C. Classic Cowboy: Slacker huh, Angie? Well here we go again, and for those surprised with the time Ash was out, it does serve a purpose. And in this one Ash and Pikachu are going to be reunited, but will it be a happy reunion? Find out soon.

I'd like to think Zarrah for helping me get the lyrics for the song in this chapter, The Time Has Come, from Pikachu's Goodbye. THANKS Z! I owe ya one! Now enjoy!

CHAPTER 17: THE FALLING OUT

  "FIVE MONTHS!!!" Ash yelled falling back from the shock. "Wha…what happened?" Misty set down beside him, "What's the last thing you remember?" Ash scratched his head, I remember getting a dizzy headache, just before I was going to say 'I do' at our wedding. The rest felt like some weird dream. I dreamed I beat up Pikachu, and then I turned on you, and killed Amanda, and, and, and…" Ash then look at Misty sadly, "It wasn't a dream was it?" Misty pulled him to her in a warm hug, "It's ok now though Ash, and your back." She pushed him back so she could look into his eyes, "I think we have some unfinished business to take care of, and I don't want to bring my mallet out on you, because you left me at the alter."

They both started to move in for a kiss when a small stampede of seven Pichus, including Peaker, came storming in and tackled Misty, "Easy little guys!" Misty said, trying to fight off the cuddling assault. Ash giggled at his bride to be, when he saw Brock and Leo staring at him. "One question, you the real Ash, or are you some psychopathic killing machine?" Ash gave them his trademark dumb look, which brought Brock to hug him almost crushing his ribs. "YOU'RE BACK! YOU'RE BACK!"  Leo then looked at Brock slightly unnerved, just to pat Ash back, "Welcome back, Amigo!"

Once Brock let him go and Ash caught his breath, "Ash, I think you need to see something." Misty said solemnly. Ash looked confused but nodded ok. They walked down the hall and Ash saw two small figures standing in the hallway, "PIKACHU! KURAI!" Kurai turned and smiled, "PIKA PIKACHU!" 'HEY! WELCOME BACK!' BUT pikachu didn't look back, but kept his back to him. "Hi Pikachu!" Ash said walking toward his best friend, but stopped when a thunderbolt hit at his feet, "Pika pi chu pika." 'Stay away from me.' Ash looked at him surprised, "Pikachu?" Pikachu glared at him, "PIKA PI CHU!" 'I SAID STAY AWAY!' Pikachu screamed tears forming in his eyes. "Pikachu, pi ka pi chu pi." 'I don't want anything to do with you anymore' those words shot were like a knife to his heart. "Pika…" Ash started to say but Pikachu cut him off, "Pika chu ka chu pikachu! PI KA CHU!!!!" 'I don't know you anymore! I HATE YOU!!!!!' He yelled tears streaming before turning his back and running down the hall toward the exit.

Ash stood there watching, his own tears beginning to form. "Ash?" Misty asked concerned, but Ash just kept staring the way Pikachu ran.

I close my eyes and I can see

The day we met

 Just one moment and I knew

You're my best friend,

Do anything

For you

Pikachu ran outside through the halls, memories of the many times he has had by Ash's side flooded his mind and tears flowing from his eyes.

We've gone so far

And done so much

And I feel

Like we've always been together

Right by my side, through thick and thin

You're the part of my life I'll always remember

Pikachu found an old storage room and walked in and set down and sobbed, before yelling, "PI? PIKAPI??? Pi…" 'WHY? BROTHER??? Why…'

The time has come It's for the best I know it Who would have guessed That you and I…

Somehow someway

We'd have to say goodbye

  Kurai finally caught up with him, and found him there, crying and broken, "Pikachu?" she asked walking Pikachu just looked at her, and without another word she wrapped her little arms around him and let him sob on her shoulder, "Pi?" 'Why?' Pikachu sobbed,  "Pika chu pi, kapichu chu pi…." 'I'd fight for him, I'd die for him…' he then was unable to form anymore words, and just sobbed.

You've helped me find The strength inside And the courage

To make my dreams come true,

How will I find

Another friend

Like you?

Ash continued to watch the way Pikachu ran, before dropping to his knees, tears flowing; now realizing what has just taken place. "Pikachu, no, I'm so sorry, please forgive me…" he sobbed, Misty then held him tight and whispered to him, "It'll all work out Ash, just don't loose faith."

Two of a kind That's what we are

And it seemed

 Like we were always winning

But as our team is torn apart

I wish we could go back to the beginning!

"It…it can't end like this…" Ash sobbed into Misty's shoulder, "It just can't…" and his words were echoed by Pikachu to Kurai. Two hearts, which together had the strength and determination to fight through countless challenges, now lay shattered and destroyed.

  The time has come

It's for the best I know it

Who would have guessed that you and I…

Would somehow someday

We'd have to say goodbye

Brock looked beyond his two longtime friends where Pikachu had went, then back to his best friend who lay in his girlfriend's arms broken, "I would have never thought this would ever happen"

Some how today… We have to say…

Goodbye.

Once Ash had settled down, Misty helped him back to his feet, "I know this won't help, but you need to see this" Leo and the Pichus started to follow, but Brock cut them off, "It's better if it's just Misty with him." Leo nodded and watched them head toward the staircase.

Ash and Misty walked up the long staircase in silence, till they made it to what looked like an observation room. "I think you need to see what's happened to Pallet City." Misty said hitting a switch opening a window, and once the window opened Ash's eyes went wide, "Oh God no…"

TO BE CONTINUED….