That One Fateful Night

Crash

Ash crawled into bed that night, thoughts of how his life had now been stood on end.

His title had been stripped from him. The title he had strived so hard to achieve. Countless hours of training, thousands of bumps and bruises, and many friendships gained from his pokemon, all to accomplish one goal: to be a Pokemon Master.

Now he was just an ordinary pokemon trainer, Ash Ketchum.

He turned and saw Misty sleeping soundly, her gentle breathing calming his nerves. In the corner Amy was softly cooing in her sleep, dreaming of who knows what.

Ash smiled as he gave Misty a soft kiss on the cheek. Ash finally had a family. A loving (soon-to-be) wife and a beautiful baby girl. He had everything a guy could ever ask for, so why was he so unhappy?

Well if it wasn't for that journey of his to be a pokemon master, he may not have ever met Misty Waterflower in the first place, and he never would have had Amy.

Pikachu was sleeping soundly at the foot of the bed, his yellow body rising and falling with each breath.

Ash scratched him behind the ears then fell back on his pillow.

Pikachu. His first pokemon, and his first step on his journey to be a pokemon master. While things were rocky at first, Pikachu soon became Ash's best companion and one of his best friends.

Ash had made the decision so quickly to give up his title for Misty, but was it fair to his pokemon? He had given up the one thing that ALL of his pokemon had fought their hearts out to win for him: the title of Pokemon Master.

Was it fair of him to just throw away that title because he loved Misty and Amy too much to leave them alone? Anyone in Ash's situation would have done what he did, to give everything up for the one's he loved.

But what about his pokemon? His pokemon were his friends too, and shouldn't they have had some say if all their hard work was to be disposed of because of a person?

From a human's point of perspective Ash clearly made the right choice. But from a pokemon's point of view, was it Ash's decision to make?

Ash then had an idea. A way to make it up to his pokemon for giving up his title. He would open up his own pokemon gym right here in Pallet! He smiled and looked down at Pikachu's sleeping form.

"Don't worry buddy, we'll get our title back one day," he said as he scratched Pikachu behind the ear.

Ash fell back onto his pillow, a content smile on his face.

"Hehe, Pallet Town Gym, this is gonna be great." Ash muttered to himself.

He slowly drifted off to sleep, but little did he know that his life would never be the same when he awoke.

Ash opened his eyes and was in the center of the Indigo Stadium. The thousands of seats that would be filled with screaming fans were empty.

He walked up to one of the trainer's boxes and all the lights lit up. Standing in the other box was a figure shrouded by a dark cloak.

The figure motioned to the giant scoreboard, and three pokemon slots lit up, ready to be filled by pokemon for a three on three battle.

Ash looked down to his belt, and saw two pokeballs secured there tightly, as Pikachu came sprinting out and jumped onto his shoulder.

Misty followed behind Pikachu, and then moved to a position in the Judge's box.

She smiled at Ash, then raised her arms.

"Trainers ready?" she shouted in a loud voice.

"Yes," Ash said assuredly. The cloaked figure only nodded, his face hidden behind a dark hood.

"Alright, trainers ready…BEGIN!" she said as she dropped her arms which held two flags, the classic green and red.

(Ash is in the red corner. Mystery Man in the green)

"Go, Grovyle!" Ash said as he tossed the pokeball and Grovyle emerged, its leaves folding in and out.

"Go, Scizor," the cloaked man said calmly.

"Grovyle, Leaf Blade!" Ash commanded.

Grovyle launched two leaves but were instantly reduced to shreds by Scizor's claws.

"Scizor, Fury Cutter."

Scizor dashed up to Grovyle, cutting it repeatedly.

But this wasn't like any ordinary pokemon battle.

This trainer was attacking brutally, as blood began to pour from Grovyle's many wounds. It soon collapsed out of exhaustion and blood loss.

"Return, Grovyle," Ash said softly.

The red beam of light shot out at Grovyle, but Grovyle was not called back.

"What the hell? A pokemon can't be recalled only if….it's dead…" Ash said with a downcast look. He looked at the trainer with a face of fury and rage.

