Heartbreak and Forgiveness, Chapter 2
By Arina Ketchum
"I'm home!" Brock announced as he walked into his house in Pewter City.
"Daddy! Daddy!" a little girl cried as she ran in from the kitchen.
"Hi Karen!" Brock cried happily as his two-year-old daughter jumped into his arms.
"How are you?"
"Good!"
"Where's Mommy, pumpkin?"
"She's asleep on the couch."
"Asleep, huh?" Brock walked into the family room. Electra was curled up on the couch, sound asleep. Brock put Karen down and leaned over Electra. "Elé, wake up, hon."
"Mm, Brock?" Electra murmured sleepily and opened one eye.
"El, it's time to wake up."
"Wait..." Electra sat up, still groggy. "Karen! Where's Karen!"
"Right here, Mommy." Karen said cheerfully.
"I fell asleep! I can't believe it! I was watching Karen play with her dolls and the next thing..." Electra began to sob.
"Mommy, don't cry! I am O.K.!" Karen crawled into Electra's lap and began sucking her thumb.
"Electra," Brock grabbed her shoulders. "Calm down. Everything's fine. Don't say anything else." he picked Karen off Electra's lap and sat her on the floor.
"You want chicken nuggets for dinner, Kar?"
"Yeah! Tichen nugget!" Karen cried excitedly, mispronouncing the name of her favorite food.
"Chicken nuggets it is then!" Brock said as he picked up Electra. "Mommy's going to take a nap now. Say goodnight."
"Bye Mommy." Karen called as Brock left the family room with Electra.
"But Karen had chicken nuggets for lunch -" Electra started protesting, but Brock cut her off by putting a finger to his lips.
"Another round of chicken won't kill her." Brock said quietly. "Just rest, I'll take care of everything." Electra was halfway to sleep by the time Brock laid her on their bed and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Sweet dreams, Ele."
* * * *
The videophone rang at eight o'clock, just as Brock had finished setting down Karen for the night.
"Funny how all these events fall into place one after another." Brock said aloud to himself as he picked up the phone. Betting it was a telemarketer, he said, "Stone Cold Mortuary, which of the dead are you mourning for?"
"Brock?" Ash's picture popped up on screen.
Oops. "Hi Ash! What's up, man?"
"Hey! Just wanted to call and say hi."
Brock raised a brown brow. "You never call 'just to say hi'."
"Ash, move over, you're hogging the screen!" Misty's voice announced and then popped up beside Ash.
"Pika-Pi-Pika!" (Hi there, Brock!) Pikachu jumped atop Ash's head.
"Hey, Misty, Pikachu!"
"Brock, we've got great news! Is Electra there? We'd like her to hear it too."
Brock shook his head. "Elé went to bed early. I'll pass on any messages though."
Ash slipped his arm around Misty and pulled her close. "We're gonna have a baby."
Brock fell off his seat in shock.
"And it's official this time. We got confirmation before really getting our hopes up."
"Pi-pi-pi!" Pikachu cried happily.
Brock stood up again, it had suddenly dawned on him what day was today. "Misty, it's your birthday today, isn't it?"
Misty beamed happily and nodded, elation written all over her face. "It's the best present I could've ever received. Well, that and a new bike." she nudged Ash playfully.
"Hey, either we get a baby or a bike. Both of them require maintenance and both are expensive!" Ash retorted just as playfully.
"Take my advice guys, babies are much more enjoyable." Brock smiled.
"Listen to the Pokemon breeder, Misty, I think he knows what he's talking about."
Misty giggled. "I give. Maybe Ash'll get me a bike for Christmas or my next birthday."
"Hey Brock, how is everyone over there? We'll try to visit before the baby's born. I'm dying to see Karen and how big she's gotten."
Brock laughed. "She just turned two with no sign of terrible behavior yet. Karen wears Electra and me both out long before her bedtime."
Misty and Ash laughed. "Well, we've still gotta call a few people with the big news, Brock. We'll call next week about getting over there, ok?"
"Sure thing, Misty! We can't wait, bye!"
"Bye!" the Ketchums smiled as Brock winked out.
Misty sighed as she snuggled closer to Ash. "Mm, do we really have to call my sisters tonight?" she murmured.
"Not if you're not up to it."
"Do we have to call them at all?"
"You really don't like your sisters, do you?"
"You're just now finding that out?" Misty opened one eye. "They didn't even remember my birthday."
"Oh Misty, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It's not your fault my sisters only care about themselves." Misty wrapped her arms about him and nuzzled his chest lovingly. "Least I have you, and my Pokemon."
"Yeah," Ash answered solemnly. "You do, Misty."
Ash lay awake that night in bed, staring up at the ceiling, Misty snuggled up against him with a smile on her face as she slept. Something about that conversation tonight bothered Ash a great deal. Misty sounded like she seriously wanted to break all ties with her sisters. That, Ash thought, just didn't seem right. Ash didn't have any siblings to compare the Sensational Sisters to, but as far as family went, the three of them acted like Misty didn't exist, except when they needed her help.
Ash fell into an uneasy sleep, a small plan of action forming in his mind...
* * * *
"Pi! Pi! Pi!"
"Bri! Bri! Bri!"
Ash and Misty awoke to Pikachu and Togepi jumping on their bed, more or less demanding breakfast.
"Guys!" Misty whined, "It's Sunday! You can make your own breakfast."
"Pika-Pikachu-Pika-Pi. Pi-Pi-Pi-Pika-Pika-cha!" (We ran out of Pokéchow. Togepi and I want pancakes.)
"Too bad Todd Snap isn't here." Ash mumbled as he pulled the covers over his head.
