AFTERMATH OF THE AFTERLIFE
EPILOGUE
Well, guys and gals, this is it.
I've got nothing much to say, as all your wonderful reviews put me at ease whether this was a failure or a success. 100+ reviews proved me fortunately at the latter rather than the former.
My next 'serious' fic is definite my last of the Chromus Production crossovers, my next single anime 'AOTA' if you will, will be my first Ranma fic, 'She's All Alone.' However, for you Pokemon fans out there, whilst my serious Pokemon stories may be finished for the time being, I will still dab in Pokemon in my crossovers, heck, Poke-vivor is still being written, plus Pokemole 2 will have two Pokemon characters in it as well so look forward to them.
Now, the final part. Obviously, this will be a heck of a lot shorter than the actual story parts but it needs to be. I still hope you won't be disappointed…
* * * *
The silent fall of the rain shunned and washed all the sorrow from the mortal plane.
I think the kami gods had a soft spot for me, as I watched friends, family and lovers gather for the mourning of my passing.
It's weird, living for just 25 years, and yet, now I'm here, I revert to the form that I was most comfortable with, my 10 year old form.
Either that, or Mew or Celebi was playing a cruel joke on me. Whichever won Jankenpon this day…
And there, was the goddess of beauty cuddling two very close seconds. My son Kenji, may you grow to be your own man. Let the legacy of the being you mourn not be for nought. Follow your own path, not anothers.
Kathy? Kathy – my sweet little girl. You have your mother's eyes and your father's spirits…please keep being this way…
Minna-san? Everyone? I can see each one, and could remember each face as clear as daylight.
Brock. Suzie. The Su-Zane empire lives on in your spirit and strength. Brock was always my strength at times…despite his perverted way at times. Mind you, he calmed down as soon as a girl did like him. Oh, Willa says hi as well, it's kinda crowded up here sometimes…
Brock…the person who gave me my first badge. The first person to truly begin my journey as a Pokemon Master. A journey that I continued to all odds. Brock, brother, mother, friend…
So many words can discuss your way Brock. Whilst my darling wife may have pulled your ear one too many times that I lost count (according to her though, that wasn't hard to do), I never got tired of seeing your poor lost boy face after yet another rejection. It showed me that sometimes life could never loose it's spirit, no matter how many times a girl can hit your head with a mallet…
And speaking of hard-hitting girls…
Two close friends of mine cuddled each other sharing a yellow and striped umbrella. Aww…Casey? You never broke out of that habit did you…I guess marrying Richie who had a Pikachu as a pokemon never helped much either…
Casey, what can I say? You were like the female version of me that I wished I had. A sister? A friend? I can say many things about her, and all of them good…who knew the Electabuzz would get so good after you helped? Oh, and that you became such a good young trainer…I wish I had a chance to really tell you that…
Richie…oh Richie. Keep her happy otherwise I will haunt you! Joking aside, I love you man, Casey was my little sis, you were the twin bro. A caring and smart individual, that was how I knew you couldn't be my twin…you were too nice as both my mom and my darling wife kept reminding me. Bro…keep alive and live it to the most…
I can see familiar faces all round, but could only really watch a few. I couldn't believe now that Jessie and James would be mourning me…
Team Rocket. Biggest thorns or biggest help? Without them, my journey would not have been as interesting to say the least…Jessie – a firey redhead vs. a firey redhead often or not, often hotter than hot…in a lot of good ways. Mind you, your past was so unfortunate and tragic that it was hard to hate you at any time. When we finally buried the hatchet, I was glad to see you be the true Jessie Furage.
James…ah, a number of time my drinking buddy after a hard days getting hit on the head by a couple of girls who shall remain nameless. James, who was probably a lot more of a calming influence on Jessie than he knew, was really a person misjudged by society. I'm glad he and Jessie had a second chance. James, just keep her in line and make sure she doesn't hurt you too much…
I saw him give up his position. For me…well, that surprised me…
Gary Oak. Greatest rival. Cocky, arrogant, annoying…maybe, but he's someone that always pushed me to the limit. I will admit, without him getting so far ahead, I wouldn't have pushed myself that extra limit. Knowing he is here now, and knowing the respect we did have after our final battle, shows that any hard feelings we had were destroyed. His arm around Giselle, I know he can be a caring person. Gary…I'll miss that arrogant smile.