"This a battle, not war you psycho! You killed my Grovyle!" Ash said as tears of fury ran down his cheeks.

"Oh I did, sorry. I haven't had a battle like this in awhile; I guess I got a little excited. I actually thought you would be more of a challenge this you know," he said mockingly.

"You'll pay for that," Ash gritted through his teeth as the trainer recalled his Scizor.

"Grovyle is unable to battle; the battle goes to the green trainer," Misty said sadly as she raised the green flag.

"Round two, begin!" she said as she dropped the flags again.

"Go, Swellow!" Ash yelled.

Swellow emerged and began to fly around, flapping its wings rapidly.

"Go, Aggron," the cloaked trainer muttered.

"Swellow, Wing Attack!" Ash shouted angrily.

Swellow dived at Aggron swiftly.

"Aggron, Iron Defense."

Aggon's scales hardened and Swellow bounced right off.

"Agility, Swellow!"

"Finish it Aggron, Iron Tail."

Aggron leaped up in the air and slammed its tail down on Swellow with all its might. Swellow was ploughed into the ground, and was not moving.

Ash tried to recall it, but again was unable to.

"Damn you," Ash muttered underneath his breath.

"The battle goes to the green trainer," Misty said as she raised the green flag again. Swellow's picture in the scoreboard faded out, leaving Ash with one left.

"Round three, begin!" Misty shouted.

"Alright Pikachu, let's show this guy how to really battle," Ash said as his furry friend sped into the arena.

"Go, Salamence," the dark trainer said with a slight laugh.

"I won't waste any time, Thunder Pikachu!" Ash yelled.

"Salamence, dodge. Then Crunch!" the trainer shouted.

The dragon pokemon easily dodged Pikachu's Thunder attack, then swooped in and grabbed Pikachu in its sharp fangs.

"Finish it!" the cloaked trainer yelled.

"Pikachu!" Ash screamed, tears in his eyes.

Pikachu shocked Salamence, and was able to break free. Blood was present on its stomach from the bite.

"Alright Pikachu, Agility!"

Pikachu began to speed around the arena, becoming almost impossible to hit.

"Salamence, go, end this now!"

Salamence flew down and managed to pick up Pikachu. It flung Pikachu against a wall, where it slid and stopped moving.

"Pikachu!" Ash cried as he ran over to his pokemon.

But Ash turned and saw an even worse sight.

The trainer's Salamence had continued flying and slashed it's claws across Misty, the force slamming her into the arena wall.

"Misty!"

He ran over to her, tears streaming from his eyes. His lifted her body up, and saw she was unconscious.

"Come on Mist, wake up, wake up!" he cried.

"She's dead and you know it," the trainer said as he stroked his Salamence affectionately then called it back.

He then walked over to Pikachu's corpse and threw it at Ash.

"Here, now you can be surrounded by your dead friends."

"You killed her you monster, how dare you!"

"You killed her Ash. You know you did. You're always getting yourself into dangerous situations, and it was only a matter of time before she got hurt. It's your entire fault Ash. If you had never met her, she would still be alive right now. You should have gotten out of her life when you had the chance. You burdened her with a child, and in the end you ended up killing her. So much for loving her," the trainer laughed, mocking him.

"I do love her! And I didn't kill her, you did!" Ash yelled, furious at the trainer.

"I killed her? Maybe you should take a closer look…" the trainer said as he removed his cloak.

Ash looked on in absolute horror at the sight he saw.

He was looking at himself.

Ash sat up in his bed, sweat dripping down his face. He looked over at Pikachu to make sure he was alright. Paranoid yes, but the dream was so real.

He then looked over at Misty, who was sleeping safe and sound.

Ash gave a sigh of relief, then fell back onto his pillow.

"Will I really kill you Mist?" he whispered softly, gently stroking her face.

"Who am I kidding of course I will. She'll follow me wherever I go, and I'm always getting into danger. It's only a matter of time before she…before she…dies," Ash said as tears began to well up in his eyes.

"No one is safe around me. Whatever caused me to have that dream was right. My pokemon, my friends, my family, will all die if they're around me. I should get out of their lives, to keep them safe," he said sorrowfully as he rose from his bed and put on his clothes.