Pikachu and Togepi looked at each other, then began bouncing on the bed again. "Pika-Pika! Pika-Pika! Pika-Pika!" (Wake up, pancakes! Wake up, pancakes! Wake up, pancakes!)
"Aw, cripes, that's it!" Ash jumped out of bed so fast that he scared both Pokemon. The scowl on Ash's face showed he meant business. Pikachu and Togepi, afraid for their lives, jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. Ash banged the door shut and locked it. "Pikachu is my best friend and everything, but God do I hate morning people who wake everyone else."
"Then you're going to hate the baby. Now go back to sleep while you still can."
The sound of ceramic items being smashed woke Ash and Misty two hours later.
"What was that?" Misty looked at Ash.
"A burgaler?"
Misty whimpered a little before crying out, "Togepi!"
"Pikachu's out there too!" Again, Ash jumped out of bed and ran for the door.
Ash and Misty crept downstairs, Ash holding a wooden baseball bat. "Do you think it's Team Rocket?" Misty whispered.
"We'll find out." Ash answered, cursing himself for not having an alarm system installed in the house. Another crash of pottery startled them. Ash motioned Misty to stay at the bottom of the steps while he went to investigate.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried out in a whisper. "Pikachu, where are you?"
There was a noise coming from the kitchen. Raising the baseball bat above his head, he pushed open the swinging kitchen door...
Much to Ash's surprise, there were no burgalers stealing the silver, however there were several Pokemon standing stock still in the act of making breakfast and Ash catching them.
"PIKACHU! What are you guys doing?"
"Ash?" Misty called from the steps.
"It's ok, Misty, but I think you'd better come look at this."
"What is it..." Misty trailed off as she padded in. "Oh, my God."
All of Misty and Ash's Pokemon had been released from their Pokeballs, including the dangerous Charizard and the enormous Snorlax.
"Pika-Pika-Pi-chu, Pika-Pi!" (We promise we'll clean up, Ash!)
Ash and Misty could only stare at the broken dishes, the measuring cups thrown about, the general *mess*.
"Toge-Togepi." (We wanted pancakes.) Togepi said quietly.
At Togepi's confession, Ash threw down the baseball bat. "PANCAKES!" he roared, "You're lucky if you'll live to see tomorrow! Everyone back in their Pokeballs, NOW!"
Charizard roared angrily, defying Ash's order. It leaned down to Ash and snorted angrily in his face.
"You don't scare me Charizard! Get into your Pokeball now!"
Charizard roared again, and flapped its enormous wings to show who exactly had more power at the moment.
"Ash, put him in a Pokeball before he brings down the house!"
Ash grabbed one of the Pokeballs on the kitchen counter. "Charizard, return!"
No matter how much physical strength Charizard weighted against Ash, Ash was still his master. With a fighting roar, Charizard was encased in the laser beam and disappeared into the Pokeball.
"Starmie, Staryu, Horsea, Goldduck, return!" Misty cried.
With a collective resigned sigh, Misty's Pokemon obediately returned.
"Snorlax, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Muk, return!" Ash called in a demanding tone.
Only Togepi and Pikachu remained out now.
"You two instigated this," Ash wagged an angry finger at the two Pokemon, "and you're going to clean the mess up by yourselves!"
Pikachu and Togepi both began to tear up and sob loudly. Ash slapped his forehead. Their Pokemon were acting like immature brats!
"Ash!" Misty cried in an annoyed tone. Ash turned to her. Misty's arms were akimbo as she arched a brow. "Don't you think that's a bit hard? Is this how you're going to act with your child?"
"This is different!"
"No, it's not." Misty stepped over a pile of dry pancake batter and gathered Togepi in her arms.
"Maybe we'd better reconsider..." Misty couldn't bring herself to finish and pushed past Ash to get to the stairs.
"Misty! Wait!" Ash cried as he heard Misty pound up the steps fast.
"Pik-Pika-chu!" (Misty's right!)
"Now don't you start!"
"Pi-Pikachu! Pika-Pika-Pika-Pi-Pi-Pi!" (Misty's sisters used to treat her the same way! You were the one that refused to make breakfast, it's indirectly your fault!)
Ash slammed his fist down next to Pikachu, making the little mouse jump. "I've been acting like Daisy, Lily, and Violet. Misty's right; no one deserves that kind of treatment, especially my best friend. Will you forgive me, Pikachu?"
"Pika-pi!" (Already done!) Pikachu jumped into Ash's arms.
Ash looked up at the ceiling. I have a funny feeling Misty won't want to jump into my arms immediately though." Ash started to walk toward the front door. "Let's go for a drive, Pikachu."
"Pika-Pikachu-pi?!" (In your boxers?)
Ash looked down at his attire. "Forgot about that."
* * * *
The Cerulean City Gym opened its doors at noon for the Sensational Sisters high-dive Pokemon Water show at one o'clock. Pikachu and Ash (fully dressed), walked into the Gym using the back door as an entrance so as not to attract attention to himself, at ten minutes to one.
Sometimes being the number one Pokemon Master had its drawbacks.
"Hey, Ash." Daisy, Lily, and Violet's manager, Dave, said as Ash arrived back stage.
"Where are they?" Ash demanded.
"The girls? They're about to go on..."
"Delay the show. I want to see them. Now."
"But Ash, I can't! The show's sold out -"
Ash towered over Dave angrily. "I said NOW. Do I need to be any more specific?"
Three minutes later, after Dave had skittered away to find them, Daisy, Lily, and Violet appeared, looking, and feeling, a tad nervous after their manager had begged on hands and knees to avoid bloodshed and talk to Ash.