Mom…Mom…
Seeing my mom with Molly Hale was heartbreaking. My mother may have been a bit…nutty at times…but she was my mother, and I loved her. I know how much she cared for me, and how much this is hurting her. I was always her little boy, no matter how much I grown, and despite everything, I will miss her saying 'Don't forget to change my you-know-what..'
I wonder if Sabrina can sense my spirit whilst watching over them. If she can, I hope she realises that I thought of her as a person, not what everyone else did. And I know she is keeping that baka Lance in lance…sure, he's a nice guy, but man, he's a bit of a nutcase!
I watch several cameramen leaves as the ceremonies of this event were over. Fortunately, I knew one camerman hadn't left…
Toddy, man, when we first met, it was like he didn't have any feelings for pokemon. But that changed, as his feelings for his work were his feelings for pokemon. Todd's work is legendary, but for me, his tears were the most important thing for me. They are like elixirs to a spirit, to show how much a person cared. Thank you Todd.
I spy over to a young woman hugging her nearly identical child. Duplica…sweetheart…you were truly a unique human being. I'll never forget those times you horded me over night when the work became too much. Of course, 'you-know-who' always suspected something, but as one of the illustrious three witches, how could you escape?
Just kidding. Todd, take damn care of her…something special like that comes around once in a blue moon…
…isn't that right Tracey. I think he knew what he caught was something once in a lifetime. Tracey, a fellow friend that travelled with me in the Orange Islands was very close to me and my family, especially my mother. His work didn't change that, and I'm glad he remained the straight middle man that he always was despite everything. Thank you Trace.
And as for you Mel-chan…well, as the third witch, be prepared to be sacrificed! If you survive, be that lovely, cheerful, funny girl you were when we first met, rather than the sad depressed girl today. Your priestess ways may be gone, but your spirit is interwined with the heavens for all time. And may your heart be with the heavens…
Misty.
My darling wife. My beautiful friend.
Let the kamis guide you to your life from now on. I'm sorry that in life I can't remain with you, but let my spirit guide you.
I met you all those years ago when you fished me out. I won't forget a single moment we spent since then. And until you get here (which won't be in a very long time), I will continue to watch over my family…
Good luck minna-san. At God's speed.
* * * *
The parting is indeed sweet sorrow.
Throughout the years after Ash Ketchum left the solid earth, the world has indeed been a less hollow place. The strength is still there, and whilst the peaceful world may have existed, the feeling of despair always remained.
However, our friends, heroes and heroines never lost hope…as their lives returned to normal, it was apparent that Ash had never left their hearts
GARY OAK
The former rival of Ash Ketchum long since retired his pokemon training status after his Pallet resident's death. He has taken control over the Oak ranch and has renewed it as the power of Pokemon once more. Gary becomes a government official overseeing almost every pokemon issue, but never once came out of retirement. He never battled again. He lived with his wife Giselle, and in a daughter, Sharon Oak, the Oak family line continued.
SABRINA SAFFRON
The pressures of a life dominated from the public eye got to the young psychic. She eventually left Lance to become a priestess, earning herself a dear friendship with Melody. She retired to a guru Shinto style of life in the Orange Islands, where her visions of the future were always a vital tourism cash in. However, many times, Misty visited her as she always had sightings of Ash…
CASEY RUKY
Her duel duties of Pokemon Elite and Electabuzz coach became too much for the girl and she became terminally ill at age 26 with Slowbro Syndrome. Her limbs became non-functioning and had to spend 5 years on her back. However, her stubborness made her able to walk again. Her amazing resoluteness made her change of career into becoming a doctor, where her life teaching others to get through illness like she did was a dream to all to see her beautiful smile.
