That One Fateful Night

Remember

"Who are you?" Misty asked flatly. Her eyes were blank at expressionless with a look like she was meeting someone new.

"Misty, it's me, Ash," he responded with a confused look on his face.

"Do I know you?" she said again with that blank stare.

"Mist, stop fooling around okay?" Ash said nervously.

"Well if I know you, I'd remember meeting you, wouldn't I?"

As he began to panic, Ash burst out of the room and walked over to the doctor picking him up by the collar roughly and saying in a low tone, "What the hell is wrong with her!"

"Uhhhh" he stammered as he leafed through some papers. "She seems to be suffering from amnesia," he said in a quavering voice.

"Yeah I already assumed that much moron" said Ash gruffly. He let the man down while quickly adding, "Is it temporary? Will she ever get her memory back?" he said as his voice lowered, sounding soft and pleading.

"Well…there is a chance that something she sees or hears will bring her memories back, but it's often something small or insignificant. What I would suggest is that you take her home, introduce her back to her old lifestyle, and maybe she'll remember."

"Alright, if you say so doctor," Ash said as he slowly lowered the trembling man.

"She's free to go home. Surprisingly many of her serious wounds healed almost miraculously overnight," the doctor said out of breath.

Ash gave a quick glance to Mewtwo, who looked back for a split second before resuming meditation.

"Ash, can we go see her?" Mrs. Ketchum asked with a worried look on her face.

"Not yet mom, we'll bring her home. But please mom, don't let Amy see her. I don't want her to see her mother in this condition.

Mrs. Ketchum, fearing the worst, sank back into one of the waiting room chairs.

He entered Misty's room again, surprised to see her sound asleep.

"Come on Mist, let's go home," he said as he picked her up and wrapped a coat around her, as it was a cold day, despite it being April.

Sadly as soon as they all got back home, packing had to begin for the trip to Indigo Plateau and Ash's trial.

Misty had just begun to learn everyone's name, but she still had not seen Amy; Ash would not allow it. He wanted Amy's mother to always look on her with a look of love, not just one of amusement at the small child.

So Mrs. Ketchum had been taking special care of Amy, out of sight from Misty's observant eyes.

But during dinner the night before they were all to leave, a question was asked which everyone wondered the answer to.

"Hey, has anyone seen Anna? I mean she has to be present at the trial, right?" Brock said in between chewing his mashed potatoes.

"I…I haven't seen her since that day," Ash said with a slightly embarrassed look on his face.

"She needs to be present for the trial…" Brock said with a downcast look.

"But we leave in the morning, there's no time to go looking for her," Ash said almost nonchalant, which infuriated Brock.

He rose from his seat, slamming his fork and knife down on the table.

"It's your fault she's gone Ash! At the very least, try and call her! You're her friend, you're supposed to look out for her," Brock yelled.

"Alright, I'll try and get a hold of her," Ash said in a surly tone as he got up from his chair.

He went into his room, and rifled through his drawer until he pulled out a slip of paper with Anna's cell number on it. He picked up his phone, and dialed, praying to God that she picked up.

Ash hadn't forgotten about what he did to Anna, but the whole situation with Misty had taken precedence in his life. It tore up Ash inside what he had done. Not only did he harm his and Misty's relationship (if and when she found out, and even if she remembered she loved Ash), but he also had deeply hurt Anna.

Anna had grown to become one of his best friends, and he had just tossed aside her feelings as if they were nothing. He kissed her too, leading her on, and then he went and left her standing alone.

The phone continued to ring, over and over again, but no answer was heard on the other end.

Ash decided to leave a quick message; hopefully she would check it and come to the trial.

"Anna, if you receive this message, I just wanted to ask you if you could contact us if you're coming to the trial, we could really use you. And…there are some things I need to tell you too. We all miss you, please come."

"Sigh Hopefully she got that message," Ash said tiredly as he collapsed on his bed, falling instantly asleep.

Miles away, a young woman with dark brown hair, opened her phone and checked the one voice mail which had been left for her. And she cried, knowing she could never go back to the life she once had.