He scribbled a note on a piece of paper, and set his pokeballs to the side.

"Goodbye Mist, I'm sorry, but I have to keep you safe," he said as he kissed her one last time, but a few tears rolled down his cheeks and fell lightly on her face.

"I love you Mist," Ash said as he closed the door behind him.

Misty awoke that morning well rested. The party was a great pick-me-up for her, and waking up with Ash next to her was a feeling words could not describe.

Every night when they were traveling, they always slept next to each other. Even days when they had had a fight, they both managed to place their sleeping bags next to each other. Just having his body next to hers, knowing he would always be there to protect her, gave her a feeling of complete and utter safety when Ash was around.

But when Misty woke up that morning, she felt cold. She looked over and saw Ash was not in bed. She could smell the aroma of his mother's cooking wafting through the air.

"Probably already eating," she said to herself.

She got out of bed and changed out of her pjs.

As she walked to the bathroom to take a quick shower, she noticed Ash's pokeballs clustered next to a note with her name on it. She opened it and read. More and more tears built up the further she read, until she could read no more of it.

"Ash…why do you keep doing this to me?" she said in between sobs. (note that this is the SECOND time he's left w/ just a letter)

Mist,

I'm so very sorry, but I'm leaving you. Now before you throw this letter out, let me tell you why. I love you, more than anyone in the world. I've just come to realize how dangerous it is for you to be with me. I'm always getting into trouble, and sooner or later you'll get hurt because of me. I'm leaving so you and Amy will be safe. My mom will help you raise her, and when she gets older, tell her who her father was. Please don't come looking for me.

Love always,

Ash Ketchum

"You said you'd always be there for me, watching over me, so why do you keep running away?"

Misty, her eyes filled with tears, ran downstairs and showed Mrs. Ketchum the letter.

She read it quickly, but when she had finished, instead of crying, she crumpled up the letter in anger.

"That idiot son of mine…" she said through clenched teeth.

"Mrs. Ketchum, it's fine," Misty said between sobs, trying to put on a brave face.

"Oh no it's not fine. How dare that boy walk out on you! Protecting you my ass, you're safer WITH him," she screamed out of frustration.

"Ash…," Misty softly whispered.

"Misty, you need to go look for him. He won't come back because of me. If he would I'd already be miles away by now. Bring him home Misty," she said with a determined look on her face.

Misty fed off her confidence, as her hope grew.

"You're right Mrs. Ketchum. I won't get anywhere sitting at home crying. I'll bring your son, my fiancé, back home." And with that, Misty packed and went off to find Ash.

"Good luck Misty," Mrs. Ketchum said softly as the red-head drove off into the distance.

Ash ran. He kept running until he could run no more.

"I have to get somewhere safe, for the both of us," he kept repeating to himself.

As he neared the outskirts of Viridian City, an explosion sent dirt and debris flying everywhere. He shielded his face with the handkerchief Misty had given him the first time they departed.

The dust settled, but Ash could barely move.

"Why can't I…move," he said as he collapsed onto the hard ground.

"Everything is coming to together," a dark figure said as it emerged from the cloud and bludgeoned Ash over the head, knocking him unconscious.

Ash slowly opened his eyes and was instantly greeted with a pair or blue ones right up in his face.

"You're finally awake," said a female Rocket.

"Why…did you capture me?" Ash said through gasping breaths.

He was tied down to a metal table in what appeared to be a jail cell.

"Our boss wanted you for some reason," she said as if she barely knew WHY she kidnapped him.

"I killed Giovanni, I saw him die!" Ash yelled in anger.

"Yeah we know, and we're very angry at you for it. Now we have Doctor Nanba in charge, ugh that guy has gone nowhere since the Lugia incident. (Did I have the dr. name right?)

"Well no matter who your leader is, I'll still take you down!" Ash yelled struggling against the bindings which fastened him to the metal table.

"Yeah yeah keep telling yourself that," the woman said absentmindedly.

A buzz came from her walkie-talkie and she quickly answered.