"This'd better be important." Daisy complained angrily. "Our fans are, like, getting impatient! So hurry up already!"
"You three really don't care, do you." it was a statement, not a question.
"God, Ash, quit being, like, so mysterious! We've got a show to do!" Lily cried.
"Not if you don't want me to contact the League and tell them the *real* reason you're not handling even half the trainers other Gyms are."
Daisy, Lily, and Violet froze. The blood drained from Violet's face as she asked, "You wouldn't! Ash, that would be the end of us and our careers!"
"I know." Ash was somber, and his tone dead serious. "Which is why you're going to go tell Dave that today's show has been cancelled."
The trio looked at one another in fear. When the number one Pokemon Master ordered you to do something, you didn't disobey, unless you wanted to end up sushi later. Lily, trying to sound bold, and feeling like a pack of nerves, said, "We'll need a good reason." she crossed her arms in front of her, trying to look defiant, if only to keep them from slapping against her thighs in fear.
"Oh, there's a good reason all right." Ash's lowered his voice to that of an evil level. "Family emergency."
A half-hour later, Ash, Daisy, Lily, and Violet were seated in the dressing room, looking a might less scared than before.
"Misty's pregnant and she didn't tell us?" Daisy asked, wide-eyed.
Ash nodded in affirmation. "She won't either. She wants absolutely nothing to do with you three, and after the way you've treated her, I'm not surprised. You were lucky to be invited to our wedding, and that was only after Brock and I pleaded on your behalf."
"We had a show that day." Daisy looked away, feeling ashamed.
Ash gritted his teeth. "You put yourselves, your damned shows way ahead of Misty, your youngest sister! I cannot believe what selfish bitches you are! Misty never wanted our child or you to know about each other. I didn't think that was right, so I came to tell you, but now I'm sorry I did. You won't change, I can see, so just as you've always wished, Misty will drop out of your life. You can go on worrying about swimming - that is until the League finds out you're only holding shows instead of battles, and they won't need my help for that. It won't be long before some trainer reports you. Guess Misty won't be of any help then - because, as you've already shown, she doesn't exist." Ash stood up. "Let's go, Pikachu."
"Pi."
Daisy, Lily, and Violet looked at one another, then, as one, cried, "Ash, wait!"
* * * *
Misty sighed as she looked around the kitchen. The place looked like a food fight had erupted, with neither team winning.
"Where to begin?" Misty groaned. She didn't feel like doing this. Starmie and Staryu, beside her, clung to her legs, begging for forgiveness. "It's all right guys, I'm not mad, except at Ash."
At the sound of singing outside, Misty, curious, walked to the front door. Before she opened it, it burst open. Ash, Lily, Violet, and Daisy stood there, laughing hysterically.
"Oh, Ash! That was the best rendition of "The Froggy Song" I ever heard!" Daisy gasped.
"Hi, Misty!" Violet cried and grabbed her younger sister in a hug.
"What in the name of - Violet, get off of me!" Misty shoved her sister away angrily.
"Come in guys - er, girls." Ash stepped into his house, past Misty, her sisters giggling at his error.
"Ash Ketchum, are you drunk? I'm not letting -" Ash cut her off with a long kiss.
"Aww!" the trio cooed. "How sweet!"
Misty tore away from him angrily. "Ash, what the *hell* is going on? Tell me right now!"
"Misty, calm down." Ash said.
"Yeah, but after you do, let us take you out to lunch and then we'll hang out." Lily said.
"What?! But..."
"I'll get your purse!" Ash crooned and headed for the kitchen.
"But-but-but-"
"Here you go!" Ash announced as he re-appeared. "I've put three of my credit cards in your purse, Misty, so have a good time!"
"Thanks, Ash! We'll make sure she does!" Daisy, Lily, and Violet pushed Misty out and shut the door behind them.
Ash sighed. "Now for that kitchen..."
* * * *
The house was spotless by the time Misty got back late that afternoon.
"Misty?" Ash asked hopefully from upstairs, where he was giving Pikachu a cheek massage.
"I'm home." Misty called back in a neutral tone.
Ash ran down the steps, Pikachu, as always, close at his heels. At first, when he reached the foot, he hesitated. Misty met him there, gently kissing him on the lips. "Thank you, Ash."
"What was that for?" Ash was a little bemused.
"This is all your doing, isn't it? About my sisters, I mean."
"Oh *that*."
"Yes, *that*."
Ash motioned her to sit on the sofa with him. "So what happened?"
"Well, after my sisters dragged me away, we had lunch, on them, at Le Chat D'ecour."
"Oh, classy."
"Daisy grabbed my hand, like this," Misty pulled Ash's hand into hers, "and said, 'Misty, we want to reconcile with you. We're sorry for all the terrible stuff we said or did when we were kids, and for not coming to your wedding. We want to be a part of your life - will you ever forgive us?'"
Misty paused and looked at Ash. "And they were really sincere, too, Ash." Misty's eyes were bright with tears. "Ash, if you hadn't intervened, I would never have spoken to my sisters or seen them again."
"Aw, come on, Misty, you're sisters loved you in the first place, they just didn't really express it well enough. I know you love them too. You guys need each other. So what did you say in reply?"
"Well, just as Daisy was finishing, I had this urge to throw up."
Ash laughed. "She was that disgustingly sincere?"
Misty punched him in the arm. "No, morning sickness. Threw up lunch right after I ate it."
"Yuck. Sorry, Mist."
Misty shrugged and leaned against him. "It's ok, I forgave them and told them about the baby. Naturally, they'd already been told." she looked up at him.