The day of the trip came. Ash and Misty were sitting a few rows ahead of everyone else, as Ash was still trying his best to get Misty to remember their love.

They boarded the plane and took their seats, unaware of what tragedies would soon befall them.

The plane soon took off, and Ash had quickly begun to try and help Misty remember.

"So we've known each other since we were 10 years old, right?" Misty said with an unsure look on her face.

"Yes!" Ash said joyously.

"And we met when I fished you out of a river…and you stole my bike? I seem to remember a charred bike…but that's all," she said with a saddened look.

"I wish I could remember all the things you're telling me," she said with a sigh, "but maybe you can just help me remember how much we love each other," as she gave another sigh and rested her head lovingly on Ash's shoulder. She was soon sleeping soundly, her soft breathing lulled Ash to sleep.

"I love you Mist," he said as he nodded off.

Minutes later Misty softly whispered, "I love you too Ash…" but Ash was already asleep before he could hear it.

They were suddenly awoken by loud shouts coming from the passengers, but one man seemed to be speaking with such authority above the rest. Ash only had to hear one sentence to know who it was.

"Now everyone, let me know where Ash Ketchum is on this flight or I'm going to have to start firing this thing!" the man yelled at the frightened passengers.

"Gary…what's he doing here?" Ash said as he bolted up from his seat, and came face to face with his long time rival, no donning clothes with the Rocket symbol on them.

"Oh well never mind, here he is," Gary said with a smug look as he spotted Ash get up from his seat.

One of the pilots tried to sneak behind Gary, but he turned around and shot him in the head. The pilot crumpled to the ground, dead.

Many women screamed, and the numerous children on board began to cry. Ash could hear Amy's soft cries coming from deeper in the cabin, and his blood ran cold at the sound. His daughter, his whole family was in danger.

"Gary…why are you here?" Ash asked sternly, his eyes never losing sight of the deadly weapon.

"I'm here for you. My boss wasn't too happy about that grand escape of yours. And from the looks of things, your freaky kitty isn't here to help you," he said with a malicious laugh.

"That's what you think…" Ash said almost inaudibly as he hit a small button in his pocket.

Mewtwo was flying alongside the plane the whole time, there in case anything like this did happen. A small light flickered on a band on his arm, and he teleported into the cockpit of the plane, right behind Gary.

"Ash…you need to come with me," he pulled a woman from her seat and put her at gunpoint, "or this woman dies."

"Gary…no. Just put the gun down, we can work this out," Ash said, pleading.

"Well look at this everyone! The once great Pokemon Master begging for his life! Hahaha how pathetic!" he spat on the floor and shot Ash in the arm.

Ash's arm began to bleed profusely, and Misty instantly went to his side to help him up.

"Thanks Mist," he said as he turned toward Gary again. He began to bleed profusely, and it poured out onto his clothes and Misty's arms, yet she didn't seem the least bit disgusted.

"Now come quietly Ash," Gary said mockingly as he slowly advanced. He stopped at the row where Mrs. Ketchum was sitting. Smartly, Mrs. Ketchum had given the baby to Brock for the flight, who was sitting in the back.

"Well look who we have here, Mrs. Ketchum I presume," he said as he released the other woman, who massaged her throat tenderly.

"You're despicable Gary. What happened to the loving boy you use to be?" she said with anger in her eyes.

"He found a new calling," he said roughly as he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the center aisle, holding her at gunpoint.

"Now are you going to come with me Ash?" he said with a dark glare in his eyes, "or were you gonna wait for Mewtwo to make a move?"

He turned and was face to face with the mighty psychic pokemon.

"Sorry Ashy boy, those just aren't fair odds. Have fun trying to land, bye bye." He pressed a button, and instantly the back of the plane exploded, killing all of the passengers and causing the plane to begin to spiral out. Gary leaped from the plane with Ash's mom in tow, as he jettisoned a parachute which would take him to safety.

People screamed as they held onto the seats for dear life as the plane plummeted to the ground.

"Brock, Amy!" Ash shouted. But he saw his friend hanging onto a chair, his child held tightly in Brock's protective arms.

"We're fine Ash! Just hold on!"