"It's ready? Alright I'll bring him down. Yes he's unharmed." She clicked off the walkie-talkie.

"Well let's get you off that table, you have a battle," she said with an evil smirk.

"Battle? What are you talking about?" Ash said confused.

"A pokemon battle stupid. You were the Pokemon Master were you not?"

"Yeah I was. Fine then, I'll battle you," Ash said defiantly.

The woman released his binding from the table, but sadly, Ash realized he was still handcuffed and his legs were cuffed so he only had enough room to walk.

She led him through numerous halls until they emerged in a gigantic stadium. Thousands of seats were filled not with cheering fans, but Rockets jeering and shouting insults.

The woman took her place in the judge's box, as Ash stood in the red corner.

"Now let's welcome our challenger, the once great Pokemon Master, Ash Ketchum!" she announced into a microphone.

Boos were shouted from every Rocket, which grew to an almost deafening level.

"Yes we all love him don't we," the woman said sarcastically. "But now, it is with great pleasure that I introduce our Team Rocket champion!"

A figure emerged from the opposite of the stadium.

"We believe that this opponent will give you the toughest battle of your life," she said maliciously.

The person clad in a dark cloak stepped into the green trainer's box. He threw off this burdening cloak to reveal his face.

"Gary! What are you doing here!" Ash said very shocked. (duh)

"Well Ashy boy, haven't battled you in a long time," he said with a smug grin.

"Are both trainers ready to begin?" the woman said as she raised the two flags.

"But I have no pokemon!" Ash yelled.

"Oh we almost forgot. Pick three from these six," she said as she threw a pokemon belt at him.

"You too Mr. Oak," as she tossed another belt to Gary.

"Hmmmm these three will do fine," both trainers said in unison.

"Alright now trainers ready…begin!"

It was raining heavily in Viridian City, and the streets were abandoned. But one person still remained outside in the terrible storm, running countless blocks in desperate search.

"Ash! Ash!" Misty called out constantly, dashing from street corner to street corner.

It was raining so hard you could no longer tell she was crying. Her face heavily salted with tears, her body fatigued from running so long, she collapsed into a deep puddle on the side of the street.

"Ash…where are you…" she whispered as the water began to soak through her skin.

A Nurse Joy was braving the storm as she needed food for the pokemon at the center when she noticed Misty's unconscious form in the water.

"Oh my gosh!" Nurse Joy said as she dropped her bags and rushed over to help Misty. (seems our couple attracts Nurse Joys wherever they go lol)

Nurse Joy called out her Chansey, who carried Misty all the way back to the pokemon center.

"Ash…." Misty called out weakly.

Numerous trainers were gathered in the lobby sheltered from the rain. Wet clothes were laid out everywhere as their owners dried them anyway they could: blow-dryers, leaving them near the fire, and even holding them near the flame of a Charizard.

Nurse Joy sent Chansey to retrieve some blankets as Misty went and changed into some dry clothes. Chansey draped a blanket over her shoulders as Misty huddled in front of the fire for warmth.

As the trainers clothes dried they went off to their rooms to sleep. Soon only Misty was left in front of the fire, as the crackling embers soon died out.

Nurse Joy walked over to find out what was wrong with the depressed girl sitting in front of the burned-out fire.

"Ms. Waterflower, what seems to be troubling you," Nurse Joy said in a concerned tone.

"It's…nothing Nurse Joy. I'm fine," as Misty tried to fake a smile.

"Oh don't try that on me missy. Something is wrong, It's ok if you don't want to tell me, but I am sure I can help you," she said as a bright smile spread across her face.

"Ash…" Misty softly whispered.

"That's right you're Ash Ketchum's girlfriend aren't you?"

"Fi…fiancé," Misty stuttered as she showed Nurse Joy the beautiful silver ring on her left hand.

"My that is a gorgeous engagement ring! But why aren't you with him?" Nurse Joy asked with a puzzling look on her face.

"He…he left me," Misty choked out as tears began to well up again.

"He did what! Why on earth would he do that!" Nurse Joy yelled so loud that she woke up many resident trainers.

"To protect me. He said that if I'm with him I'll only end up getting hurt…" Misty said as the tears began to flow.