DELIA KETCHUM AND MOLLY HALE
The mother of Ash Ketchum died 7 years after her son's passing. In those years, her heart simply couldn't handle the losses in her life. However, on the outside, she was the same Delia Ketchum. She helped around in Oak's lab and taking care of Misty's wonderful children. In her last few days, she never regretted a thing.
Molly continued her career until life caught her up. After her adoptive mother's death, she followed on her father's work and became Gary's aide and future owner of the Oak Industries. When Gary became government, Molly and Giselle became the owners of the Oak ranches.
RICHARD WILLIAMS
Richie retired from the Elite after Casey's illness. He took care of his wife in those horrid years. Beside of this, the two never had children, however, they adopted a young child Casey found in the hospital who so happened to be dumped outside the Electabuzz stadium. The child was named Elena, and after all adversities, the Williams became a happy family. After the setback, Richie worked in A.J and Lara's ranch before moving into government.
ANDREW 'A.J' JOHNSON
Like the others, he retired from the Elite soon after Ash' death. The Elite soon disbanded as new ideas came in. A.J became gym leader of the now discarded Viridian Gym after Gary's full retirement. After a few years, he too retired, and began to look after Pokemon with his wife Lara on the ranch that she was ahead of. They had a daughter, Lena, who would later follow in her mother's footsteps as a horseracing champion.
TODD SNAP
The photographer, disgusted at what happened at the funeral, quit his multimillion job. He spent many years looking after his daughter Sylia and then son Mackey, before becoming part of his wife's business in adoption. Todd flourished in his role after looking after his children, and later became a council to the good in the world for pokemon and children cruelty.
ANNA 'DUPLICA' MAXWELL
She won the big award in her portrayal as an adopted child in the movie 'Anna' which was semi-autobiographical. She retired from film work shortly and began to create, work and run her own orphanage. Her successful move stunned people, but the new career successfully filled her heart. Since then, many more buildings appeared and have followed in her footsteps, including her own two children, Sylia and Mackey.
JESSIE FURAGE AND JAMES FEMMESSE
The Team Rocket Restaurant business boomed into many franchises throughout many years. Heck, Jessie's Wobbuffet became the official 'spokesmon' if you will at times. After their retirement from active duty, they finally managed to lay claim to James' parents old property in Fuschia City and moved there. The two former Rockets became part-time workers in their older years for spying, hacking and other activities which were illegal but necessary. Their Rocket ways not gone even in their older years.
BROCK SLATE
The breeder continued the Su-Zane franchise with Suzie before finally getting his hometown back after the problems with Willamena's parents. Occasionally, thanks to the tragedies in his lives, he occassionally had to be submitted into hospital into medication. However, gradually, the nightmares went away as he continued his hard work way into his 60th year. Yet, he still flirted with the generation of Joys in his time…
TRACEY SKETCHIT AND MELODY FURURA
The two former Pinkin Island workers, now teachers, could not shake their lives off forever. Melody's powers made her extremely well wanted by police, safaris, islands and psychics. Melody get out of the public eye with her teaching job before joining a travelling circus with her songs and music. To this day, her powers seemed to go hidden, even after she was recognised at Ash' funeral…
Tracey continued by his wife' side, and became a painter. Many times, the notes from her songs became the inspiration he needed. He became a father as well, their daughter Eliza radiating youth and recklessness just like her mother. The three were always on the move, but always happy.
MISTY WATERFLOWER/KETCHUM
After the death of Ash, Misty retired from the word of aquatics, ballet and water pokemon. Her work as a nurse plummeted before she finally quit. She started up thanks to Ash and Professor Oak's fund, the Ash Ketchum Foundation Society, a charity where Pokemon Trainers that suffered on the road and pokemon as well, could seek refuge and pokemon be treated. Many people became thousands who flocked to this society hearing of the Ketchum name, as Misty employed many people. Her two children also followed in their late father's footsteps, with Kenji becoming a 2 time champion, and Katherine become a full time nurse.
Misty however always remembered one thing…
* * * *
"W-w-where am I?"