"Well, I'm *sorry*, but when I told them, you weren't talking to them!"
"So then we went shopping at the mall and then they went home."
"Oh."
"But Ash, this is all because of *you*. If you hadn't done anything, we'd never have gotten together like this. Will you forgive me for those awful things I said this morning? I was upset by the kitchen mess."
"Ssh." Ash hushed her. "There's no need to apologize, I'm the one that should be apologetic."
"Pika-Pi-Pikachu?" (Does this mean we get pancakes now?)
Misty looked at Ash, and then at Pikachu, and began to laugh.
* * * *
Six months later, Ash and Misty were in bed, reading, when Misty felt something.
"Ash." Misty said softly. Ash looked over at her.
"Yeah?" Ash looked over at her. "It's not time yet, is it?"
Misty shook her head. "No, give me your hand." Misty put his hand on her rounded belly. "You feel the baby kicking?"
"Yeah." Ash smiled at her lovingly. "This baby has a great Mommy."
"She has a great Daddy, too." Misty snuggled as close as she could to him as Ash wrapped an arm around her.
"It's a girl?"
Misty nodded. "I've just got a feeling."
"A gut feeling?" Ash rubbed his hand over her enlarged stomach.
"*Very* funny, Ash."
"I try."
They lay there quietly for a minute.
"Ash?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm scared."
Ash paused before admitting, "I am too, Misty, I am too."
* * * *
A month later...
Ash sat in the hospital waiting room, after calling Brock and Electra. Misty had gone into labor early that morning, on the actual due date.
Misty cursed a blue streak as Ash sped her off to the hospital.
"Just breathe, Misty, like in lamas class."
"That's *Lamaze*, you idiot! And I wouldn't be in this position if you hadn't gotten me like this!"
"You were part of this, too! It's not entirely - OW! Misty, quit hitting me!"
Misty howled as another contraction came on.
Ash looked at the clock. "Six minutes apart. Damn, this baby wants *out*! Misty, don't push!"
"I want to!"
"You are *not* delivering in the car! Now breathe, we're almost there!"
Thankfully, Misty did not deliver until they arrived at Mercy Center Hospital and a half-hour later, their baby girl announced her arrival with an unhappy commotion.
"Ash!"
Ash looked up from his seat to see his mom, Brock, and Electra had arrived.
"Oh, Ash, we rushed over here as soon as you called." his mother said.
"Sailor Raichu teleported us here after she heard the news and sent along her congratulations." Electra smiled.
"Thanks, Electra."
"Well, where are Misty and the baby?" his mother asked, almost impatiently.
"Misty's in her room sleeping and the baby's down in the nursery."
"To the nursery!" Electra cried and everyone headed for the elevator.
"So, what's her name?"
"We haven't given her one yet. Misty and I were still debating that last night." Ash said as the elevator stopped at the nursery floor.
"Oh, look at all the babies!" Electra cried as she peered into the nursery glass window.
"There she is!" Ash's mom cried excitedly. "In the crib nearest the door!"
The nurse attending the babes saw the group, recognized Ash and picked up his daughter and brought her over to the window for all to see. Electra and Ash's mom cooed on sight, while Brock slapped Ash on the back. "I should've brought the cigars!" he bellowed, while Ash gave him a weak grin.
"Misty nearly decked me in the delivery room, screaming she was going to kill me later for this."
"All Electra kept talking about was she wanted to be the Dragonair's best friend."
Electra gave Brock a good-natured slap on the arm. "May I remind you I was heavily sedated by then?"
"I was afraid I wasn't very nice in the delivery room as Ash came, either." Mrs. Ketchum admitted as the nurse tucked the baby back into its crib.
Electra and Mrs. Ketchum began talking about their experiences as Brock inquired if Misty might be awake yet.
Ash shook his head. "Likely not. She was zonked when I left her."
"That's alright. She needs her rest and we need to get going." Electra interjected.
Brock agreed. "Karen's babysitter is expensive!"
Ash grinned. "Thank you for coming guys, it means a lot."
Ash and his friends and mother hugged one last time before departing.
For the first time that day, as his friends left, the realization of what had happened, the enormous responsibility that lay ahead of him and Misty finally began to sink in.
"Oh my God." he whispered. He was a Pokemon trainer, not a parent! What did he know about raising a child? He was completely unprepared for this job! He stared at the tiny bundle that was his, sound asleep in its cot, as someone came by, whistling softly, then stopped at the glass window.
"Aren't they just precious?"
"Yeah," Ash answered, "they are." he looked at the person he was talking to and started to gag. "JAMES?"
James looked at Ash, and almost screeched, but remembered this was a quiet zone in time. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question!"
"I happen to now be the proud father of a baby boy!"
"Well I happen to be the proud father of a baby girl!" Ash pointed at the glass the same time James did, and at the same baby.
"WAH! What are you doing pointing at my kid?!"
"What are you doing pointing at mine?"
Ash and James peered into the window, then gasped as they saw their children's cribs had been placed next to each other.
"GET MY BABY AWAY FROM THAT ROCKET!"
"GET MY SON AWAY FROM HIS DAUGHTER!"
The nurses looked up in confusion at Ash and James' yelling. They grew frantic, pointing and mouthing words to them. Little did they know their wives had crept up behind them, Jessie with Meowth, and Misty with Pikachu. Both let loose a mallet upon their noggins, knocking them out.
"Please excuse my husband, he's a little emotional." Misty said.
"Oh, James will be after I get done with him. Sorry about that." Jessie said just as cordially.
The two then went in opposite directions, each dragging their unconcious husbands behind them.
