed to not realize he was holding back. Steelix could have easily out maneuvered the Golem it was facing. Golem stood over Steelix triumphant, and I was incensed but did not let it show on my face to Solidad.

Waiting until more people cleared away from his area. I walked in full of fire and said to Brock, "You put on quite a performance."

"I could have used your luck today your grace." Brock responded.

I walked closer to him hoping to keep our discussion low, "If you needed another investor or more money, Brock, you could have come to me."

"I appreciate the offer, but I do not need your charity."

"What happened to your honor?"

"My honor? Tell me your grace, whatever could more honorable besides taking care of one's family?" Brock said not happy that I had the audacity to call his own honor into question. "Besides doing what needs to be done?"

"Is this what you hope to tell Solidad?" I said a bit smugly, "You truly believe she will come to understand your deceit throwing that match?"

"Perhaps you should stop worrying about my marriage, and instead put your mind to your own." He retorted.

"That is not what this is about." I stated trying to change the subject.

"Is it not? I'd be willing to wager your wife says differently."

That got under my skin, and I said, "Watch yourself."

"You're angry, but not with me." Brock said calmly, "So take it somewhere else and finally do something about it." Brock merely bumped my shoulder as he walked away from me, and I was left knowing he was right. As per usual. But I didn't want to find a new way to cope with Misty. Frankly, she seemed willing to let me go and I did not wish to darken her horizon anymore.

The next morning, I was surprised to see Misty at breakfast. I said, "I though you enjoyed breakfast in the morning room."

"I wished for different scenery today." She said almost jovially. She looked at me then back at the table before saying, "I can go if you would like."

"No." I thought about saying more then said, "You have already begun." I sat at the table and began to eat quite voraciously. It was quiet but I was a bit happier to see her there instead of eating alone like I had been.

Before I could ask her why she wanted a change of scenery she said, "I'm going to Oak house, Lily's husband has returned from Kalos. It seems my entire family is gathering. Would you care to join me? I must admit my sisters will think it odd if you do not."

Taking in her words I responded, "Yes I shall join you." Looking up her face had a small smile on it.

When we arrived, everyone was quite homely. Welcoming me and dragging me to other sorts of things. Pikachu was having a fun time entertaining Misty's sister. Lily took to him particularly well. Violet and I had some good talks where she was very intrigued by the rumors about Greninja and I. Daisy at one point was a little worried Violet was pressing me on other issues. Tracey let us know that the painting would be delivered before the party and that he was quite happy with how it turned out. Said he was going to make good use of his sketches of Greninja which I smiled at and thanked him for his skills. I was very intrigued by Lily's Paramore and his adventures in Kalos which was a very fun region indeed.

-Misty POV-

Later that evening I came down the steps to the open courtyard. The painting had been put on display by the servants when it arrived and I stood in front of it. I felt Ash coming up behind me he was dressed very appropriately in his usual black. I myself in a typical dress I had worn when trying to woo men like him. As he stood beside me I said, "A good likeness."

"Indeed. Though Tracey did seem to omit the grey hair or two I've surely gained from the emotions of the past few weeks."

We both chuckled slightly at that comment. I looked closer at his face and deciding to poke a bit of fun said, "Perhaps a few wrinkles too."

"Oh!" He dramatically started, "You wound me." I smiled knowing he took it in good fun.

"We should discuss the order of events this evening." We began to walk about the courtyard.

"Naturally."

"I think it wise for us to engage in three dances, would you say?"

"Two."

I smiled reminiscing about the similarity this had to earlier conversations we had when we fooled everyone. "It is our ball your grace. I do fear two dances may leave our guests terribly unexcited."

"It is better than the opposite, leaving terribly overexcited and unruly. Two dances at most." We both laughed clearly, he also was recognizing the way we were talking.

We both looked at each other and I felt genuinely happy seeing a smile on his face. Seeing the emotion behind his deep brown eyes I said, "You were wonderful today, with my sisters. They adore you."

At that he looked down saying, "I am glad, but that does not mean I want to break my vow."

"Of course." I said and was about to say more when Rose exclaimed from the stairs that our guests were arriving. I merely smiled at Rose and then looking back at Ash I said, "One last dance it is then."

He extended his arm and I took it. Many of the guests enjoyed the outside venue we were using and were all chatting happily amongst themselves. Ash even received guests looking quite jovial with me. Brock and Solidad even came and looked quite happy.

