Broken Wings

By Trish.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon nor do I own the lyrics that the story and chapter titles come from. They belong to a song from the 1980's Broken Wings by Mr Mister.

A/N: The blue cornflower has been adopted by MND associations worldwide as its symbol. It symbolises hope. If you see people selling blue cornflower pins or pens, please buy one. It does not cost much and will go towards funding research towards a cure. Without funds there is no research, without research there is no cure. Without people who care, there is no hope.

For more information go to http://www.alsmndalliance.org/directory/index.html

~*~

Chapter Two: And learn to fly again…

Stunned silence greeted Ash's announcement for a few minutes, before general pandemonium broke out, each reporter with a million and one questions on their lips.

The Pokémon Grand Master held up a hand and pleaded for calm. "Please, only one question at a time."

After a few minutes, they quietened down and Ash indicated to one reporter to stand up. "Sir, How long do the doctors give you before the disease takes away your mobility?"

"They don't really know," Ash said simply. "The rate of progression of the disease varies from case to case. It could be a matter of months or it could be years."

Another reporter spoke up. "You said that there was no cure. What is the prognosis for MND?"

"Anywhere between sixteen months and five years. I'm on medication which should theoretically slow the progression of the disease."

Then came the question that he knew would be inevitable. "What does this mean for your position of Pokémon Grand Master?"

Ash took a deep breath. "I'm not stepping down, if that's what you want to know. I have the full support of the Elite, and the Council of the Pokémon League to stay in this position for as long as I'm physically capable, or until I'm defeated in a Pokémon battle."

"At the moment, we are taking life as it comes, one day at a time. I want to make the most of whatever time I have left. Finally, I would ask your cooperation in respecting mine and my family's privacy at this very difficult time. Thank you."

He stepped away from the podium and walked backstage where he was immediately enveloped in a hug by Misty, then Gary.

"I'm so proud of you," Misty smiled through her tears.

"So am I, Ashy Boy," Gary admitted. "That took a lot of courage to do what you just did. I'm not sure if I could have done the same."

"Thanks."

~*~

As expected the story made headlines the next day, on the front page of every newspaper and dominating the news bulletins on television. Some went even so far as to offer their 'expert' opinion on whether Ash should stay or go.

But that was not foremost on Ash's mind at the moment. He had more important things to take care of.

He was sitting under a shady tree with his two children. Ciara was on his lap, while Matthew was snuggled next to him with Pikachu nestled in the five year old's lap.

The dark-haired man wished that he didn't have to do what he was about to do. For it would be one of the most difficult things ever. But it had to be done….

"Kids, I want you to listen to me carefully, as this is important," he began.

Two pairs of small brown eyes regarded him attentively.

"See, your daddy has been told by doctors that he has this sickness…"

"But doctors can make Daddy all better can't they?" Matt piped up. "Doctors can fix anything!"

Ash's heart ached at the simple innocence of his son's statement. Oh, how I wish that were true. "But this sickness is the type that doctors can't make go away easily. So one day Daddy might not be able to play with you anymore as he won't be able to walk…"

"Will you be in one of those chairs with wheels?"

"A wheelchair? Yes.."

"We can still play," Matt decided and scratched Pikachu behind her ears, making the electric mouse purr. The small boy was silent for a moment, then spoke up again. "Will you be there when I'm big enough to go on my Pok'mon journey?"

Ash felt his throat constrict. It would be five more years before his son would be ten years old. The life expectancy for him was anywhere between sixteen months to five years. How can I tell my kids that I might not be alive in a few months or years? How do I explain to them that I'm slowly dying?

He hugged both of them closer as he fought the tears that he felt burning behind his eyes. "I ..I hope so, Matt."

Thankfully Matt didn't hear the hesitation in his voice. "Goody."

"I love you, Daddy," Ciara snuggled into her father's chest.

"I love you too, Daddy," Matt joined in and hung tightly onto his arm.

Ash hugged them both tightly. "I love you both, as well. Always and forever."

~*~

The next task, was to inform his Pokémon. He had Meowth assemble them all on the grounds of Professor Oak's laboratory, where he told them the situation, with Gary in attendance.

"So as my days as a Pokémon trainer are limited , I'm giving you all a choice. You can either stay with me and fight for as long as we are able and then retire. Or you can go and become Gary's Pokémon and fight for him."

Gary and all the Pokémon looked startled at this revelation. They had not expected this.

"Or you can be released and live your life as you wish. It is all up to you."

There was a brief moment of silence as the Pokémon all looked at each other, then Pikachu stepped forward and nodded to Meowth. "Piiiiiiikachu. Pikapi.'