End Chapter 2
By Arina Ketchum
"I'm home!" Brock announced as he walked into his house in Pewter City.
"Daddy! Daddy!" a little girl cried as she ran in from the kitchen.
"Hi Karen!" Brock cried happily as his two-year-old daughter jumped into his arms.
"How are you?"
"Good!"
"Where's Mommy, pumpkin?"
"She's asleep on the couch."
"Asleep, huh?" Brock walked into the family room. Electra was curled up on the couch, sound asleep. Brock put Karen down and leaned over Electra. "Elé, wake up, hon."
"Mm, Brock?" Electra murmured sleepily and opened one eye.
"El, it's time to wake up."
"Wait..." Electra sat up, still groggy. "Karen! Where's Karen!"
"Right here, Mommy." Karen said cheerfully.
"I fell asleep! I can't believe it! I was watching Karen play with her dolls and the next thing..." Electra began to sob.
"Mommy, don't cry! I am O.K.!" Karen crawled into Electra's lap and began sucking her thumb.
"Electra," Brock grabbed her shoulders. "Calm down. Everything's fine. Don't say anything else." he picked Karen off Electra's lap and sat her on the floor.
"You want chicken nuggets for dinner, Kar?"
"Yeah! Tichen nugget!" Karen cried excitedly, mispronouncing the name of her favorite food.
"Chicken nuggets it is then!" Brock said as he picked up Electra. "Mommy's going to take a nap now. Say goodnight."
"Bye Mommy." Karen called as Brock left the family room with Electra.
"But Karen had chicken nuggets for lunch -" Electra started protesting, but Brock cut her off by putting a finger to his lips.
"Another round of chicken won't kill her." Brock said quietly. "Just rest, I'll take care of everything." Electra was halfway to sleep by the time Brock laid her on their bed and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Sweet dreams, Ele."
* * * *
The videophone rang at eight o'clock, just as Brock had finished setting down Karen for the night.
"Funny how all these events fall into place one after another." Brock said aloud to himself as he picked up the phone. Betting it was a telemarketer, he said, "Stone Cold Mortuary, which of the dead are you mourning for?"
"Brock?" Ash's picture popped up on screen.
Oops. "Hi Ash! What's up, man?"
"Hey! Just wanted to call and say hi."
Brock raised a brown brow. "You never call 'just to say hi'."
"Ash, move over, you're hogging the screen!" Misty's voice announced and then popped up beside Ash.
"Pika-Pi-Pika!" (Hi there, Brock!) Pikachu jumped atop Ash's head.
"Hey, Misty, Pikachu!"
"Brock, we've got great news! Is Electra there? We'd like her to hear it too."
Brock shook his head. "Elé went to bed early. I'll pass on any messages though."
Ash slipped his arm around Misty and pulled her close. "We're gonna have a baby."
Brock fell off his seat in shock.
"And it's official this time. We got confirmation before really getting our hopes up."
"Pi-pi-pi!" Pikachu cried happily.
Brock stood up again, it had suddenly dawned on him what day was today. "Misty, it's your birthday today, isn't it?"
Misty beamed happily and nodded, elation written all over her face. "It's the best present I could've ever received. Well, that and a new bike." she nudged Ash playfully.
"Hey, either we get a baby or a bike. Both of them require maintenance and both are expensive!" Ash retorted just as playfully.
"Take my advice guys, babies are much more enjoyable." Brock smiled.
"Listen to the Pokemon breeder, Misty, I think he knows what he's talking about."
Misty giggled. "I give. Maybe Ash'll get me a bike for Christmas or my next birthday."
"Hey Brock, how is everyone over there? We'll try to visit before the baby's born. I'm dying to see Karen and how big she's gotten."
Brock laughed. "She just turned two with no sign of terrible behavior yet. Karen wears Electra and me both out long before her bedtime."
Misty and Ash laughed. "Well, we've still gotta call a few people with the big news, Brock. We'll call next week about getting over there, ok?"
"Sure thing, Misty! We can't wait, bye!"
"Bye!" the Ketchums smiled as Brock winked out.
Misty sighed as she snuggled closer to Ash. "Mm, do we really have to call my sisters tonight?" she murmured.
"Not if you're not up to it."
"Do we have to call them at all?"
"You really don't like your sisters, do you?"
"You're just now finding that out?" Misty opened one eye. "They didn't even remember my birthday."
"Oh Misty, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It's not your fault my sisters only care about themselves." Misty wrapped her arms about him and nuzzled his chest lovingly. "Least I have you, and my Pokemon."
"Yeah," Ash answered solemnly. "You do, Misty."
Ash lay awake that night in bed, staring up at the ceiling, Misty snuggled up against him with a smile on her face as she slept. Something about that conversation tonight bothered Ash a great deal. Misty sounded like she seriously wanted to break all ties with her sisters. That, Ash thought, just didn't seem right. Ash didn't have any siblings to compare the Sensational Sisters to, but as far as family went, the three of them acted like Misty didn't exist, except when they needed her help.
Ash fell into an uneasy sleep, a small plan of action forming in his mind...
* * * *
"Pi! Pi! Pi!"
"Bri! Bri! Bri!"
Ash and Misty awoke to Pikachu and Togepi jumping on their bed, more or less demanding breakfast.
"Guys!" Misty whined, "It's Sunday! You can make your own breakfast."
"Pika-Pikachu-Pika-Pi. Pi-Pi-Pi-Pika-Pika-cha!" (We ran out of Pokéchow. Togepi and I want pancakes.)
"Too bad Todd Snap isn't here." Ash mumbled as he pulled the covers over his head.