Misty looked up as cascades of white and blue surrounded her hazey head. The colours were unique to her, as she hadn't been able to see clearly for many years now. Her voice…it sounded so…young…
"Hey beautiful, took you a long time to get here…"
Misty's eyes opened in shock to see….
…him.
His eyes, his face, his goofy smile…How did it…
"Shh..it's O.K."
Ash Ketchum hugged Misty Waterflower one more time.
"But…what…"
"Shhh…we're all here…you just happened to be the last…"
Last? Last?
Suddenly, it came back. I was in my 103rd year of life. I had actually outlasted my two children, but my grandchildren and great grandchildren were still there. Heck, I just managed to hear of my great great grandchild's daughter before everything went black…
"I died?"
Ash chuckled. "You were always a stubborn girl."
Girl? Why I outta…
"After all, you made me wait here for so long. Mom kept me company for a while, as did Professor Oak and Hale, but hey, there's only so long that you can hear your mom ask if I've changed…"
I chuckled. I looked down. I was…
"Ash…how come I'm like this…and you are like this?" I asked.
"Ahhh…you mean why you are the scrawny girl that I first saw and loved?" Ash said innocently.
I don't care if it's heaven, if I was this again, that means…
"WHOO HOO!" I still had my mallet power.
"Yep…that was Mew's gag…" rubbed a sore Ash Ketchum.
"The reason is this. After death, when you're accepted into the heaven, you become the form you were most happy with. In your case…"
"…when I first met you." I said and realised. "And in your case…"
Ash blushed. "…yep, when I met you."
I was met with a hug as Ash seemed to cry. I dunno what heaven was supposed to be like, but it was certainly real to me. Was life starting over again?
"Well, it's about time you got here Misty-girl!" a familiar female voice came about.
"Aw geez…do we have to go through the lovey-duvey stuff again…" an egotistical male said, before someone shut him up.
"Gary you jerk, how insenstitive can you be!" said an Osaka pitched female voice.
"Case, he's Gary. In this form, he couldn't change even if he wanted to." Said a very familiar male voice.
Soon, they were all there. Gary, Brock, Duplica, Casey, Tracey, Melody, Giselle, Sabrina…
"Misty, prepare for trouble!"
"Oh yes, and make it double!"
The only double thing I got was a double glomp as I was knocked on heaven's door…and wondering how these two idiots got here.
Everyone looked so young and healthy…
"I guess the pokegods had a soft spot for us and all we did." Ash tried to explain. "And you see…er…"
"We all took the forms of when we met you on your Pokemon journey." Brock added. "Although in Gary's case, it was more of when he met you trying to beat you…"
Gary tried to turn away in embarrassment. "Well…I was hoping to see your loser face again…it's not like I care about him or anything…"
I smiled. It seemed that Ash had made plenty of reacquaintances over the years. Even the heavens saw how special he was.
"I missed you." Ash said to me.
I smiled as the watery air cascaded around me. "I missed you too."
We hugged one more time as a victory whoop came from the large crowd by the side as we kissed for the first time in over 75 years.
Ash and Misty…together forever…
* * * *
And I think that officially wraps it up.
This chapter was certainly not as serious as the tone suggested. I think Amanda Winn said it best when she talked about the Evangelion series. She said when making a series such as Eva (i.e. depressing and angsty) at times, you just have to laugh. In this bit, that was the case, as writing AOTA was very tiring on me, I needed a little release from the norm.
However, as short as it is, I think the point was made through. Simple, yet effective.
O.K, so now two survivors to work through, before I start to think of attempting anything new. However, once again, thanks for reading, I do appreciate it. I just hope you get read and reviewing, no matter what type of fic I do and what anime I do it with. (Case in point, if you liked this, my Ranma fic next year will be in the same catalogue of angst)
This is Chris Homer, also known as Chromus, or Chrissy-boy, Chrissy-poo (thank you very much Todd…^_^), Baka-boy (don't ask) and whatever horrid names the posse at university call me which I won't repeat here…
…saying sayonarra…for now!