"None of us are going. We're all staying wid you," Meowth stated.

"But…"

"No buts. You've always been dere for us. Now it's time for us to do the same."

"I…"

"Can it, Ash," Gary chuckled. "You should have known they wouldn't leave you for anything in the world. You have a bond with all your Pokémon like no other."

"I guess you're right."

'Pikapi!' Pikachu launched herself at her trainer, as did all the other creatures, knocking the dark-haired Master to the ground. Ash disappeared beneath a wriggling pile of happy Pokémon.

After a few minutes, Gary helped extract his friend from the furry and feathered pile. "I think they're going to have to put a stop to knocking you over soon," he grinned.

"Yeah," Ash brushed himself off.

"Come back to the lab for a bit," the Viridian Gym Leader offered. "Gramps and I have something for you."

The two went back to the lab where they were greeted by the elderly professor. "So how did it go, Ash?"

Ash smiled at his long-time mentor and friend. "They wouldn't leave, and I know that nothing I say will convince them otherwise."

Professor Oak chuckled. "They're stubborn, just like their Trainer."

"I know."

Gary retrieved a wrapped parcel from the table and handed it to Ash. "Here.."

The dark-haired man opened it to reveal a beautifully carved mahogany walking stick.

"I know you don't need it yet, but it's just something that will help you keep your balance," Gary explained. "I…I mean we don't want you falling over."

Ash was touched. "Thanks Gary, and thank you too Professor."

"It was more Gary's idea than mine," the researcher winked.

"Oh?"

"Gramps was involved just as much as I was!" Gary protested.

"Why, Gary…you're getting to be a real softie. See what marriage does to you?"

"Oh shut up, Ashy Boy."

~*~

Later that night, Penny Oak came downstairs from checking on the baby, to find her husband in the study, poring over books and papers.

"Hey Gary," she said softly.

Gary looked up from where he was writing something down, and gave her a soft kiss "Hey, honey."

The brunette glanced down at one of the books. The title read, Living With Motor Neurone Disease: Advice for Sufferers and their families. "This about Ash?"

"Yeah." Gary resumed writing.

"You really do care about him."

Gary dropped his pen. "I do not!" he protested. "I'm..just concerned, that's all."

His wife just looked at him. "Okay, okay. So I do care about him," he finally admitted. "He's my best friend. More than a best friend actually, he's like the brother I never had."

"We've known each other since we were babies. Two small boys from a small town with the same dreams…And he's always been there for me. Remember when May had that scare with the lump in her breast two years ago? Ash was the one who listened to my rants and raves."

The Viridian Gym Leader sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I just want to be there for him, to be able to support him to the best of my ability..." Gary smiled sadly. "And because I know that had the situation been reversed Ash would have done exactly the same for me."

Penny hugged her husband tightly. "You might act all tough and arrogant in public, but when it comes to Ash, you're just one big marshmallow."

~*~

The next day, Gary walked into Ash's office to find his friend reading some of the messages of support that had begun to flow in.

Drake, Orange Crew Leader and Pummelo Island Gym Leader had written a letter and issued a media release on behalf of the Orange League, as had Whitney, Goldenrod Gym Leader on behalf of the Johto League. Both offered unqualified support for Ash's decision.

"How's it going?" Gary asked as he plopped down in the chair opposite the desk.

"Okay," Ash replied. "Everything is business as usual. But this morning…"

Gary noticed the hesitation and prodded him gently. "This morning what?"

"When I walked down the corridors, it seemed as if some people were deliberately avoiding me..."

The Viridian Gym Leader groaned inwardly. And so it starts…. "Well, we just have to make sure people are educated about this won't we?"

"Right."

~*~

Two months later…

An hour before the major meeting of Gym Leaders was to begin, Gary knocked on the door of Ash's office. "Come in," came the reply.

Ash was standing by the desk, handing a few files to former Team Rocket member and now long-time personal assistant, James.

"Ready to go?" Gary asked.

"Yeah," Ash murmured as James handed him the walking stick.

"Did you ring to have the wheelchair on standby?" Gary questioned the lavender-haired ex Rocket.

"I did," James nodded.

Ash had been having trouble walking unassisted for the past few days, relying on the use of a walking stick and someone's arm for support. Sometimes the effort of trying to walk wore him out, so the League kept a wheelchair on hand.

The doctors had informed Ash's family and friends that this did not mean that the dark-haired Master was deteriorating more rapidly than expected. The unpredictability of MND meant that the patient would intermittently experience periods of good health and bad. This just happened to be one of the 'bad' periods.