-Ash POV-

I was looking at Misty as she continued to host and be extraordinary at it. Standing away from her, my mother came up to me close enough so no one else could hear her she said, "I presume your plans to separate from her grace have not yet changed?"

Flatly I said back, "They have not. Neither it appears has your ability to somehow hear every piece of gossip that transpires this town."

"When will you accept it? I know all." My mother said rather smugly. I smiled at her bravado when she said, "Pride, your grace… it will cost you everything and leave you with nothing. You must not allow it to happen to you too." At her words I just saw how happy Misty looked and how I knew after this day I wouldn't see that smile or her joy again. I only hoped I could provide enough for her to be comfortable and happy away from me.

-Misty POV-

Daisy came up to me and I decided to ask her, "Is it different for them, men…to know whether they are in love?" Daisy merely looked over with me at Ash as he spoke with his mother as I continued, "Everything else seems different to them." Daisy merely chuckled, "We agreed to one dance tonight, a waltz."

"I love dancing with Tracey. The last one we danced at had Pidgeots at it. Real ones actually." At that we both laughed knowing she could have been meaning the men at it. "I suppose I miss some of that early romance."

At that I felt I needed to reassure her, "You two love each other very much. It is a rarity, I have come to realize."

Daisy now felt the need to speak up saying, "That is not to say it is without its trials." I looked confused at her when she looked very vulnerable saying, "Tracey and I face many difficulties, indeed, but we have overcome them. We made a decision early on to do."

"Daisy I do not think –"

"We choose to love each other every single day. It is a choice Misty, one that is never too late to make." It looked like her own tears were about to fall from her eyes saying this. "We may never see our parents again and I may wake wondering if I have been the best big sister for you. But knowing that Tracey and I made the choice to love and to keep doing all that we can…well…I cannot tell you how much peace and comfort that brings me." A couple tears fell down her face.

I inhaled deeply trying not to let my own tears fall when I said, "I wish there was something Daisy." I gasped, "I wish I could do this—"

"You are a Waterflower. There is nothing you cannot do." She stated it firmly but politely and I took a deep breath. Feeling like she gave me the confidence to do what I must do. Looking at Ash I nodded at him that it was time for us to lead this next dance. We walked over in front of our portrait. He took my hand in his as the music began. One arm on his shoulder, the other holding his hand. One of his hands on my back the other holding onto mine as he began to guide me in our waltz around the dance floor around the fountain in the center. He looked at me somewhat like he looked at me weeks ago when we danced the first time at Voxhaul. I didn't see or care about any of the other faces except Ash's. I wanted to see only him. Then I heard thunder. I looked quickly expecting to see Pikachu trying to prank someone then I felt the drops of rain coming down. Our guests began to feel them as well and began to head towards coverage from the rain. Feeling it hitting my face I stood there, Ash took my hand and tried to pull me towards the coverage saying, "Misty…" I pulled my hand from his grasp just letting the rain continue to pelt down on me breathing it in. Ash didn't seem to move that far if at all from me as I saw it hitting the candles, the portrait as I laughed feeling it liberate me from my fear. I thought I could hear Delia saying to the crowd, "Everyone…I believe this evening is complete we shall thank our gracious hosts for such a splendid soiree in the morning. Now go. Out. At once." I could somewhat hear the crowd beginning to disperse leaving Ash and I alone in the rain.

"Misty…" Ash started, I just laughed seeing his smile on his face. "I am so sorry." He continued.

"For what?" I said not believing I was hearing those words, "Even a duke cannot control the weather."

"I know that this is not what you had envisioned for the evening." He said sympathetically for al the effort I had put into this ball.

"Certainly not." I merely stated feeling like my dress was completely soaked through by now.

"And for that, I—"

"It is better." I said and Ash's face looked confused even though he was smiling, "I know why you made that vow to your father." He looked at me like he wasn't sure where I was going but I continued, "I found the letters you wrote to him as a child, and I read them."

