(Note: This is chapter 11 and 12. It just kind of flowed together and is also an apology for aking so long. Thank-you all for waiting!)
(Note 2: There's a special note to all my wonderful fans out there at the end)
WeirdDutchGuy: Sorry, did I spell your name right, now? Yea, the attack was rather powerful and such, but I was so proud of it ) I guess if a pokemon was really good at agility or reflect you could dodge it. I was thinking it was more or less chance if you got hit or not. There's another attack in here, it's similar to an actual attack in the game, but more powerful, but requires a powerful pokemon to do it… anyway… yes, this is actually the end. I combined the chapters, so it's certainly longer than usual (I hope)
Etherelemental: Hey, if you want, I can post more advertisement in your review thing! (Insert smiley face) Have you seen Naruto? It's a great anime, you should! No, haven't ready the manga, although, I've wanted to read the one with Ash and Misty in it, but I can't find it anywhere. I think it went up to the orange islands and Ash knew about rudy asking Misty to stay, in fact, I think he proposed to her and Ash stood up for her, but this is according to an AAML site I saw ages ago. Have you seen it? Anyway, hope you enjoy!
AmberMyst: Yes, the helicopter scene was rather nice. I had some scene music playing on, you know those silly music themes that play when something embaressing or silly goes on? Anyway, I'm glad you liked it, and I hope you enjoy this one too!
'-'ObSeSsEd YaOi '-': Glad you liked
Neogirl7900: Believe it or not, I say 'cursed cheeseball' quite often, personally, it relieves a lot more tension. (Insert smiley face) They're more incharacter in the 10th chapter, slight goofiness on their part I suppose, but the next chapter (that I inserted) is their last battle when they were alive, so it'll be rather out of character actually, but wouldn't you be changed after a war? Anyway, thanks a bundle for reviewing!
P.S. I'm just a lazy person, but I will get around to reviewing your story, kay?
Halley: Ha ha, yea, I was proud of remembering the dorky names (Insert smiley face)
Nameless: Thanks. Hope you like this too
Wishfullness: Ha ha… you haven't read much have you? But thanks anyway! I appreciate it, and I hope the rest lives up to your standards!
ENJOY, this may be the last pokemon story I write for a long while
So here it is, the endings to Second Chances!
Second chances
Part 11; "There are no Rules."
"The rules are that there are no rules." Anthony's smirk returned, finding great amusement in their fear and frustration. Catrinna reached behind her to grab a poke'ball from her belt. While she did so, she whispered back to the remaining four.
"Run. I want you all to get out of here." She whispered harshly. Her gaze never left Anthony's piercing blue eyes. "Ruby and Joey, you go together and try and find the boss to shut him down. Ash and Misty, I want you to cover them, battle for them so they can save up their energy." Ash and Misty nodded affirmatively and took off with their pokemon and Ruby following closely behind. Joey hesitated a moment – would she be okay without their support? "GO!" She ordered, this time taking her eyes of her adversary. Joey grit his teeth and ran to catch up with his group. "Now," She turned her full attention to Anthony. His grin was ever present on his face and his Lapras stood in front of him, angry and ready to fight.
"I'm hoping the pokemon master will present a better fight than the others have. I'm looking foreword to kicking your butt." He folded his arms over his chest and waited for her choice in pokemon.
She got her poke'ball out and held it in front of her. "I've had some practice before, so I know I'm ready. Don't underestimate me."
And the poke'ball flew.
"Misty! I can't see anything, are you okay?" He heard her cough somewhere to his left.
"Wonderful Ash." He heard her cough more, the sound was slowly getting closer.
"Ruby?" He called. "Joey?" No answer. "I think we overdid that explosion." Ash mumbled slightly, glancing over at Pixit. Pixit only happily said it's name, proud of the destruction it caused while it sat on Ash's shoulder. The smoke from the explosion was finally clearing and Ash could make out bodies on the floor. None he recognized – thank-goodness – and Misty was staggering to his side, still coughing away. "Maybe we should take a break in another room…" Ash chuckled nervously, unsure whether risk getting closer or to back away from her wrath.. Misty glared at him slightly – which would have been scarier had her hair not had smoke rising from it and her face dirty from soot and smoke.
"Next time you use an explosive attack, try and not do it in an enclosed area." She took a break to cough before continuing. "Are we supposed to be following Ruby and Joey?"
"Fine, fine." Ash looked around the now clear room examining the bodies closely, making sure he didn't get anyone he wasn't supposed to.
"You know," Misty said, suddenly while Ash roamed around the room. "Do you ever wonder what happened to our old pokemon?" Togetic looked at her from his position on her shoulder. "Well, I know about you, I mean others, like Staru, Starmie, Corsella, Dewgong…"
"Psyduck." Ash grinned. Misty turned and stuck her tongue out then turned her nose up and to the side.
"I-"
"HEY! YOU STUPID POKEMON! DID I SAY YOU COULD COME OUT YET!"
Ash and Misty stopped and looked at each other. Nemo was coming towards them. How could they forget that voice? Ash cringed at the thought. It was a guy version of her sisters, and Misty laughed at Ash's discomfort. They listened as Nemo yelled even more at the pokemon. "YOU STUPID MORON! WHERE ARE YOU GOING!"