Gary tried to be there as much as possible to help Ash get around. And if he couldn't he had instructed James or the Pokémon to keep an eye on him. Gary had read that MND sufferers often fell without warning. Ash didn't need broken limbs on top of everything else.

The chestnut-haired trainer stood by his friend and crooked his arm, as Ash held onto him and supported the rest of his weight on the cane. The two made their way slowly to the large conference room where the Gym Leaders from all three Leagues as well as the Elite Four were gathering.

As they entered, all eyes swivelled towards them. Drake assisted Gary in helping Ash to his chair. Once he was settled, the Pokémon Grand Master rapped the table. "Shall we begin?"

A hand was raised. It was Chuck from the Johto League. "I propose a motion requesting that our esteemed Grand Master step down from his position due to his evident physical deterioration."

"And why should he?" Lance enquired.

"Because you can't be a Pokémon trainer, much less a Master if you can't walk!"

"There is nothing in the League Rules to say that disabled people cannot become Trainers," Lorelei murmured.

"Then why aren't there any?"

"Perhaps because they encounter obstacles such as making the journey needed to get from gym to gym," Sabrina added.

"Who in this room supports the motion?" Lance interrupted.

Slowly some hands were raised. Chuck, and Ash wasn't too surprised at seeing Rudy's hand up, Lieutenant Surge, Claire's and…Brock's?

Ash was completely taken aback. Brock thought he should stand down just because he had trouble walking. He thought Brock was his friend…more than a friend…he thought he was like a brother.

"All those not in favour," Lance continued. The rest of the room raised their hands in a show of support. "I think the nays have it."

~*~

An hour later, the meeting adjourned for a coffee break. Gary assisted Ash to the bathroom and waited outside until his friend had finished

They were a foot away from the entrance to the room when they overheard someone laughing loudly. "Do it again, Brock!"

"Look at me," Brock's voice came out quavery and feeble, as if he was an old man. "I'm Ash Ketchum, Pokémon Grand Master!" Raucous laughter followed.

The two men froze just outside the door. Gary couldn't believe what he was hearing. Brock wouldn't make fun of Ash like that, would he?

"He really should quit," Brock continued. "After all the Pokémon Grand Master is the top representative of all that is the Pokémon League, and should be a superb physical specimen, like myself. And not a pathetic cripple who can't walk by himself."

Ash flinched visibly and paled at the harsh words. Gary looked at him with a worried frown. "You want to go in?"

The dark-haired Master took a deep breath. "Yeah."

The two men walked in the room and everyone looked up. Ash fixed Brock with a hard gaze and said calmly, "Well the pathetic cripple is back in the room."

"I don't know what you mean by that."

"You liar!" Gary burst out. "We both overheard you say that Ash was a pathetic cripple who shouldn't be Pokémon Grand Master!"

There were a few gasps from others in the room, who had not overheard Brock's statements.

"Why, Brock, why?" Ash spoke up again. "How could you say that?"

The Pewter City Gym Leader said nothing.

"I thought you were my friend…." Ash shook his head in disbelief. "I think it's quite obvious why there are not many disabled trainers in the Leagues. Because of the blatant prejudice and discrimination of the type of which I have just had the misfortune to witness here."

"Maybe I can't walk without help now, but that does not mean I am any less of a person than any of you. I still have a heart, I still have a mind, I still can think and feel."

"But the difference is that I have a rather rare disease which robs me of the ability to do a lot of things that we all take for granted. And being physically different is something to be derided, to be feared, to be mocked in our society."

"I can't help the fact that I have MND. Just the same as disabled people cannot help the fact that they are the way they are. But we are still people. A physical handicap does not mean that the mental faculties are impaired."

"We can still speak, we can still give orders to Pokémon. A trainer is not physically involved in the battle with the exception of some of the Orange League gyms. There is no reason why disabled trainers should not take part."

"As for the question of what makes a Pokémon Master….it is not pure brute strength which will win a battle. It is a combination of strength and strategy, and the strength of the bond between the trainer and Pokémon. It is also a question of inner strength, the will to overcome any obstacle that one may face."

"I'm not stepping down yet. And I will make it my mission to do all that is in my power to ensure that the Pokémon League is open to all who wish to enter, able-bodied or otherwise." He paused. "Meeting is now over."

Gary beckoned James over. The former Team Rocket member hurried to his side. "I want you to help Ash back to his office. I'll be along shortly."

James nodded and crooked his arm so that the dark-haired Master could get a good grip, then slowly led Ash out of the room.

As soon as he was sure they were out of earshot, Gary turned on Brock. "How dare you call Ash a pathetic cripple! More importantly, how could you of all people say that about him? You who Ash regards as one of his oldest and dearest friends? Like the older brother he never had? How could you say such things?"