Ash had instinctively grabbed Misty and was holding her close to him as the plane continued its plummet to the earth below. Misty embraced him tightly, having a feeling of nostalgia as she held him tightly.

Mewtwo, realizing the danger of the situation, immediately flew out of the plane and held it within his psychic field.

The ground was approaching fast as the passengers braced for the rush of death.

But in the nick of time, the plane leveled out as it slid along the ground, the metal tearing away on the hard ground.

The plane soon skidded to a halt. The wings had fallen off two miles back, and over half the plane was gone, its remains still falling from the sky after the explosion.

The sirens could be heard of approaching ambulances and fire trucks. Mewtwo ripped open a door as he assisted people getting out of the wreckage.

Many of the wounded had to be carried out, and some were too badly hurt to be moved in time, so it fell upon Mewtwo to heal them as best as he could.

As Ash stepped out of the plane with Misty, he surveyed the carnage left in the wake of Gary's kidnapping. Mothers weeping over the loss of children. Young boys and girls crying out for their parents who could no longer hear their call. The injured crying out in pain as blood washed over their bodies from their skin torn open by the white hot flames. The dead bodies littering the barren landscape, soon to be discovered by heart-broken loved ones.

Ash began to silently cry as he held on tight to Misty, who she too was crying, sobbing softly into Ash's shoulder.

"How could you Gary…hurt so many people….?" Ash asked inaudibly. "Oh Misty thank God you weren't hurt," he said as he held her ever tighter.

"Thanks Ash….but…your arm!" she said in shock as she saw it covered in blood, unmoving. She ran her fingers over it lightly and he winced at the pain.

"I'll…be okay…Mewtwo took the bullet out and healed it a bit, so I just need some bandages and I'll be good as new," as he put on a weak smile to comfort her.

The fire engines arrived on the scene and began dousing the flames; followed closely by numerous ambulances that instantly tended to the many victims. Ash was bandaged and the flow of blood soon ceased.

Reporters soon swarmed on the spot of where Ash lay. Ash was holding Misty tightly as she clung to him, still fearful of the whole situation.

"Ash…what's all this noise? And why is everyone crying and screaming?" she said as she covered her eyes and closed her eyes, trying to block out the violent sounds and images.

"It's going to be okay Mist, I'm right here," he said soothingly as she buried her head in his shoulder, sobbing.

A bold reporter moved in to question, but Ash immediately shot a look of intense anger and the woman stepped back abruptly.

Ash spotted Brock in the throng of people being attended to, as he was clutching Amy tight in his arms. Brock had instinctively known Amy could not be seen by Misty just yet.

"Come on Misty, we're getting a ride to the hotel," he said as he helped her to her feet.

"Where's Brock?" she asked worriedly.

"Oh he'll meet up with us there," he said absentmindedly as a car pulled up in front of them.

The ride to the hotel was quiet, as Misty was sleeping the whole time. While turning in her sleep, she rested her head on Ash's shoulder, and his tense and worried face instantly softened.

"Love you….Ash…." she whispered softly.

This time Ash heard and happiness filled his heart. He was finally getting to Misty. Maybe she'd even start getting more of her memory back soon if things kept going on like this. He took her hand in his and relaxed, as the ride still had a few more hours to go. (they crashed a way's away from Indigo Plateau. For your information, I didn't show coverage of the accident yet, that comes later hehe)

Ash was deep in thought as the car rolled along over the black asphalt of the highway. Gary had killed hundreds of people. He had endangered the lives of many more. And most importantly of all, he took his mother.

"Why Gary, why? Why work for Team Rocket? What can they possibly give you that is worth it?"

They finally arrived at the luxurious hotel. They stopped by at a local clothing store on the way to replace the ones lost, and so they would have something presentable to wear for the trial the next day.

The trial. It was the last thing on Ash's mind after the tragedy that had befallen him today, but he knew now that he must focus on it. If he backs out now to go save his mother, he might never be able to show his face in public again, and he could not let that happen to his love and his child. So he had to fight and win this case as quickly as he could; his mother would be safe until then. He knew this because Team Rocket obviously captured her as bait to lure him away, bait which he would have gladly taken under different circumstances.

