That One Fateful Night

Just in Time

The dark figure laid Ash gently on the grass. It was still dark, and this pokemon only traveled by moonlight, so it all worked out nicely. (You better know who this pokemon is by now) The moon cast its rays across the tall grass, bathing the figure in moonlight.

"Goodbye Ash. Hopefully this can make up for all the selfless acts you performed for me," the being said to the unconscious Ash. "I'm sorry I had to drop you off in Fuchsia City, but it was the only place without Team Rocket around. Ash, good luck, get home in time to see your child, but also be prepared, for I believe we haven't seen the last of Giovanni."

The being became surrounded by a soft blue aura, rose into the night sky, and was gone.

Ash slowly awakened, and he felt as if he got run over by a truck.

He lay in the lush grass, soaking in the moonlight. He tried to get up, but his chest hurt too much, and he fell back on the ground.

He instantly recalled being shot in the chest, and opened his shirt to see if the bullet was still in him. Strangely the wound had closed up, and only a small scar remained.

"Weird. That's the second time some mortal wound of mine was healed magically."

His head pounded, and he massaged his temples to relieve the pain.

"My head hurts so much. How did I get here? All I remember is getting shot by Giovanni, his base started to explode, and something appeared in front of me before I passed out. Could it have been…nah couldn't be?" He gave a long sigh, and gazed up at the stars, because he could not move at the moment.

As he lay there, a Nurse Joy came walking by, and when she saw him, she quickly dropped the packages she was carrying out of shock. She rushed over to Ash and helped him sit up.

Ash had not realized that despite being safe and alive, he still had a few bleeding cuts, and his clothes were stained in his own blood. A very frightening sight to some.

"Oh my lord are you alright!" she said in a distressing voice.

"Just had a little run in with some thugs," Ash softly whispered.

"Come on, I'll take you to my pokemon center. There we can get some food in you and fix those wounds. We nurses know how to treat people to you know," she said with a slight smile at the end.

Nurse Joy helped Ash stand, and she supported him as he limped alongside her on the way back to the pokemon center.

They arrived at the center, and she lay Ash on the large wrap-around couch.

"I'll have Chansey bring you some food while I get some gauze and bandages," she said cheerfully.

"Thanks Nurse Joy, thanks a lot."

Ash took a look around, and realized he was the only other person in the center besides Nurse Joy. He looked at the clock and realized it was a little past one o' clock.

A Chansey entered the room, carrying a tray laden with food.

"Fanks a lot Chunsee," Ash mumbled, his mouth being stuffed with food.

He woofed down the food in the blink of an eye, as Nurse Joy came into the room.

She handed the tray to Chansey, who took it away to wash.

"Well Ash, let me just help you into one of the operating rooms so I can get you bandaged up."

"Alright," he said as she came over to help support him.

She led him into a sterilized room, and she motioned for him to sit on the operating table.

"Remove your shirt please, it seems like you had a lot of wounds on your chest," she said in an authoritative voice.

Ash did as he was told. He removed his shirt, and Nurse Joy let out a light gasp at the sight.

All over Ash's chest were many bruises and lacerations. His wounds had stopped bleeding, and a light blue aura could be seen from inside Ash, escaping slightly through the openings in his body.

"Ash…..what did you do to yourself!" she said in a shocked tone.

"All I can remember was I was in a fight against Giovanni, you know, the head of Team Rocket? I got shot in the chest, and his base blew up. The last thing I can remember after that is I woke up in the grass where you found me, but I was alive somehow. Oh I also heard some voice. I couldn't see anyone; it was almost as if someone was speaking to my mind directly….it was really weird."

"Well you should be very glad that someone or something saved you. It sounds like if it they weren't there, you would have died."

"Yeah…..where ever they are, I'd like to thank them."

Suddenly, Ash realized that he had somewhere to be.

"Nurse Joy, what day is it?" he said in an exasperated tone.