"Well he is a cripple," sniffed Brock. "And it's pathetic that he can't walk without help."

"Do you think that he wants to be this way? Or that he deserves to have this disease?"

"Not many people get this MND, so he must have done something to deserve it."

Gary was furious. "I can't believe you just said that. Nobody deserves to get MND or any other terminal disease or condition!"

Brock was silent.

"Have you read anything about the disease?"

"No."

"So just because Ash has got this rare disease which is going to eventually kill him, you're going to treat him like a leper and abandon him when he needs you." Gary shook his head. "And here I thought I was the cold-hearted arrogant ass that treated Ash like dirt, as I did do once. But I eventually came to my senses, and thank God that Ash had never really given up on me as a friend all these years."

"I've read about this disease and quite frankly it scares me knowing what Ash is going to go through. But I'm not going to let that stop me being there for him as a friend."

"MND cannot be transmitted from person to person, so there is no need to think that just by touching him or being in the same room with him that you are going to get it. It only affects the motor neurones in the brain, the ones that control our movement, speech, swallowing and breathing. It does not affect the intellect or memory, nor are the senses. So even when Ash is a complete invalid, he is still a living, breathing, thinking human being with feelings."

"Eventually, the disease will progress to the point that he cannot speak, he won't be able to tell us if he is in great pain or not. Can you imagine how frustrating it must be for people who are still mentally alert, that they cannot communicate?"

"Ash may even have to have a gastronomy later, if he has too much difficulty swallowing. A tube will be surgically inserted into the stomach through the upper abdominal wall."

Gary sighed. "How could anyone possibly say that a person deserves to go through all that?"

~*~

A few days later…

"You have a very nice house, Ash."

"Thanks."

Ash had gone back to Pallet for a few weeks, and he and Misty had invited Rob and Terese Lawson over for lunch. Rob was a fellow sufferer of MND as well as a patient of Dr. Ridgeway and he and Ash had become good friends during their many visits to the hospital and the MND ward.

The specialist encouraged his patients and their families to get to know one another. The presence of a support network, he said, was imperative. Being in regular contact with others in the same situation was beneficial for not only the patient, but also for the primary care-giver.

Misty and Terese had bonded immediately. Both were young, and with young children. Both of their husbands were stricken with the disease when young. Each of them knew that they could lean on each other for support or a hug when things were difficult.

Terese was also at the house that day for another reason. The occupational therapist had come in with builders recommended by the hospital to advise on what alterations to the home needed to be made to accommodate Ash's future needs.

Rob had been confined to his wheelchair for the past four months, so Terese had been all through this before. She was there to support Misty through the decision making process, the redhead being confronted for the first time, with the harsh reality of her husband's condition.

It was increasingly unlikely that Ash would be able to make the trip upstairs soon, the effort becoming too much for him. A room on the ground floor would be modified into a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom for him. Handrails would be fitted around the house and a ramp installed at the front of the house to allow for wheelchair access.

An electric bed which could be adjusted to a variety of positions with a push of a button and side rails was ordered. As well as a segmented overlay mattress and specialised pillows.

While the two women were busy with all this, Ash and Rob were quietly talking.

"Something's eating you," Rob said suddenly. "What's up?"

The dark-haired Grand Master sighed. "A few days ago, the guy who I had always regarded as the big brother I never had, who had been with me on my journey from the beginning…called me a pathetic cripple and looked as if he wanted nothing to do with me." Ash shook his head. "I felt so betrayed, so hurt. I…I never thought that Brock of all people would act like this towards me."

"I know how you feel. But unfortunately that's really what you're going to experience from now until the end. People shunning you, making fun of you..treating you like a leper. Especially when they find out that it's a disease to do with the central nervous system." Rob smiled rather bitterly. "My two brothers disowned me when I was first diagnosed. Said that they never wanted to have anything to do with me ever again, for I was tainted with this disease. Fancy that, my own flesh and blood!"

"It's all because not many people know about MND. What people don't know, they fear. What they fear, they shun. Plus they feel uncomfortable because they have no idea of what we're going through. What the public needs is more education and awareness."

The man looked over at Ash. "You, my friend are in a position to do something about this. Your high profile has meant that this disease has received more publicity than it has previously. It could mean more money for research into a cure. You can be the voice for those among us who can no longer speak"

"That's true," Ash agreed.

"The cure may be discovered too late to save us, but if we can help save some other person from undergoing the same suffering, well…."

"That's the kind of legacy I'd like to leave," Ash finished for both of them.

~*~

"Ivysaur! Solar Beam!"