"Hey," Ash stood tall and turned the corner to walk out into the hallway where Nemo's voice was coming from to show himself to Nemo. Ash was annoyed at the way Nemo was treating his pokemon. As soon as he turned the corner, a small pokemon pushed passed his feet followed by an irritated Nemo who smashed right into Ash, pausing his chase. Ash subconsciously made an annoyed growling sound in the back of his throat, already annoyed with Misty's relative before he whirled around and began to watch with amusement as the scene took place. He had just discovered that the relatives were conncected by more than just blood.
Misty almost screeched as she felt something attach itself to her leg. She finally did screech and look down to shake off the thing on her leg. It was like one big blob that was sucking all her blood form her leg! She would've screeched again had she not realized it wasn't sucking her blood, in face, there it was - yellow, her favorite color - that stupid face. There was no mistaking it.
"PSYDUCK! What are you doing?" Nemo scolded. "Don't molest the pretty young lady's leg! Come HERE!"
"PSY-iye!" Psyduck grinned its happy little grinned and glued itself all the more to Misty's leg. Misty laughed. Psyduck, HER Psyduck was still alive! There was no mistaking that stupid grin, that stupid face, and her second favorite pokemon. He was just too stubborn to die, huh?
"Hey," Nemo was loosing all hope. "I'm you're master." He whined. When Psyduck made no movement to unattatch itself, Nemo sighed and, his eyes suddenly going droopy. "I'd gladly give him to you, but he's a family heirloom… sort-of." He watched Psyduck, "I think this Psyduck is so old, its lost all its common sense" Nemo sighed resentfully.
"It never had any to begin with" Ash mumbled under his breath. Misty only laughed and peeled the pokemon off her leg and held it in her arms.
"It may be stupid, but I think its cute. Now," She them placed Psyduck down on the ground and was silent for a moment before a fist came slamming on Psyduck's head. "DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN!"
"Psy-iye!"
"Hey, Joey?" Ruby bit her lip and looked behind her.
"What?" Joey was slightly irritated. He was lost, dirty, and he was sown to half of his pokemon. He just wanted to find the stupid bosses office! How hard could it be? Apparently, a lot harder than he expected.
"I think we lost Ash and Misty." Joey stopped his rampage down the hall to stop and look behind them. She was right. No Ash or Misty in sight.
"Great" He sighed. He looked at Ruby and noticed she held the same worried look. She was scared, not just for Ash and Misty, but for both of them as well. Joey forced himself to stand up and put on his giant grin. "Don't worry!" He declared. Ruby looked up at him with wide eyes. "I'll protect us!" A look of relief passed over Ruby's face, then just as quickly as it had become, if only to calm the situation, she put on her smug look and walked ahead of Joey.
"Alright then, you do your hero thing and I'll get us there. We wouldn't want to waist our energy getting lost if you lead us!"
The room was already covered in ice and burn spots all over, there wasn't much left of the walls. Another ice beam was shot at Typlosion. The agile Typlosion easily rolled to the side and launched a flamethrower at the tired Lapras. Lapras through an ice beam at the oncoming flame, causing any evidence of the attack to disappear save for a few drops of water on the ground. Catrinna examined her opponents pokemon and grinned. "You're Lapras is tired." She pointed out. Anthony lazily gazed at his Lapras.
"So it is. That doesn't mean you'll win." Catrinna grinned.
"You're just overconfident."
"And you aren't?"
"It's obvious I will win, so I have confidence with good reason. Typhlosion, Fire Blast!" Typslosion breathed in heavily, taking in all the air and power it could muster up. Anthony growled out of frustration for the first time and ordered his Lapras to obliterate it with an ice beam. The two attacks came rushing at each other with amazing speed, however, though Lapras' attack was powerful, it was slowing down and tiring greatly. The two attacks hit each other and fought for dominance until Lapras gave out and let the fire blast knock whatever strength was left in it.
For the first time she had met him, Anthony let out a frustrated growl. "Return, Lapras." He pulled out another poke'ball, and with it a grim smirk. "You're right." He held out the poke'ball as Typhlosion jumped in front of its master, ready for battle. "I did underestimate you, but no more! Kick her butt, Onix!"
"KARATE CHOP!"
Catrinna knew her Drantini was out even before Machamp could finish his work. Anthony let the smirk grow. "I do believe this is your last pokemon, is it not?"
"It is." Catrinna's smirk never left as she recalled Dratini. "I have to say," Instead of her hand returning to reach for another poke'ball at her belt, her hand moved up to the jewlry around her neck. "I don't know if I've ever had to seriously use and depend on this pokemon." She unclipped the super small poke'ball from her necklace and smirked even more as she felt in enlarge in her hand. "Get ready for it."
"I look foreword to it. I also have to tell you I haven't enjoyed a battle this much in a long while." Catrinna said nothing, but let her poke'ball fly out in the middle of the room.
Ash stopped and Misty clung to him for dear life. "What the heck was that?" The whole building shook as though an earthquake was shaking the very foundations.
"Ash," Misty gasped, "The roof is caving in!" she jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding a piece of the ceiling. Ash grabbed Misty's hand and pulled her to safety in another room.
"We need to find Ruby and Joey NOW!" Ash yelled, still dragging Misty. He stopped at the end of a hallway where it spilt into two ways.
"No duh, Sherlock." Misty scowled, not thrilled at being tugged along. Ash barred his teeth, his head swinging back and forth trying to use his instincts to find the way. There was a sudden loud crack above their heads and a voice suddenly calling out the warning.