"Why it's March 12th if I can remember my dates correctly," she said looking at the calendar near her desk.

"Holy crap are you serious!" Complete and utter horror spread across his face.

"Why what's so urgent?" she asked inquisitively.

"My fiancé…our baby is in two weeks! She's in Pallet Town while I'm all the way here in Fuchsia City!" he said, anger coursing through his veins.

"Awwwww how sweet. But aren't you a little young…." She saw Ash's expression tighten, and she quickly changed the subject.

"Well you're in luck. It takes just about two weeks to get to Pallet Town from here if you leave tomorrow morning," she said with a smile.

"But I don't have any pokemon….I left them with Misty. And I'm kind of short on cash at the moment. If I had my League card I could get money right away, but Misty that too….." His face suddenly dropped as he stared at the ground, thinking he had lost.

"Oh well then you'll have to make extra haste on getting there then. It will take two weeks if you go up cycling road, to Celadon, east to Saffron, north to Cerulean, and then you have a good hike through Mt. Moon. Then its Pewter City, Viridian Forest, Viridian City, and then you're at Pallet."

"I guess I have a long trip ahead of me," Ash said with a sigh.

"Well that's if you travel by bike."

"Which I don't have…" he again look downcast.

"Hold on just one second…." she said cheerfully.

She went into a back room, and emerged with a shiny new bicycle at her side.

"Here, you can have my bike. I use it to run errands, but your situation is much more important."

"Thanks you Nurse Joy, thank you so much!" Ash said as a huge smile spread across his face.

"Well you can wait until tomorrow morning to set off. Let me just finish bandaging you up and I'll show you to your room."

"Thanks, I actually could use some sleep…." he said as he dozed off on the operating table.

Nurse Joy bandaged his wounds, and had Chansey carry him off to bed.

"Sigh Poor kid. He's the League Champ, but he's going under some much stress right now. If I were him I probably would have exploded by now," she muttered softly as she headed off to her room to sleep.

Ash woke up bright and early that morning, and he was ready for his long trip ahead of him.

He tried calling Professor Oak's to let him know he was alive, but he was mysteriously absent from his lab.

Ash hung up the phone.

"Strange, Professor Oak is always at his lab, I wonder what's up?"

"Oh I'm sure he's just busy. Well Ash it's almost ten, you need to get going!"

"Yeah you're right. Thanks again for all your help Nurse Joy," he said, his face beaming.

"Anytime. If you stop by a pokemon center, tell my sisters I say hi!"

"Don't worry, I will!" he yelled as he hopped on his bike and went on his way.

He rode along the streets, a cheery air about him.

"I'm coming Misty. Don't have that baby without me," he whispered softly to himself.

Ash got onto the Cycling Road, but he had to be careful, because the road was known to be the home to many gangs.

Ash tried to relax, as he lazily coasted along, enjoying the fresh air. But it seems that word of his "death" had not spread to everyone yet, as he was quickly surrounded by a group of thugs on motorcycles.

"Hey, it's the League Champ! If we beat him, think of all the money we'd get!"

"Yeah!" they all shouted in unison.

"Uh oh. If I don't get out of here soon I could be in some real deep shit," said Ash.

Back in Pallet Town, everyone was attending Ash's funeral.

Though there was no body, Mrs. Ketchum bought a casket anyway. In it she put his classic outfit and a picture of him during his big party after he came back from his first Pokemon League Tournament.

Misty went up to his room and took a look around. His room had changed since she had left him; some pictures of her lay in pieces in the trash. She assumed this was when he was near suicide. But there was one picture that was not damaged, and it lay on his bedside table.

It was a picture of the two of them, at the hotel over the summer. Brock had caught a snapshot of them kissing, and he had obviously given it to Ash.

Her arms wrapped around him, his arms holding her close, the moment was perfect. Tears started to stream down her cheeks, knowing she could never feel his touch again.

"Ash….." she whispered softly, still clutching his Pokemon League hat.