Ash and Gary watched as the Pokémon fired off a powerful beam of light towards the charging Donphan, hitting it head on and effectively knocking it out of commission ending the battle.

The two masters had come across the battle in one of the local parks as they were taking a walk. What caught their eye about this particular one, was that one of the trainers, a fourteen-year-old girl, was in a wheelchair. It was she who commanded the Ivysaur.

As the men watched, two older teenagers, a boy and a girl ran over to her and wrapped her in a big hug. "I'm so proud of you, Lil Sis!" the boy exclaimed.

Ash and Gary exchanged glances. "Shall we go over?"

"Yep."

At their approach, the three teens' eyes widened as they recognised their faces.

"Uh, hullo, sirs," the young man stuttered.

"No need for formalities," the Grand Master smiled. "Just call me Ash."

"Just call me Gary," added the Viridian City Gym Leader.

"My name's Becky," offered the girl in the wheelchair. "That's my older brother Steve, and my cousin Lisa."

"Pleased to meet you. You're a very good trainer, Becky," Ash stated, looking the girl in the eyes.

"Thank you."

"Have you been on your Pokémon journey yet?" Gary inquired.

"I started two years ago, but then the accident happened. I haven't been on a journey since." The disappointment on Becky's face was evident.

"She was hit by a drunk driver, and became a paraplegic," Steve spoke up. "And she was doing really well too. But because of all the obstacles she faced with her disability and some of the discrimination she came across…she gave up. But because we know that Pokémon is her great love, Lisa and I have been taking periodic breaks in our journeys to help her train her Pokémon and give her battles."

"That's very sweet and considerate of you," Ash grinned.

"I would do anything for Becca."

"Can you tell us what kind of discrimination happened?"

"I'd rather not say," the girl mumbled.

"They called her a spastic and a retard," her brother spoke up, the anger evident in his eyes. "Just because she doesn't have the use of her legs, they think she can't do anything. But she's as good a trainer as the rest of them."

"After what we just saw, I'd agree with you," Gary piped up.

"How would you like to be able to go on your Pokémon journey, Becky?" Ash asked quietly.

Her face lit up. "I'd love it! But how would I get to places?"

Steve ruffled her hair. "You're forgetting that I'm nineteen and can drive, Becca. I'd go with you."

"So would I," Lisa added.

"Because if you can battle just like you did today in front of a group of very important people…I think that we can make your dreams a reality," Ash stated with a smile.

As it turned out, Becky did not lose her nerve, triumphing over another trainer in front of a crowd comprising of the Elite Four, and the Heads of the Indigo, Orange and Johto Leagues. Proving that disabled trainers could battle and battle well.

The road was open for disabled trainers to join the League.

~*~

The next few months passed by in a whirlwind of activity for Ash. Much needed reforms and rules needed to be worked out and approved across the board with the admission of disabled trainers. The Orange Crew instigated the option for fighting in a regular Pokémon battle at the Mikan and Navel Island Gyms. The Johto League would implement some changes as well. As Pokémon Grand Master, all these changes were subject to Ash's approval.

It was just over a year since his diagnosis.

~*~

Ash woke up from his afternoon nap and stretched. He was taking naps through the day as he suffered fatigue very easily as a result of MND. He went to wriggle his toes and froze. Nothing happened.

He tried again and concentrated hard on the movement. Still nothing happened. Oh my god, I can't move my feet…

Feeling slightly panicky, he began to move himself towards the edge of the bed.

Gary was training Chikorita and Bulbasaur to carry drink trays with their vines (he had reasoned that Ash's Pokémon could help him, like a Pets-as-therapy thing) when he heard an almighty thud.

The chestnut-haired trainer rushed into Ash's bedroom to see the Grand Master sprawled on the floor beside the bed.

Ash looked up and Gary swore he could see tears in the dark eyes. "Please…get Misty for me. I can't use my legs anymore…."

To be continued…

~*~

Author's Note: Please do not say that Brock is OOC. Remember that this is set when they are in their late 30s, early 40s. People can change, and no one knows exactly how they would react to a situation like this. I read an account of someone who had a terminal disease, and they were surprised to find that those who they expected to be there for them, abandoned them. Those people that they least expected, were often the ones who stood by them.

There was a man by the name of Keith with MND in the nursing home where my gran was before she died. He was a former executive for IBM. His brothers disowned him when he was first diagnosed. Yet when you said something to him, you could see there was intelligence in his eyes. He knew. He just couldn't speak.

His best friend Mike visited him every day, often driving from work in his lunch hour to help feed and care for Keith. He would even come in on weekends. He was more of a brother to Keith then his flesh and blood were. A more perfect example of best friendship I have never seen.