"LOOK OUT!" Ash and Misty's heads immediately look up in time to see a burst of electricity break apart a rock coming straight down on them. Once the smaller pieces from the broken and charred area and finished falling. They turned and saw a man around his thirties run up to them, shouting orders. "You two shouldn't be here! We've almost taken over, but it seems that all that remains is the main guy. You should get out and let the professionals handle it." Ash shook his head politely.
"No, we're here to help, besides, we need to find our friends, have you seen them?" Ash continued to describe Ruby and Joey, but Misty was tuning him out. Her whole attention was on this man before them. He had short, bright orange hair and dazzling brown eyes. He seemed so…
"Hey," She interrupted them. "What's your name?" Both Ash and the man stopped and looked at Misty, then Ash studied the man also.
"That's-" The older one shook his head and shrugged. "I'm Sky Ketchum, main guard for the pokemon master."
"WHA!" Ash and Misty stood before him, jaws slacked and eyes bulging. Sky shrugged slightly and sighed.
"Yea, that's the usual reaction. Yes," He sighed again. "I'm the grandchild of the legendary Ketchums." He rolled his eyes. A Pikachu scampered in and jumped on his shoulder, chirping away in its own language. "Hey, look," He responded. "You really should get out of here but I get the feeling your not going to listen to me. So keep going and I'll pretend I never saw you." He snorted slightly and continued to run off in the direction they had come from, yelling as he went along, "Don't blame me if you get caught!" Together they want their own grandchild disappear around the corner with amazed looks on their faces.
"He has your temper." Ash suddenly commented. Misty twitched slightly then lightly hit him over the head with her fist.
"I see his hero complex seems to have died down over the generations."
"Speaking of hero!" Ash stopped rubbing his head. "We need to go save Ruby and Joey, not to mention get out of this place!"
The ground shook, the walls trembled – and the ceiling was no more. Catrinna crossed her arms, smirking as debris fell around her. Anthony couldn't help but wonder at the pokemon before him. It was a dragon – no doubt about that. It wasn't like Charizard or Dragonite, standing on two feet, no, it was on all four and still towering over everything. When it bucked just to roar and make noise, its whole body and head went through the ceiling, letting in fresh air and giving it more room. It's massive green, scaley tail swung back and forth taking out anything in its path. Sharp teeth were visible even when the mouth was closed and it's sharp yellow eyes were fixated on Anthony and the quivering Machamp under it. It simply and to raise a foot and stomp the fighting pokemon the ground. Fire blew from its nostrils even when it only let out a breath. It was very much like a classic green Dragon told in fairy tales of today.
"Well well," Anthony finally regained his composure. "How did you come up with a Drako? It's said there's only one in the world."
"I found it as a kid." She smirked. "I've had this baby since I was a kid and I've raised it with me. There's no way you can beat the legendary Drako!" Anthony only smirked, but if you looked close you could see the sweat beginning to build. He was in trouble indeed.
"Here!" Joey turned to the right, ready to burst through the tiny black door on the right.
"No, HERE!" Ruby pulled Joey to the left towards to large red double doors directly across from the black one.
"No!" Joey pulled Ruby's arm, bracing himself against her pull in the opposite direction. "The bad guy is in here!"
"No way!" Ruby shook her head. "The bad guy is always in the big red doors, don't you watch movies?"
"I don't need to!" Joey's voice was strained. "I can feel the evilness from in here!" He took and deep breath. "Now, come-" He pulled as hard as he could, "ON!" Both went tumbling foreword into the smaller room. It was pitch black and the only light provided was the small, dim light from the hallway that only light up two feet in front of their faces. As they recovered from the fall, a dark chuhckle greeted them from deep in the darkness.
"Welcome to my room."
Anthony chuckled, no longer confident; it was more of a 'I'm-so-screwed-might-as-well-blow-it-all-and-laugh-like-a-maniac' chuckle. He was down to his last pokemon. Not only did he 'cheat' and use a seventh pokemon, but it was a Dragonite as well. Dragonite had done well against such a powerful pokemon, and it was tiring, but it was no where close to the Drako.
"Give up yet?" Catrinna called out from across the room. A grin reigned on her face. She was sooty, dirty, and overall just plain tired, but she was going to relish this victory and kick his butt. Anthony shook his head.
"Sorry, I don't give up without a fight."
"Good, but I'll cut your suffering. Drako," The large green dragon's head shook slightly, acknowledging his master's cry. "Time to finish this off with a Triple attack!" Anthony eyes her with questioning eyes.
"Dragonite, use your reflect! I don't know what's going to happen, but be ready for it!" Dragonite barely had a chance to build up it's reflect when Drako launched a powerful fireblast, cracking the reflect. Before anything else could be recovered, the dragon's eyes glowed a bright blue and the room became colder. Multiple sharp iceicles shot at Dragonite from all directions and effectively cracking it's reflect – and finally, for the last blow, Drako roared and from the horns on it's head calm a strong Thunder attack increased by the conduction from the frozen water stuff to the Dragonite.
The bright flash lasted a few seconds and Anthony knew he was done. He held out his pokemon and recalled it to the bright red light. "You were good." He said.