Brock entered the room, and saw Misty crying. His eyes were red and puffy (if it's even possible to tell) from crying himself.

"Misty, the funeral is going to begin soon. We should get going," he said solemnly.

"Alright Brock," she said as she wiped her eyes.

All of Pallet attended the young Pokemon Master's funeral. Prayers were said, and then it was time for the eulogies.

Professor Oak went up first.

"Ash Ketchum. The pride and joy of Pallet Town. He's the reason our sleepy little town is on the map. But Ash Ketchum did so much more for us then attract tourists. Ash was the boy who always had a smile on his face, the boy who would always be there whenever you need help. He had such a lust for life, but especially for pokemon."

He took a deep breath, and then continued.

"For as long as I can remember, Ash was counting the days until his tenth birthday, when he could finally become a pokemon trainer.

But when that day came, where was he, but in his bed." The crowd gave a short laugh, and then quieted down to let Professor Oak speak again.

"Ash was not only a good student, but a good man. He loved his family - his mother, his friends. He respected everyone. I would be hard pressed to find anyone who didn't think of Ash with the highest regard." He paused shortly again, then continued.

"Ash trained long and hard with his pokemon. Like all trainers, he strived to be the world's greatest pokemon trainer. But he treated his pokemon differently then most trainers. He treated them as his friends, companions, equals. Not as tools or pets, but as true friends which he loved. This is what I believe enabled Ash to become the Pokemon Champion; not because of the strength of his pokemon, but because of the bond that he shared with them. If more trainers treated their pokemon like Ash did, maybe this world would be a better place. Ash Ketchum, you will always be the greatest pokemon trainer, of Pallet Town." He heaved a great sigh, and stepped down from the podium.

The crowd was silent, as Professor Oak's words were still fresh in their minds.

There would be only two eulogies that day, and the second giver walked up to the podium. The townspeople were a little surprised to see an eighteen year old pregnant girl speaking, but they treated her with respect just the same. Tears were still present on her face. She cleared her throat, flicked her orange bangs out of her eyes, and began.

"Now I never got to see Ash when he was a little kid. I don't know how he acted, what he did, I don't know really know who he was in Pallet Town before I met him. But I've traveled with Ash for numerous years, and he has always been there for me. Ever since that first day we met, when I fished him out of the river, he stole my bike, and it ended up getting friend by Pikachu, he had always been my friend. No, not just my friend, my best friend. Ash was always there to help me out when things got tough, and although we had our fair share of arguments, we always patched things up in the end. But it was not until recently that I truly cherished my friendship with Ash."

She showed the crowd the ring on her finger, the silver ring he had given to her as a promise that he would always love her.

"As you can see I am pregnant, and I bear the child of Ash Ketchum. This ring I have, he proposed to me just last week. I was hoping that we would be married this June but….." she stopped, as the tears began to overflow.

"But he was sadly killed by that horrible man, Giovanni, the head of Team Rocket. With Ash's final breaths, he killed Giovanni, so that all of us could be safe. Ash died to save us all, and even if he knew how much we are weeping right now, he would have made the same decision. Ash…you said that we would be always be together, and even though you are gone from this world, you will always remain in my heart, in all our hearts. To Ash, the greatest hero of Pallet."

Misty stepped down from the podium, her face covered in tears.

The coffin was lowered into the grave, and then covered up in dirt. The tombstone was laid, and it read: Ash Ketchum, Loving son, Loyal Spouse, and a Friend to Us All

The crowds dispersed, and all of Ash's friends and family headed back to the Ketchum residence for a reception.

Mrs. Ketchum made the food, which was still excellent. She made all of Ash's favorites, but it only made her more depressed, as he was not there to enjoy any of it.

They all ate in silence, tears constantly rolling down their cheeks. Misty wanted to be alone, so she retreated into Ash's bedroom.

She grabbed the picture, curled up on his bed, and cried her eyes out.