Pikachu and Togepi looked at each other, then began bouncing on the bed again. "Pika-Pika! Pika-Pika! Pika-Pika!" (Wake up, pancakes! Wake up, pancakes! Wake up, pancakes!)
"Aw, cripes, that's it!" Ash jumped out of bed so fast that he scared both Pokemon. The scowl on Ash's face showed he meant business. Pikachu and Togepi, afraid for their lives, jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. Ash banged the door shut and locked it. "Pikachu is my best friend and everything, but God do I hate morning people who wake everyone else."
"Then you're going to hate the baby. Now go back to sleep while you still can."
The sound of ceramic items being smashed woke Ash and Misty two hours later.
"What was that?" Misty looked at Ash.
"A burgaler?"
Misty whimpered a little before crying out, "Togepi!"
"Pikachu's out there too!" Again, Ash jumped out of bed and ran for the door.
Ash and Misty crept downstairs, Ash holding a wooden baseball bat. "Do you think it's Team Rocket?" Misty whispered.
"We'll find out." Ash answered, cursing himself for not having an alarm system installed in the house. Another crash of pottery startled them. Ash motioned Misty to stay at the bottom of the steps while he went to investigate.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried out in a whisper. "Pikachu, where are you?"
There was a noise coming from the kitchen. Raising the baseball bat above his head, he pushed open the swinging kitchen door...
Much to Ash's surprise, there were no burgalers stealing the silver, however there were several Pokemon standing stock still in the act of making breakfast and Ash catching them.
"PIKACHU! What are you guys doing?"
"Ash?" Misty called from the steps.
"It's ok, Misty, but I think you'd better come look at this."
"What is it..." Misty trailed off as she padded in. "Oh, my God."
All of Misty and Ash's Pokemon had been released from their Pokeballs, including the dangerous Charizard and the enormous Snorlax.
"Pika-Pika-Pi-chu, Pika-Pi!" (We promise we'll clean up, Ash!)
Ash and Misty could only stare at the broken dishes, the measuring cups thrown about, the general *mess*.
"Toge-Togepi." (We wanted pancakes.) Togepi said quietly.
At Togepi's confession, Ash threw down the baseball bat. "PANCAKES!" he roared, "You're lucky if you'll live to see tomorrow! Everyone back in their Pokeballs, NOW!"
Charizard roared angrily, defying Ash's order. It leaned down to Ash and snorted angrily in his face.
"You don't scare me Charizard! Get into your Pokeball now!"
Charizard roared again, and flapped its enormous wings to show who exactly had more power at the moment.
"Ash, put him in a Pokeball before he brings down the house!"
Ash grabbed one of the Pokeballs on the kitchen counter. "Charizard, return!"
No matter how much physical strength Charizard weighted against Ash, Ash was still his master. With a fighting roar, Charizard was encased in the laser beam and disappeared into the Pokeball.
"Starmie, Staryu, Horsea, Goldduck, return!" Misty cried.
With a collective resigned sigh, Misty's Pokemon obediately returned.
"Snorlax, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Muk, return!" Ash called in a demanding tone.
Only Togepi and Pikachu remained out now.
"You two instigated this," Ash wagged an angry finger at the two Pokemon, "and you're going to clean the mess up by yourselves!"
Pikachu and Togepi both began to tear up and sob loudly. Ash slapped his forehead. Their Pokemon were acting like immature brats!
"Ash!" Misty cried in an annoyed tone. Ash turned to her. Misty's arms were akimbo as she arched a brow. "Don't you think that's a bit hard? Is this how you're going to act with your child?"
"This is different!"
"No, it's not." Misty stepped over a pile of dry pancake batter and gathered Togepi in her arms.
"Maybe we'd better reconsider..." Misty couldn't bring herself to finish and pushed past Ash to get to the stairs.
"Misty! Wait!" Ash cried as he heard Misty pound up the steps fast.
"Pik-Pika-chu!" (Misty's right!)
"Now don't you start!"
"Pi-Pikachu! Pika-Pika-Pika-Pi-Pi-Pi!" (Misty's sisters used to treat her the same way! You were the one that refused to make breakfast, it's indirectly your fault!)
Ash slammed his fist down next to Pikachu, making the little mouse jump. "I've been acting like Daisy, Lily, and Violet. Misty's right; no one deserves that kind of treatment, especially my best friend. Will you forgive me, Pikachu?"
"Pika-pi!" (Already done!) Pikachu jumped into Ash's arms.
Ash looked up at the ceiling. I have a funny feeling Misty won't want to jump into my arms immediately though." Ash started to walk toward the front door. "Let's go for a drive, Pikachu."
"Pika-Pikachu-pi?!" (In your boxers?)
Ash looked down at his attire. "Forgot about that."
* * * *
The Cerulean City Gym opened its doors at noon for the Sensational Sisters high-dive Pokemon Water show at one o'clock. Pikachu and Ash (fully dressed), walked into the Gym using the back door as an entrance so as not to attract attention to himself, at ten minutes to one.
Sometimes being the number one Pokemon Master had its drawbacks.
"Hey, Ash." Daisy, Lily, and Violet's manager, Dave, said as Ash arrived back stage.
"Where are they?" Ash demanded.
"The girls? They're about to go on..."
"Delay the show. I want to see them. Now."
"But Ash, I can't! The show's sold out -"
Ash towered over Dave angrily. "I said NOW. Do I need to be any more specific?"
Three minutes later, after Dave had skittered away to find them, Daisy, Lily, and Violet appeared, looking, and feeling, a tad nervous after their manager had begged on hands and knees to avoid bloodshed and talk to Ash.