"You too." Catrinna acknowledged. She walked over and placed a hand on her pokemon. It was panting hard. The attack was a very powerful one, but every good attack has some bad point to it. Hyper beam made you wait a turn, some attacks if you miss cause damage, this attack causes you to loose 350 heath points – so you better be pretty powerful. Catrinna rubbed it's belly affectionately. "So," She watched her opponent with interest. "Do I get to take you with me now, or shall I let Drako finish you?" She paused. "You know, it's a shame you're on the bad side, you would've been a great rival for me." He laughed slightly.
"Nah, I never play fair." He reached into his pocket and threw out a smoke bomb. "I'll try not to cause too much trouble if you'll give me a rematch someday!" With that, Catrinna knew he was gone.
Joey's face was set in an unusually serious face as he pushed himself to his feet. He purposefully placed himself in front of Ruby and glared straight into center of the darkness. "You're the evil guy, aren't you?" He heard a chuckle.
"I wouldn't say I'm 'evil', however I may be in your definitions. There are many 'evil' men out there."
"Idiot, ask the right question!" Ruby squeaked, regained her voice. She peeked from behind Joey. "Are you the guy behind all the attacks and trying to take over?" They could almost feel the sadistic grin. He laughed again, enjoying his position.
"Why, yes I am. You're a perceptive girl, aren't you." There was a squeaking sound and then footsteps coming closer to them. Joey put a hand in front of Ruby and started to back out the door into the light. He laughed and the door behind the suddenly shut. "Now, now. You came in here so rudely, why don't you stay a while?" Lights came up to reveal a man in his late forties. He was blade on top with brown hair on the sides and a full beard. He wore a business suite, nothing sloppy about him, but neither child cared about that. The only thing they could concentrate on was the shiny black object pointed right at them. "My name is Keiji by the way, remember that. Although," He chuckled lightly, "You really wont be able to tell anyone that, so it's kind of pointless now isn't it?"
Joey's mouth was dry as he spoke and he had to lick his lips a few times. "I-I challenge you to a pokemon battle!" There was a moment of silence and Joey was sure he was going to accept – but no! He suddenly threw his head back and began laughing.
"No, no, my silly boy! I'm not really a pokemon man. Anthony, my second in command is. I just want power. I like the power they can give you, but then," His eyes gazed at the gun in his hand. "This certainly gives you a sense of power, doesn't it?" He kept the gun pointed at them as he licked his lips. "Yes, I'm certainly feeling in control of this situation. Now, would you be so kind as to be examples –"
The door was suddenly knocked down forcefully enough to knock it off the hinges. Four shadows appeared in the doorway.
"Ash, Misty!" Ruby cried out, thankful for the help. Four against one shouldn't be bad!
"Let them go!" Ash shouted. Pixit sat on his shoulder ready to fight whenever ordered. Misty came up beside him, Togetic flying above her shoulder.
Keiji rolled his eyes. "Now, why do people always assume that when the heroes burst in we're automatically going to listen to them? Why talk when now that I know you're there, I can just do this?" Before anyone could react, he moved the gun in Ash and Misty's direction and fired a shot in their direction without any thought.
"NO!" Ruby screeched a hand went to her mouth and she buried her head in Joey's shoulder, unable to look. Joey could only gasp, reality setting in. He was so dead. He had failed.
….
"Ash?" Misty gently pushed him off of her for when he was shot, he flew back and tumbled into her, using her as a cushion. "Ash?" She gently shook him. She was vaguely aware when Pixit and Togetic flew towards Keiji in an angry rage, flying around his head trying to distract him and attack him as best as they could. Misty felt around, looking for the wound. "Ash?" She cried again, her voice desperate. No, she wouldn't do this again! They were dead already! How could this happen? A tear fell down her cheek. "ASH!" She cried, no longer bothering to be gentle. She shook him hard. "WAKE UP!"
"Misty, stop it!" Misty certainly stopped, and she was sure she had stopped breathing too. Ash sat up and rubbed his chest were the bullet had hit. "Man, that stung!" He slowly stood to his feet, aware of the many stares he was getting.
"ASH!" Joey yelled, thrilled that he was up and running. Ruby peeked an eye open, too shocked to say or do much of anything.
"You!" Kejji was furious. How could he possibly still be alive? There wasn't even any blood! He knew he saw the bullet hit him! Ash grinned and gave him a victory sign. He looked down at his wife who was getting to her feet, carefully eyeing her husband. Ash noticed she was suddenly beginning to look older, more her original age of 20's. He figured he was too.
It was time.
"Yea," Ash finally turned to Keiji and grinned. "Me. What about me?"
"You should be dead!" Ash thought a moment.
"Yea, I know." Keiji's eyes widened and he let out an unnatural yell as he unloaded the rest of his bullets into Ash's chest. An odd glow surrounded both Ash and Misty. He bullets only bounced off him. Ash walked closer and closer to Keiji, who for his part was terrified. He was still pointing the gun at Ash and pulling the trigger, but only a clicking noise was heard. Ash finally reached him and leaned into his face. "Dude," He grabbed the gun from his hand. "You can't kill someone who is already dead."
Misty walked up beside her husband and brought out a golden mallet. "You're going to get justice and all that stuff, but this is going to feel SO good!" With that, she swung the mallet as hard as she could at the man's head, successfully putting him out for a long while. "Oh," Misty squealed, "That was GREAT!"
"He-e-e-ey…" Joey squeaked out. Not quite sure what was going on. Ruby on the other hand, still behind Joey, screeched loudly into his ear.