He hesitated before saying, "Misty—"

Not wanting him to justify his father I said strongly, "Just because something is not perfect…does not make it any less worthy of love. Your father made you believe otherwise." I almost started crying saying that for he should never have felt that way ever. "He made you believe that you needed to be without fault to be loved but he was wrong." He just looked at me like he didn't know what to say, "Should you need any proof of the matter than look just here." I felt a few tears come down my face as I calmed down before saying "I am tired of pretending. And I cannot continue acting as if I…." I hesitated but remembering Daisy's words I said, "As If I do not love you. Because I do. I love all of you. Even the parts that you believe are too dark and too shameful." Ash looked like tears had formed in his eyes as well as he just didn't take his eyes off me. "Every scar." I emphasized to him, "Every flaw. Every imperfection. I love you. You may think you are too damaged and too broken to ever allow yourself to be happy, but you can choose different, Ash." At that he took a breath like he had been holding it listening to me, "You can choose to love me as much as I love you. That should not be up to anyone else. That cannot be up to anyone else. It can only be up to you." I gasped slightly knowing I had left all my cards on the table for him. When he didn't say anything, I just walked away wishing he would call out to me. At least I knew I was being fully transparent and honest with him that I still loved him and would continue to love him.

I went to my room and waited, all through the night hoping he would come to me. I slept on the couch in my room waiting for him while sitting there I thought maybe he would never come. Maybe love wasn't enough when early in the morning before even Rose had awoken, he came through my open doorway saying, "I do not want to be alone. I know that know." I only looked at him not knowing what that meant for us but also not wanting to scare him away I listened, "But I do not know is how to be the man you need me to be. The man you truly deserve I do not know how to do this."

I said resolutely, "Yes you do."

"Misty I –"

"Yes, you do." I said again even though I noticed tears in his eyes. Standing up from the couch I said, "You stay, you stay, and we get through this…together." Standing closer to him he looked calm but tired. "If you do this, if we do this, then—"

"Then nothing else will matter." He said like he wasn't sure he fully believed that. Before I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled his face to mine and kissed him hungrily. Wishing I could have had him last night, but he picked me up and took us to my bed and we did not stop as I took off his shirt and he took me out of my dress. He did not hesitate as he took off his pants laying on his back on my bed. I lay atop him kissing him until he guided himself inside of me and drove into my over and over again before taking control and kissing me rolling me onto my back as we kept going till we came together to that pinnacle and he looked like he couldn't believe how fun that was. When he rolled onto his back, we both just chuckled and I wanted to know it was real. Kissing him again I knew it was real and that I could not be happier to have him back in my bed.

When we went to the Oak house later that day. We informed my sisters that Ash and I decided to stay on the Plateau a little longer. Essentially trying to keep the immediate concerns of Pallet at bay so that we could reconnect a bit. Gary surprised us by announcing that he was planning to finally wed at some point when he found the right girl. Ash seemed a bit skeptical that he would be successful. To be fair though for Ash, Gary did say he was not going to look for someone he personally loved. We both merely bit our tongues and just felt telling him how wrong that was, would change nothing for Gary.

Just under a year later we were in my room. Delia, Daisy, Ash, Pikachu and a couple of doctors and servants were with me. I was sweating incredibly from all the energy I had been exerting going through contraction after contraction. Ash held one hand, while Daisy held the other, Delia was there helping provide some moral support of someone who had a baby before. Just when I felt the pain was too much and that I was about to pass out pushing I heard it. The crying sounds of a baby, Rose was cradling the baby saying, "Congratulations, your graces, a boy." I just was laughing holding onto him against my body. Looking over at Ash who had tears streaming down his face as I handed our son to him, and he cradled him. He had what looked was going to be black hair like his fathers. His eyes though right now looked almost blue more similar to mine than Ash's. "We must think of a name." I said.

"Whatever it is I will be happy knowing he is our son." Ash said planting a kiss to my forehead. Delia came up and put her hand on Ash's shoulder. Daisy was the other side of the bed near me trying to get a better look as well. Our son began to coo I think causing Daisy to put her hand to her chest as she leaned over and said, "Congratulations Misty." Pikachu came a bit close and nuzzled his face near our son's forehead like he felt this was a new person for him to protect.

-Ash POV-

As my mother and Daisy left with many of the servants to give us a moment I leaned over and kissed Misty still holding our son. Pikachu sat on the window looking like a proud friend seeing us t Leaning our foreheads against the other I knew in that moment that our son deserved all the love we could give him. Even though his birth guaranteed the continuation of the Pallet line I was happy to know he would be nothing like my father, and hopefully as strong and beautiful as his mother Duchess Misty Waterflower of Pallet.