"This'd better be important." Daisy complained angrily. "Our fans are, like, getting impatient! So hurry up already!"
"You three really don't care, do you." it was a statement, not a question.
"God, Ash, quit being, like, so mysterious! We've got a show to do!" Lily cried.
"Not if you don't want me to contact the League and tell them the *real* reason you're not handling even half the trainers other Gyms are."
Daisy, Lily, and Violet froze. The blood drained from Violet's face as she asked, "You wouldn't! Ash, that would be the end of us and our careers!"
"I know." Ash was somber, and his tone dead serious. "Which is why you're going to go tell Dave that today's show has been cancelled."
The trio looked at one another in fear. When the number one Pokemon Master ordered you to do something, you didn't disobey, unless you wanted to end up sushi later. Lily, trying to sound bold, and feeling like a pack of nerves, said, "We'll need a good reason." she crossed her arms in front of her, trying to look defiant, if only to keep them from slapping against her thighs in fear.
"Oh, there's a good reason all right." Ash's lowered his voice to that of an evil level. "Family emergency."
A half-hour later, Ash, Daisy, Lily, and Violet were seated in the dressing room, looking a might less scared than before.
"Misty's pregnant and she didn't tell us?" Daisy asked, wide-eyed.
Ash nodded in affirmation. "She won't either. She wants absolutely nothing to do with you three, and after the way you've treated her, I'm not surprised. You were lucky to be invited to our wedding, and that was only after Brock and I pleaded on your behalf."
"We had a show that day." Daisy looked away, feeling ashamed.
Ash gritted his teeth. "You put yourselves, your damned shows way ahead of Misty, your youngest sister! I cannot believe what selfish bitches you are! Misty never wanted our child or you to know about each other. I didn't think that was right, so I came to tell you, but now I'm sorry I did. You won't change, I can see, so just as you've always wished, Misty will drop out of your life. You can go on worrying about swimming - that is until the League finds out you're only holding shows instead of battles, and they won't need my help for that. It won't be long before some trainer reports you. Guess Misty won't be of any help then - because, as you've already shown, she doesn't exist." Ash stood up. "Let's go, Pikachu."
"Pi."
Daisy, Lily, and Violet looked at one another, then, as one, cried, "Ash, wait!"
* * * *
Misty sighed as she looked around the kitchen. The place looked like a food fight had erupted, with neither team winning.
"Where to begin?" Misty groaned. She didn't feel like doing this. Starmie and Staryu, beside her, clung to her legs, begging for forgiveness. "It's all right guys, I'm not mad, except at Ash."
At the sound of singing outside, Misty, curious, walked to the front door. Before she opened it, it burst open. Ash, Lily, Violet, and Daisy stood there, laughing hysterically.
"Oh, Ash! That was the best rendition of "The Froggy Song" I ever heard!" Daisy gasped.
"Hi, Misty!" Violet cried and grabbed her younger sister in a hug.
"What in the name of - Violet, get off of me!" Misty shoved her sister away angrily.
"Come in guys - er, girls." Ash stepped into his house, past Misty, her sisters giggling at his error.
"Ash Ketchum, are you drunk? I'm not letting -" Ash cut her off with a long kiss.
"Aww!" the trio cooed. "How sweet!"
Misty tore away from him angrily. "Ash, what the *hell* is going on? Tell me right now!"
"Misty, calm down." Ash said.
"Yeah, but after you do, let us take you out to lunch and then we'll hang out." Lily said.
"What?! But..."
"I'll get your purse!" Ash crooned and headed for the kitchen.
"But-but-but-"
"Here you go!" Ash announced as he re-appeared. "I've put three of my credit cards in your purse, Misty, so have a good time!"
"Thanks, Ash! We'll make sure she does!" Daisy, Lily, and Violet pushed Misty out and shut the door behind them.
Ash sighed. "Now for that kitchen..."
* * * *
The house was spotless by the time Misty got back late that afternoon.
"Misty?" Ash asked hopefully from upstairs, where he was giving Pikachu a cheek massage.
"I'm home." Misty called back in a neutral tone.
Ash ran down the steps, Pikachu, as always, close at his heels. At first, when he reached the foot, he hesitated. Misty met him there, gently kissing him on the lips. "Thank you, Ash."
"What was that for?" Ash was a little bemused.
"This is all your doing, isn't it? About my sisters, I mean."
"Oh *that*."
"Yes, *that*."
Ash motioned her to sit on the sofa with him. "So what happened?"
"Well, after my sisters dragged me away, we had lunch, on them, at Le Chat D'ecour."
"Oh, classy."
"Daisy grabbed my hand, like this," Misty pulled Ash's hand into hers, "and said, 'Misty, we want to reconcile with you. We're sorry for all the terrible stuff we said or did when we were kids, and for not coming to your wedding. We want to be a part of your life - will you ever forgive us?'"
Misty paused and looked at Ash. "And they were really sincere, too, Ash." Misty's eyes were bright with tears. "Ash, if you hadn't intervened, I would never have spoken to my sisters or seen them again."
"Aw, come on, Misty, you're sisters loved you in the first place, they just didn't really express it well enough. I know you love them too. You guys need each other. So what did you say in reply?"
"Well, just as Daisy was finishing, I had this urge to throw up."
Ash laughed. "She was that disgustingly sincere?"
Misty punched him in the arm. "No, morning sickness. Threw up lunch right after I ate it."
"Yuck. Sorry, Mist."
Misty shrugged and leaned against him. "It's ok, I forgave them and told them about the baby. Naturally, they'd already been told." she looked up at him.