"No WAY! It's ghosts! WE WERE SAVED BY GHOSTS!" Joey, finally caught on and began yelling at the top of his lungs.
"Will you SHUT UP!" Misty yelled, louder than the other two. Once quiet, Ash sighed and continued to explain for his wife.
"Well, we're not 'ghosts' more like angels. We were sent to help you out a little."
"And to torture us…" Misty grumbled under her breath.
"So…" Ruby started. "You ARE the real Ash and Misty?" Both nodded.
"But, we have to go now, just, tell Catrinna that we got bored or something and that I'll battle her sometime." Ash smiled. Their forms started shimmering.
"You're going already?" Ruby asked.
"Sort of." Misty smiled. "We still have one more mission to do, then we go back home."
"Can't we go with you?" Joey pleaded.
"Nope." Ash shook his head. "This is kind of… personal. Anyway, you can't tell anyone about us… well," Ash looked up. "Not that anyone would believe you…"
"Good luck! Hey, take care of Togetic and Pixit for us!"" Misty waved as they finally disappeared. There was a moment of silence as both tried to take it in. Togetic smiled sadly, expecting this, but still ready to live on as long as its life had left. Pixit slowly rested itself on Joey's shoulder, understanding and respecting it's master's request. They stared at the space once occupied by the heroes in silece before Joey finally broke the silence.
"I knew it all the time!" Joey said smugly.
"DID NOT!" Ruby smacked him.
(NOTE) I decided to just add the final chapter just because it seemed to flo-o-ow right into it. So without breaking the moment – here's the last chapter.
Second Chances
Part 12;One Final Errand
Ash let out a heavy sigh as both he and Misty made their way towards the next town.Misty had her eyes closed and would have fallen over were it not for her leaning on Ash. They had walked all night and had almost made it too. Ash could see the sun rising up in the horizon lighting up the darkened world. And, as if it was planned, the sun shed light on the valley bellow just as they had reached the top. A smile spread on Ash's face as he gently shook Misty. "Myst, we're here!"
Misty blinked opened her eyes. It took her a few seconds, but she soon bolted her head up and stared at the beautiful scene. Not many things had changed, which was certainly different from the rest of the towns and cities they had visited. If possible, Ash's smile spread even wider. A sign beside the road to the right answered the question.
'Welcome to Pallet Town! Established 315 years ago, and still remained the same in honor of Master Ketchum.'
It was just beginning to get light – the usual time for her to get up. She wasn't necessarily a morning person, but she was fairly used to it by now, after all, her grandchildren had to get up early for school, so naturally, she wanted to be up before she was. Her daughter, Salina, was sleeping in. Her newborn had kept her up all night, so, the grandmother had decided to be nice and help out with the other three grandchildren.
She gave a smile to the sleeping pokemon in the corner. It blinked open one eye and it's ears twitched before closing its eyes once again. 'Poor thing' she thought. 'It has to be really tired.' She continued to bustle around in the kitchen moving pans and dishes as quietly as possibly. It's not that she didn't love her kids, but it was too early to deal with them. Her black hair was pulled back in a long braid, strands of gray hairs were making themselves known all through the thick inky blackness. Although well into her seventies (maybe eighties, she lost count a while ago), she still had a bright youngness about her. Her green eyes sparkled as she watched the rays come in from the window facing the east.
She noticed a movement in the corner of her eye. She turned and saw the pokemon lift its head up and sniff the hair. It's small, beady eyes blinked in surprise. Slowly, but surely, it got up from its bed and stretched. The woman was shocked. The pokemon hadn't moved that much in three weeks! The poor pokemon was sold old its bones just wouldn't work anymore, but, never the less, here it was, standing up and heading for the door. It kept moving, as though some unknown force was pulling it outside of the safety of the house.
The woman shook out of her daze and ran to the door to open it for the pokemon. She watched with bewilderment as the pokemon continued to the steps of the porch. There it stopped and carefully sniffed the air once more. Its ears twitched, almost to confirm its find before it finally bolted down the steps – quite fast for a pokemon of that age.
The woman raced down the stairs, trailing behind her pokemon. It was a good thing she had dressed before she had left, but she really hadn't expected to have to chase her old pokemon up her street. "Come back!" She cried. "Stop!" How could it run so far and fast! As she continued chasing it, two shadowing figures began to appear. One figure stopped before giving a shout of glee and running up to her. The woman stopped and recoiled in shock. Was he mad? Didn't he know that her loyal pokemon would protect her? It may be old, but it still got some strength left in it!
As he got closer, she could make out a boyish figure. He had a black hat on that flew off as he skidded to a stop right in front of the pokemon, who had also stopped. The other figured wasn't going quite as fast, but she could make out a trace of red hair.
Something was wrong, something was very wrong. Why wasn't her pokemon attacking? What was the weird feeling she was getting, and most of all, why were they HERE?
"D-Dad?"
The boy blinked and looked up from his hug with the pokemon. He smiled up at her and stood up with the pokemon his arms. The girl finally caught up with him and gave the pokemon a quick tickle before turning to the stunned woman. "M-Mom!"
Ash grinned. "Hey, Rose. Thanks for taking care of Pikachu for me."
Misty gave a small smile at her daughter. "Nice to see you again. All grown up!"
"Mom… … … Dad!"
Ash held Pikachu tightly in his arms. He would never leave his buddy again. He looked up from Pikachu and smiled at Rose. "We came to say 'hi."
"We have to go now." Misty said, sadly.