Brock and Mrs. Ketchum checked up on her regularly, but they only listened through the door. They did not bother her, but every time they went to check on her, they heard her softly whispering, "Ash, Ash…." over and over again.

Back on Cycling Road:

"Uhhhh guys can't we talk this out? sweatdrop" Ash said sheepishly.

"Get him!" the leader yelled. They revved their motorcycles, and charged at Ash.

"Shit!" Ash yelled, as he peddled out of the way.

They crashed into each other (classic 3 stooges style), and Ash pumped his leg as fast as he could, until their loud curses were barely audible.

"Phew, I lost em," Ash said exhaustedly. He pulled up his bike to the counter, and was checked out of Cycling Road.

"Well, one day down, thirteen to go," Ash said confidently, as he set up camp on the outskirts of Celadon City.

Soon the guests left, and only Brock and Misty were left with Mrs. Ketchum. They all supported each other through the loss, but they knew their lives would never be the same.

Words became seldom in the Ketchum residence that week, as the three usually kept to themselves all day, mourning.

An important date was approaching for Misty, and she was waiting it expectantly. Her due date was March 26th to the 27th, but the doctors said they could be off by a bit. But Misty looked forward to this day not only because her child was finally going to be born, but she would again be able to see Ash, or at least some of him, in her child. She would give her baby all the love and care it would need, and she would do her best to raise it without a father.

But the father was still alive.

It took Ash the rest of his first week to get through Celadon and Saffron. The men guarding the gates were very irritable, but Ash bribed them with a couple cans of lemonade and he was allowed to pass.

At the beginning of his second week, Ash had finally reached Cerulean City. He stopped by the Cerulean Gym, so he could hopefully alert Misty's sisters that he was alive, but they had taken a trip to the Orange Islands to catch stronger pokemon for the gym.

Ash quickly left Cerulean, so he could face his toughest obstacle, Mt. Moon.

"Six days left Ash, six days," he whispered to himself as he entered the dark chasms of Mt. Moon.

"Where are you Ash…." Misty whispered, as she watched the moon through his bedroom window.

Ash looked up at that same moon, as he headed into the bowels of the mountain.

He headed deeper and deeper, but he soon got lost and decided to pack it in for the night.

The next day, he was attacked by Zubats, and he was bleeding substantially from many cuts. Limping, he spent another day in the cave. (4 left everybody…..)

A rock slide occurred inside the cave, and Ash was trapped there for two days. He shoved the heavy boulders out of his way, but it took all of his strength.

Ash had been keeping a mental calendar, but he didn't realize that he had been trapped for two whole days.

He finally emerged, bruised and bleeding, from Mt. Moon at the Pewter City entrance. The bike was damaged, but still useable. He raced into the city, and headed for the nearest pokemon center, but his last two days were up.

Back at Pallet, Misty was beginning to have slight contractions. She alerted Mrs. Ketchum, and soon her water broke. Brock fired up the car and they rushed over to the Pallet Medical Hospital.

It turned out that it was just a false alarm, but the doctors wanted to keep Misty, as she was beginning to dilate.

Ash rushed into the pokemon center, and immediately asked for the date.

"It's March 26th sir," said the Nurse Joy compliantly.

It hit Ash like a ton of bricks. He was too late.

"Thank you…Nurse….Joy…." he said slowly and almost inaudibly.

"I'm too late…I'm too late," he kept whispering to himself.

But Ash had finished moping.

"I can't just sit around here feeling sorry for myself, I gotta get to Pallet and see my kid!" he yelled as he burst out of the door of the pokemon center.

Ash fought his way through Viridian Forest, although it took him a whole day.

"I'm coming Mist," he kept saying to himself.

Back at the hospital, Misty had finally entered labor. Brock was at her side, holding her hand as she crushed it more and more.

The doctor was standing at the foot of the bed, helping her as best as he could.