"Well, I'm *sorry*, but when I told them, you weren't talking to them!"
"So then we went shopping at the mall and then they went home."
"Oh."
"But Ash, this is all because of *you*. If you hadn't done anything, we'd never have gotten together like this. Will you forgive me for those awful things I said this morning? I was upset by the kitchen mess."
"Ssh." Ash hushed her. "There's no need to apologize, I'm the one that should be apologetic."
"Pika-Pi-Pikachu?" (Does this mean we get pancakes now?)
Misty looked at Ash, and then at Pikachu, and began to laugh.
* * * *
Six months later, Ash and Misty were in bed, reading, when Misty felt something.
"Ash." Misty said softly. Ash looked over at her.
"Yeah?" Ash looked over at her. "It's not time yet, is it?"
Misty shook her head. "No, give me your hand." Misty put his hand on her rounded belly. "You feel the baby kicking?"
"Yeah." Ash smiled at her lovingly. "This baby has a great Mommy."
"She has a great Daddy, too." Misty snuggled as close as she could to him as Ash wrapped an arm around her.
"It's a girl?"
Misty nodded. "I've just got a feeling."
"A gut feeling?" Ash rubbed his hand over her enlarged stomach.
"*Very* funny, Ash."
"I try."
They lay there quietly for a minute.
"Ash?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm scared."
Ash paused before admitting, "I am too, Misty, I am too."
* * * *
A month later...
Ash sat in the hospital waiting room, after calling Brock and Electra. Misty had gone into labor early that morning, on the actual due date.
Misty cursed a blue streak as Ash sped her off to the hospital.
"Just breathe, Misty, like in lamas class."
"That's *Lamaze*, you idiot! And I wouldn't be in this position if you hadn't gotten me like this!"
"You were part of this, too! It's not entirely - OW! Misty, quit hitting me!"
Misty howled as another contraction came on.
Ash looked at the clock. "Six minutes apart. Damn, this baby wants *out*! Misty, don't push!"
"I want to!"
"You are *not* delivering in the car! Now breathe, we're almost there!"
Thankfully, Misty did not deliver until they arrived at Mercy Center Hospital and a half-hour later, their baby girl announced her arrival with an unhappy commotion.
"Ash!"
Ash looked up from his seat to see his mom, Brock, and Electra had arrived.
"Oh, Ash, we rushed over here as soon as you called." his mother said.
"Sailor Raichu teleported us here after she heard the news and sent along her congratulations." Electra smiled.
"Thanks, Electra."
"Well, where are Misty and the baby?" his mother asked, almost impatiently.
"Misty's in her room sleeping and the baby's down in the nursery."
"To the nursery!" Electra cried and everyone headed for the elevator.
"So, what's her name?"
"We haven't given her one yet. Misty and I were still debating that last night." Ash said as the elevator stopped at the nursery floor.
"Oh, look at all the babies!" Electra cried as she peered into the nursery glass window.
"There she is!" Ash's mom cried excitedly. "In the crib nearest the door!"
The nurse attending the babes saw the group, recognized Ash and picked up his daughter and brought her over to the window for all to see. Electra and Ash's mom cooed on sight, while Brock slapped Ash on the back. "I should've brought the cigars!" he bellowed, while Ash gave him a weak grin.
"Misty nearly decked me in the delivery room, screaming she was going to kill me later for this."
"All Electra kept talking about was she wanted to be the Dragonair's best friend."
Electra gave Brock a good-natured slap on the arm. "May I remind you I was heavily sedated by then?"
"I was afraid I wasn't very nice in the delivery room as Ash came, either." Mrs. Ketchum admitted as the nurse tucked the baby back into its crib.
Electra and Mrs. Ketchum began talking about their experiences as Brock inquired if Misty might be awake yet.
Ash shook his head. "Likely not. She was zonked when I left her."
"That's alright. She needs her rest and we need to get going." Electra interjected.
Brock agreed. "Karen's babysitter is expensive!"
Ash grinned. "Thank you for coming guys, it means a lot."
Ash and his friends and mother hugged one last time before departing.
For the first time that day, as his friends left, the realization of what had happened, the enormous responsibility that lay ahead of him and Misty finally began to sink in.
"Oh my God." he whispered. He was a Pokemon trainer, not a parent! What did he know about raising a child? He was completely unprepared for this job! He stared at the tiny bundle that was his, sound asleep in its cot, as someone came by, whistling softly, then stopped at the glass window.
"Aren't they just precious?"
"Yeah," Ash answered, "they are." he looked at the person he was talking to and started to gag. "JAMES?"
James looked at Ash, and almost screeched, but remembered this was a quiet zone in time. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question!"
"I happen to now be the proud father of a baby boy!"
"Well I happen to be the proud father of a baby girl!" Ash pointed at the glass the same time James did, and at the same baby.
"WAH! What are you doing pointing at my kid?!"
"What are you doing pointing at mine?"
Ash and James peered into the window, then gasped as they saw their children's cribs had been placed next to each other.
"GET MY BABY AWAY FROM THAT ROCKET!"
"GET MY SON AWAY FROM HIS DAUGHTER!"
The nurses looked up in confusion at Ash and James' yelling. They grew frantic, pointing and mouthing words to them. Little did they know their wives had crept up behind them, Jessie with Meowth, and Misty with Pikachu. Both let loose a mallet upon their noggins, knocking them out.
"Please excuse my husband, he's a little emotional." Misty said.
"Oh, James will be after I get done with him. Sorry about that." Jessie said just as cordially.
The two then went in opposite directions, each dragging their unconcious husbands behind them.
End Chapter 2