"Thanks for taking care for everyone." As soon as Misty was done speaking, a soft white glow surrounded them. It was easy to see Rose wouldn't have much more time.
"Wait! Where are you taking Pikachu?"
Ash smiled down at her. "It's Pikachu's time to go. We're taking him with us."
"Don't be sad," misty said as she noticed the tears seeping into Rose's blue green eyes. "You got to see us again, and you have a GREAT family! Enjoy it and know we're watching over you."
Rose's eyes watered, but she held them back. "It – It was nice to see you too! Sabrina, you're great grandchild is starting school this year! Chris and Matt are excellent big brothers!" Rose ran up to her mother and father, the tears finally pouring down her cheeks. "Do you have to go?"
Misty nodded sadly. "We do, but don't worry."
"be happy! You still have a few more years left." Ash winked, "besides, you have my jeans to live a long life." Ash added with a slight grin that Rose knew all too well. She noticed Misty snort, but say nothing else. Enough had been said already. "Good-bye!" She waved until her parents – and Pikachu- disappeared into the clouds. "Bye…" She whispered. Her hand dropped flopped her side as tears pricked at the corner of her eyes, but none came down. Two soft white feathers came floating softly down to the ground. As gently as she could she picked them up and ran her hands through them. One had a slight black tint, while the other was slightly orange. "I never forgot you, and I never will." She gave one last look up to the Heavens, the last of her tears drying in the sun. "And thanks…"
"Misty?"
Misty looked up from her spot by the window. She had been staring outside for quite some time now, and ash was beginning to worry. He took a few steps to stand behind and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder and asked, "What're you thinking about?"
Misty gave him a small smile before turning back to the window. She was silent. Ash though she had gone back into her own world again. He was about to call her again, but Misty began to speak. "Rose is five years old."
"So?"
"She shouldn't be here Ash." Tears began to form in her crystal eyes. "She should be living a normal life in a normal school, not sitting a crusty old building where we are practically sitting ducks just waiting to be bombed or attacked!" She bit her lips to stop talking. Ash had enough on his mind, why should she both him with her worries as well?
"Myst?" Ash took hold of Misty's shoulders with his hands and gently turned her towards him. "Listen to me, Rose is going to make it out just fine! Pikachu will take care of her, and so will we! Not to mention," He smiled warmly at her. "You have me to protect you."
Misty looked up at Ash, worry reflected in her eyes." But whose going to protect you?"
Ash gave her his infamous grin and knocked his knuckled on his head. "I have a hard head, remember? It'll get me through anything!"
In spite of the seriousness of the situation, Misty laughed. She laughed because of their situation. She laughed because of Ash's stupidity, and most of all, she laughed because she needed to. She needed to be apart of her youth. And this was certainly not what she had in mind of when she thought of what she was going to be when she was older, a refugee running from Team Rocket? Certainly not, and her own daughter caught in the middle. What were they to do? But still, Misty laughed. And in her mind, she would laugh again.
"Welcome back!"
"WHA! …. LANCE!"
Misty laughed. After all the time, they were thinking of finally going in search of their old friends and getting together again, but they seemed to have found them before they had even stepped a foot in the golden gate. "Nice to see you! Guess who we saw!"
"Tsk…" A brown haired angel smirked and crossed his arms, his usual snotty look was still there, but Ash and Misty knew he didn't really mean it. "Everyone knew who you saw and what you did." Ash cocked his head.
"They do?"
"Why, yes!" Professor Oak smiled. "News spread of a hero from heaven saving the world… again…" Beside him stood Tracey, who was also smiling. He laughed and continued for Professor Oak.
"And we only know of one hero who has saved the world more than once!" Gary snorted at the comment, but said nothing.
Ash laughed joyfully. All of his friends! He never realized how much he missed them until he was on earth again without them! Misty was beside him, also laughing. Ash felt Pikachu squirm in his arms so he let him jump to the ground. Pikachu 'Pika'd happily and ran to the other Pikachu in the crowd of friends. "Pika pika!"
"Chu?"
"PIKA!" Misty giggled and bent down to greet the new pokemon.
"Hey Sparky!" she patted him on the head and stood up, scanning the crowd for one special person – that was when she heard his voice.
"So, how much trouble did you guys get into without me there?" Misty whirled around and stared at Brock for a few seconds while Ash whooped for joy and gave Brock a big bear hug. "It's great to see you!"
Misty laughed herself and ran to Brock to join in the hug. "I don't know Brock," she smirked, "We didn't get lost nearly as many times."
"HEY!"
Misty and Ash only laughed and hugged their old friend tighter. They were home.
"Mommy?"
Misty snapped out of her trend and looked over at her eight-year-old. "Yes, honey? You should be in bed…" She stepped away from the window to kneel down in front of her daughter. Her black hair was a mess, signs of restless sleep. A small hand was curled up into a fist and rubbing her blue-green eyes. "I got a bad feeling, mommy." She dropped the hand that was rubbing her eyes to nervously pull on her sleeping gown. The other clutched her stuffed Eevee as tightly to her as possible.
Misty's eyebrows drew together as she drew her daughter into a tight hug. "It's okay, baby, we won't let anything happen to you."
Rose buried her head into her mothers chest and spoke, "It's not me, mommy, I'm worried about you and daddy."