"Come on Misty, just keep pushing," he said in a calm and reassuring voice.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M DOING!" she screamed. She held Brock's hand even tighter, and he could have sworn he heard his bones beginning to crack.

Ash raced through Viridian City on his tattered bike, fighting off the crowd. He ran down the trail to Pallet Town, realizing he was taking the same path he took on Misty's bike.

"I'm almost home Misty, I'm almost home," he whispered softly.

"Come on Misty just a little bit more!" shouted Mrs. Ketchum encouragingly.

And with one final yell from Misty, 9 months of love and hard work finally came out of her.

The doctor snipped off the umbilical cord, and the baby was cleaned.

He wrapped the baby in a blanket, and handing the child to Misty he said, "Congratulations, it's a girl." A large smile was spread across not only the face of the doctor, but of Mrs. Ketchum and Brock as well.

Misty cradled the child gently in her arms, marveling at the precious being she and Ash had made.

Her eyes were the soft brown of Ash's. Oh how Misty cried when she stared into these deep chocolate eyes, reminding her so much of her beloved Ash.

Mrs. Ketchum and Brock each took turns holding the baby girl, but she was soon back in her mother's protective arms.

"That's definitely Ash's kid," Brock said quietly, so as not to disturb the baby from her slumber. "What are you going to name her?" he asked inquisitively.

"I don't really know yet," Misty said. "I'll just have to wait and see what she's like, and then I'll be able to name her. Although who knows, some name might just pop up."

"Well take your time with the name honey, names are important," Mrs. Ketchum said cheerfully. "Well we'll leave you two alone until tomorrow."

"Good night Misty," said Brock, and he gave the girl a little kiss on the forehead.

"Goodbye," Mrs. Ketchum whispered, as she closed the door softly behind her.

"Bye."

It was nightfall by the time Ash reached the hospital. He assumed she would be here, as he probably missed the birth. Bruised and bloody, he left the bike in the front lobby. He approached the front desk to locate Misty's room.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" he asked. "Do you know where Misty Waterflower's room is?"

"And you would be…."

"Her husband, errr fiancé," he quickly added.

"Room B7 in the maternity ward on the third floor," the receptionist said in a mechanical voice.

"Thank you!" Ash yelled as he raced down the hall to the elevators.

Ash punched in the button and waited hurriedly in the elevator.

As soon as the doors opened he burst out and headed toward Misty's room. He arrived at room B7, and it had a little brass nameplate with Misty Waterflower engraved on it.

The door was closed, so he gently opened it and headed inside.

Misty was asleep on the bed, obviously exacted from the many hours of labor. But what caught Ash's eye was the little crib brought in by the doctor's where his child lay.

He examined the child, and seeing how it was dressed in pink, he knew it was a girl.

"Congratulations Misty, we finally made it through all this," he said as he walked over and took her hand.

The warm touch, the reassuring voice woke up Misty.

She looked up, and saw Ash's face beaming down upon her.

"Ash…..?" she said groggily. "Is it….is it really you?" she said with growing excitement.

"Yeah Mist, it's me, in the flesh," he said, brandishing a huge grin.

"Oh Ash we thought you had died!" she yelled as she threw her arms around him, embracing him. He lifted up her chin, and gave her a long and well deserved kiss.

"Ash….how did you..?" But he quickly put a finger to her lips.

"I'll tell you tomorrow. Now you need to get some sleep. So, what are we going to call this little angel of ours?" he said as he gently stroked Misty's hand.

"Hmmmm I've given it a lot of thought. Her name will be-"

HAHAHAHA cliffhanger! To all my readers, I am so very sorry for not updating for over a month. I've just been VERY busy with school, seeing as exams are coming up soon, ugh. Well hopefully you all liked this chapter. I know it wasn't too long, but I think it was worth waiting for. Check back in a couple days and I'll have finished editing it. All reviews are welcome, but please, no flames. Go on, review. It's that little button on the left.