"Well it looks like you're hurting now! But Ms. Waterflower, why were you out in this terrible storm?"

"I was cough looking for him. I know he's nearby, I can feel it." Misty stared into the fireplace, her eyes cold and lonely.

"I won't be okay again until I bring him home, so that's why I gotta find him, because I love him." Misty turned to Nurse Joy and put on a determined smile.

"You must really love him a lot," as Nurse Joy returned a smile.

"Yeah…always and forever." Misty shed more tears, but not of sadness, but of newfound strength and happiness.

"I'll find you Ash, even if it takes the rest of my life," she said to herself.

"Well you need to head to bed Ms. Waterflower, it's getting late and you have another big day of searching tomorrow. But I will contact some old friends to help you locate Ash."

"Nurse Joy thank you so much! With your help I know I can find him!" Misty said exuberantly.

"Yeah I'm sure my friends can help you out. Now let me show you your room."

"Alright Nurse Joy," Misty said agreeably as she stifled a yawn.

Nurse Joy led her to an already furnished room and Misty collapsed on the bed out of exhaustion and went straight to sleep.

Misty woke up bright and early the next morning ready to search for Ash.

She walked down into the lobby and was instantly greeted by a beaming Nurse Joy.

"Good morning Nurse Joy," Misty said sleepily. "Why do you look so happy?"

"Because Ms. Waterflower," she took the time for a dramatic pause, "we have a lead."

Minutes later Misty's bags were packed and she and Nurse Joy were in a in a car headed to Ash.

"My friend seemed to have some info on where Ash was seen last, and how there is strange seismic activity going on in the surrounding area," Nurse Joy had a stern look on her face as she stared at the road ahead.

"Wow Nurse Joy you must have some connections. But wait, won't the Pokemon Center go understaffed?"

"Oh no my cousin is filling in, the center will be fine."

They drove in silence, with Misty deep in thought.

"Are you okay Ash? Are you hurt? Why did you leave me if you it'd kill me inside?" So many questions that needed to be answered, but with no one to give them to her.

"We're here," Nurse Joy said as they pulled up to a barren wasteland. A huge chunk of rock was blown away from the side of a nearby cliff.

"Wow, there must have been a huge explosion over here," said Misty in awe of how desolate the land looked.

She walked over and inspected the crater in the side of the cliff. She brushed aside some rocks and gasped at what she saw.

"Nurse Joy come quick!" Misty shouted.

"What is it Misty?" she said as she rushed over to the pile of rubble.

"There's…a door behind these rocks," Misty said slowly as she pushed aside more rocks.

"Oh my gosh you're right!" She then glanced at a symbol emblazoned on the metal door.

"That's…a Team Rocket symbol!"

"Team Rocket...they must have taken Ash!"

"What makes you say that?"

"I know Team Rocket; this is something they'd definitely do. Ash, I'll save you," as Misty whispered that last bit to herself. "Nurse Joy, go get help and I'll go try and find Ash."

"You're going to go in there alone?" said Nurse Joy very shocked. "It's going to be very dangerous in there!"

"I know, but I can handle myself. I need to show Ash I'm not afraid of danger like this," said Misty with a look of confidence and determination on her face.

"Alright Misty, if you say so. I'll go and alert Officer Jenny and get the police over her as soon as I can. Be careful Misty." She gave one last positive smile to Misty then ran off for help.

Misty pushed the heavy door open, and headed into the depths of Team Rocket's latest hideout.

"Sir, it seems that she's found our hideout. What should we do?" said a Rocket grunt to a man looming behind him.

"Let her find him, don't put up any resistance. She'll fall right into my trap," he said with a slight chuckle.

"Yes sir Doctor Nanba," the soldier complied as he stared at the monitors again.

Misty wound her way down through countless passageways, but did not run into a single Team Rocket member.

"Strange, I haven't seen anyone since I got in here. You'd think his best would be heavily guarded. Unless this is…No I have to find Ash no matter what," she said as she pressed on.

Misty finally came to a large, ornately decorated door at the end of a long hallway. She could hear the cheers of a giant crowd resonating behind it.