Misty could feel her heart tighten. What was this feeling? She carefully and slowly turned her head towards the window. Nothing but the black of night, but her daughter had placed a sense of dread in her heart that would not go away. "Come on, do you want to sleep in our bed with Pikachu?"
Rose nodded, her face still buried. Misty smiled lightly and stood up with Rose still in her hands. She took a step forward, but wait. She glanced over at the window. She could've sworn something was there – of course, it could always just be her paranoia from her daughter. Her eyes narrowed. You can't be too safe anymore, "Pikachu." She called. Pikachu came scampering to her from the kitchen. "Could you-"
BANG!
something crashed through the window. Rose screamed as Misty dropped to the ground. Her sensitive nose picked up the sent of something burning. She didn't have to look to know what it was, but she still did. Someone had thrown a torch into their safety house. Voices could be heard outside – none sounded familiar or friendly. Without another thought but to keep her daughter safe, Misty held her close and ran for all she was worth down to the basement. "Pikachu, come with me!" She whispered harshly. She raced down the steps two at a time.
The voices were getting closer.
Misty reached the bottom and gently put the crying Rose down. She raced over to the back of the basement, to a narrow opening behind the stairs. She pressed a button on the side and what looked like a wall slowly opened to reveal a narrow passage way. "Rose, Pikachu, come here, quickly now!"
Rose ran to her mother and Pikachu ran right behind her. "Rose, I want you to go through this tunnel, it will lead you deep into the forest." She paused and kneeled down to her crying daughter. Tears threatened to come down her own face as she looked into her innocent child's face. Would this be the last time she would see her? "When you get out, I want you to run, Rose, just run. Do not look back, do you understand?"
Rose could only nod numbly. Misty smiled warmly at her. "Good," She turned to Pikachu. "You go with her, don't let anything happen to her, okay? I'm counting on you!" Pikachu swallowed back tears. Something inside him knew that this was to be his last order, but he would follow it for as long as his little heart kept beating. "Pikachupi…"
Rose found her voice. "Aren't you coming?"
Misty sadly shook her head. "No, dear" She hesitated and kissed her forehead as she stood up. She gently pushed Rose into the passage. Once Rose was in, she called out, "I love you! So does your father, and I'm going to find him!" With one last look at her disappearing daughter, she closed the door, something telling her that that was the last time.
Smoke filled the air, pokemon and poke'balls were flying through the air. Pokemon fell while others stood triumphant just to try and beat the next one. There was blood everywhere, blood from pokemon, blood from humans. This wasn't just an ordinary pokemon battle, this was an all out brawl to the death, and fight to the death they would.
Ash growled as he watched his faithful Muk fall to the ground. No time to check on it. Bayleef screeched something in her own language. Ash turned his head and saw a man get shoved into a wall by a powerful water gun. A grimy and sooty Misty soon appeared along with her other six pokemon. "Calvary has arrived!"
Ash would've been thrilled to see her under different circumstances. "Misty! You have to get out!" Misty smiled grimly. "Sorry Ashy, we started this rebellion together, and we're going to end it together!"
A silent agreement went between the two at that moment. A wave of peace replaced all the stress and anxiety. They may die, but they wouldn't die alone. Ash looked at Misty from the corner of his eye. "I assume Pikachu went with Rose?"
Misty nodded. "You assume correctly." She dodged a razor leaf. "Ash, we should move to another room so we don't get in the way." Ash nodded his agreement, slightly guilty over leaving his pokemon. He raced behind Misty to the living room where the fire had started. It had consumed most things now. The flames had moved all across the house, nothing was safe from the burning hell. "Ash!" Misty coughed. "We have to get out of here!"
Ash cringed and grit his teeth. He wasn't looking at Misty, he was looking at the figure blocking their way out. "You…"
The man let out a hearty laugh. "Me! Why, Mr. Ketchum! What a nice greeting!"
Ash narrowed his eyes. "Why are you here?"
"Why, to be rid of you of course. I have to admit, your putting up more of a fight than I had expected." He walked closer to the married couple. Ash held Misty hand and moved her behind him, using his body as a shield. The man laughed again Ash wondered how he could stand the smoke. "So bold of you! So sweet! I almost hate to ruin the moment, however," He took another step towards them. "Once I'm rid of the main rebels, Kanto and soon Johto will be totally under my control!"
"You're mad, Chesser," Ash sneered. "Is that why you overthrew Giovonni?"
Chesser let out another haughty laugh. Ash's eyes narrowed. Chesser was toying with them, and he knew it. "Giovonni was too soft, he needed to set his goals higher! World domination!"
"So nice of you," Ash scoffed. "So thoughtful."
"I know…" Chesser was getting bored now. His hard brown eyes moved to stare at Misty. "Now, now Mrs. Waterflower, aren't you going to say something?"
"I don't need to waste words on you," She spat out.
Chesser grinned. "Well now, I do like the girls feisty, all my girls are so willing, I like a little fight in them," He licked his lips and stared at Misty hungrily. "Wouldn't you agree?"
Misty was disgusted and Ash was furious. "What do you want, scumbag?"
Chesser laughed once again. "Jealous, Ketchum? I'd kill you, but I want you to see me kill your wife first."
"As if…" Misty glared from behind Ash. Chesser shrugged just as the ceiling caved in, causing a wall of fire between the couple and Chesser. "Great," Misty mumbled. "Be killed by Team rocket or fire. Hmm. Wonderful options."
Ash squeezed her hand and looked around. "There has to be a way out…" His eyes darted around. He heard something click. Clicking was never good. He turned to glare at the wall of fire just as something came shooting at him from the side, causing him to pull away form Misty and end up hitting the wall. "ASH!" Misty cried. A small pool of red sticky blood seeped from a bullet wound newly formed in his side. "No…"
A rage like no other began to form as she swiftly turned around and saw Chesser jumped through the fire. He shrugged off the singed jacket and let it drop to the floor. In his right hand he held a smoking gun. "Well, that was interesting. Did I hit someone?" His eyes held a delightful glint as he scanned the area. "OH my, Mrs. Ketchum, why so angry?" His cold eyes fell upon the fallen Ash. "Well now! I guess my aim isn't too bad off, even if I was aiming for you."
Perhaps it was what he said with is oh-so-cool attitude, maybe it could've been al the stress, if might even have been her sanity had gone with Ash, but right at that moment, something within her snapped. Red, red was all she could see, red anger, red blood, red fire, red carpet, all red. Red… Misty howled a war cry surprising Chesser as she lept on him knocking his gun away. She sat on him and wrapped her thin fingers around his neck, choking him for all she was worth. She was not going to let go. Chesser struggled beneath her, but to no avail. The corners of her lips folded up to form a cold, unfeeling sneer. "Struggle," She growled. "I want you to struggle like the pathetic man –no- monster you are." His brown eyes finally let on an emotion he had never shown her before. Fear. This wasn't the Misty he had teased, harassed and tried to kill. This was a broken Misty. A thought ran through his head as all lights began to fade. Maybe he should've made sure he'd shot her first…
Tears streamed down her face. She let out a strangled sob as she felt Chesser struggle less and less under her strong grip. He would pay. He would pay dearly. The flames around her mattered not, nor did the shouts that were nearing. She heard her pokemon call out to her. She heard the rockets call out to their boss, but none of it mattered now. A bitter smile crossed her face. Let them come. Her words repeated in her head.
"Misty! You have to get out!" Misty smiled grimly. "Sorry Ashy, we started this rebellion together, and we're going to end it together!"
misty looked into the dying man's face. She wanted to see the wretched man die by her own hands. And she wanted one of the rockets to shoot her after. No more pain, no more fighting. No more death. Scenes of her friends dying in front of her flashed through her head. A voice – Misty finally blinked out of her daze only to feel more pain – this time coming from her stomach. She slowly released her grip and fell back off of Chesser. She looked down. Red blood was coming out of the bullet wound. Did she let go too soon? Misty looked up. Chesser had ceased moving. She realized he had ceased to move long ago, but her rage had kept her going. All rational thought had left misty long ago as a grin spread on her face. Warm arms embraced her from behind. "It's over," She whispered. "It's finally over." She grinned back at the owner of whose arms embraced her so lovingly with.
Warm brown eyes smiled sadly back at her as he kissed her gently. "Yes, myst, it's over."
Misty sighed softly and she fell back into his chest. His blood was matting in her hair, but what did she care? It's not like she'd ever need to brush it again. She vaguely felt his lips kiss her forehead. "I love you." She whispered and closed her eyes her pain was gone, it was finally over, no more wars, no more death, no more pain – all gone.
Ash held her close and leaned his back against the wall. He watched the fight go on through blurry eyes. The wall of fire had slowly spread and was coming this way. Who cares? He was dying anyway. In fact, it was better that rose didn't find their bodies like this. Misty was already gone. He held her tightly and closed his eyes. He was going to join her soon. He opened his eyes again and tried to focus his vision. How was the fight going? He couldn't' tell anymore. He gave up and closed his eyes just once more. He saw a flash of white, no more red! He saw Gary first. He ran to him and shook Ash's hand. Professor Oak was next he gave Ash a warm approving nod and an encouraging smile. Tracey laughed and ran up to Ash to give him a big hug. Ritchie waved to him as his Pikachu did the same, both grinning and laughing. Drake smiled and nodded approvingly and stepped aside. There was Misty. Her tattered blue jeans and white shirt was replaced with white robes. Her hair was free and flowing in the invisible wind as she ran to him, and she was laughing. She gave him a big hug and kiss. A smile spread on Ash's face and he hugged her back and gave her a deep, loving kiss.
No more red – just white.
So, folks, that's the end of it. I hope you enjoy it. I enjoyed writing it – although chapter 11 I had some issues with, but hey, I was really just anxious to get it done (can you tell? (Insert smiley face). So, as I was saying, I hope you enjoyed it greatly.
.: End Authoress' note: I really don't have an excuse for taking this long, and I apologize for doing so, but I have to say this'll probably be the last pokemon fiction I'll write/finish in a long while. The last chapter of course is finished, so I'll add that in a few days once I'm sure all plot holes are filled.I'm not very much into pokemon anymore, hence the lack of motovation.
If anyone cares, I'm more or less into Naruto and Full Metal Alchemist and such (I recommend those, they're GREAT!). I've begun to write stuff for Naruto if your interested, but other than that, you may not hear from me in a while.
Thank-you loyal AAML readers/fans! I appreciate you staying with me and I hope you enjoyed the last chapters! (Specifically AmberMyst, Etherelemental, Neogirl7900, and WeirdDutchGuy and anyone whose stayed with me)
I leave you with this special note: Smile Jesus loves you (Insert smiley face)
Bye all!