"Well, only one way to find out," she said to herself as she pushed open the gigantic doors.

"Well Ash I would have expected a better battle from you," Gary gloated as he called back his pokemon.

"It's…not over yet Gary. I still have one left," Ash said, his eyes staring at the ground in despair.

"What's Gary doing here?" Misty took a look around and saw all the screaming Rockets, and then looked at Gary's outfit and saw the Rocket "R" adorning his uniform.

"He's working for Team Rocket? Ash…be careful," as she stared on at the heated battle.

"Round Two goes to the Champion, Gary Oak!" shouted the female Rocket. "Round Three, Begin!" as she dropped the flags one last time.

"Go, Blaziken!" yelled Ash as he hurled the pokeball and the fiery pokemon emerged.

"Oh this should be easy. Go, Salamence!" Gary shouted as the blue dragon sprung out and began to unfurl it's wings.

Misty stared at Ash, because at the release of Salamence, he froze, fear spread all over his face.

A Rocket on the sidelines noticed Misty, and was instantly on his cell phone.

"Boss, she's here."

"Alright, make the announcement and give Mr. Oak the signal."

"Yes sir," the Rocket said as he made yet another call to a Rocket in the press box.

The stadium was then filled with the booming voice of the announcer.

"Well everyone, it seems we have a visitor! May we all please turn our attention to the side entrance and say hello to Ms. Waterflower, the soon-to-be Mrs. Ketchum."

Ash looked over and saw Misty standing in front of the huge doors.

"What is she….doing here? Did she come looking for me? Oh Mist…"

All the Rockets were glaring at Misty and jeers and boos were yelled at her.

"Please Ms. Waterflower, step into the Judge's box and take the place of Ms. Amber."

Misty nodded and headed to the box as the woman handed her the judging flags.

"Be careful out there," she said as she walked past Misty, a sneer on her face.

"Now Ms. Waterflower, begin the match."

"Alright. Trainers ready?" said Misty unsuredly.

"Misty I…" Ash began, but she put a finger to her lips.

"Later Ash. Right now I think we're both in trouble. Oh and you never thought you could run from me did you?" she said with a grin on her face as she gave him a wink.

He smiled back at her, and turned his attention back to the battle.

"Ready…begin!"

"Blaziken, Blaze Kick!"

"Salamence, dodge, and then Crunch!"

Salamence was too quick for Blaziken's attack and immediately sunk it's fangs into Blaziken's leg.

Blaziken began to roar in pain as blood poured out from the wound.

"Counter, Blaziken!" Blaziken broke free of Salamence's hold and struck back with a blow to the head.

Salamence staggered back in a daze.

"Pull it together! Argh this is going on too long. Body Slam it Salamence!"

Salamence flew straight at Blaziken, lifting it up off the ground. It flew towards the wall, but a bystander was picked up in the process.

Misty.

Salamence slammed Blaziken and Misty into the wall and flew off, returning to Gary's side.

Ash recalled Blaziken but stared on in horror at Misty's unmoving body.

"Misty!" Ash cried as he sprinted over to her.

He lifted her limp form gently, brushing the debris from her body.

"Come on Mist, wake up…I'm right here." He waited for a response, but received none. He checked her pulse and gave a huge sigh of relief.

"Thank God, she's still alive." Ash hugged Misty tightly, his tears staining her clothes.

"I never should have left you, I'm so stupid!" he yelled as he beat his fist on the stadium floor.

The announcer came on the speaker system, his voice filling the stadium.

"And the winner is Gary Oak! So sorry Mr. Ketchum, better luck next time. Oh and good luck with that fiancé of yours," as he said the last bit tauntingly.

"Misty, wake up! Come on Mist, I'm right here!" He gripped her hand tighter and held her close. "We have to raise Amy together, remember?"

He held, waiting for a response. But it never came.

Whew sorry guys for taking so long to update. Been busy with summer and daily football training, but I still manage to write. Please no flames, this fic still has a cpl more chaps left in it, so bear with me, kk? As always, review, it helps me become a better writer. Go on, review. It's that little button on the left.