As they walked back to the hotel with their purchases, Mewtwo was reading the thoughts of Ash, and spoke up. (yes he joined up with them in the city after helping the victims)

"Ash, I can go locate your mother and find out if she is safe," Mewtwo said calmly.

"You…you can? Thanks Mewtwo! And how did you know I was thinking that?" Ash said curiously.

"Oh…just umm got lucky I guess. Yes that's it hahaha," Mewtwo said as he quickly turned away from Ash's gaze.

He flew up into the air, gave one last glance at Ash and Misty saying, "I will find your mother Ash, you have my word." And then he was gone.

"What was that all about Ash?" Misty asked curiously.

"He's off to find my mother," he said with a worried look on his face.

The two walked side by side to the hotel in silence. Ash pondered what next move he would make, Misty thinking about the intentions of the boy, no young man, standing next to her.

Rooms had been reserved for the party, with a room reserved especially for Amy and Mrs. Ketchum. That room would now be occupied by Brock and Amy, while Ash and Misty would share the second room.

After the two checked in, they met Brock would Ash was surprised to see alone. (w/o Amy)

He gave Ash a quick wink, insuring him everything was alright.

"Lovely place isn't it?" Brock said with a cheeriness in his voice.

"Yeah…we got the nicest hotel in the city, we'll enjoy it here," Ash said with a sigh.

"Oh I'd just love to go sight-seeing here, I love big cities!" Misty said excitedly.

"I'll give you the whole tour after my trial is over," Ash said with a grin.

"Why are you on trial? Did you do something bad?" she asked with a worried look on her face, which made Ash instantly melt inside.

"Some people think I cheated them out of movie, which I didn't. I'm here to defend myself. You believe me, right Misty?" he asked with a hopeful glint in his eye.

"Of course I believe you Ash. You've been helping me so much this past couple weeks, how could I not believe you?" she said with a warming smile.

He gave a smile in return, but inside he was a downtrodden.

"So she doesn't remember everything yet. But at least she's behind me on the trial."

"Well Mist, why don't we head up to our room? I'll take care of the bags," he said as he heaved the luggage onto his shoulder.

"Sure!" she said as she followed joyfully behind him.

"Well huff here it is puff Ash said as he slid the key card into the slot, collapsing in the doorway, the bags flying everywhere.

"Are you okay Ash?" Misty said with a worried look.

"Yeah, I just need to get a little gasp breather and I should be good to go," he said as his head fell with a thud on the carpeted floor.

When Ash came to a couple minutes later, he saw Misty just get off the phone.

"What was that about?" he asked groggily.

"We're having dinner with Brock downstairs in the café," she said as he instantly raced out the door at the thought of food.

"Typical Ash," she whispered to himself, unknowing that memories of years back were beginning to awaken.

After dinner, Brock turned in early, as Amy needed plenty of rest for the trial the following day. (For those of you keeping time, this is 2.5 months on Anna's pregnancy, and 1 month and 1 week old for Amy. Btw Amy was safe in the room being watched by Tracey who was at Indigo Plateau on business for Professor Oak.)

Ash and Misty trudged groggily to their room. Ash clumsily placed the card into the slot, opened the door, and collapsed on the warm and comfy bed. Misty lay next to him, but asked the question Ash knew was coming.

"There's only one bed in here?" Misty said with a perplexed look on her face.

"Yeah…it's the only room I could book on such short notice," he said as he placed his hands behind his head (total nervous guy).

"Oh, but is it okay for the two of us to sleep in the same bed?" she said still puzzled.

"Yeah, I mean we already…" Ash stopped, as he was almost about to say that they had a child together. He couldn't let her know about Amy just yet, but he still had a baby monitor placed in his bag to hear if she was crying (Don't ask me how he could hide it from Misty, this is Ash we're talking about).

"Well its okay with me, I mean it's not like we're going to do anything," Ash said nervously.

"Yeah that sounds alright. I mean it is a pretty big bed anyways," she said softly.

"Do anything with him? Does he really think we'd…I mean he is pretty cute and a real gentleman but…oh I dunno, I wish I could remember more…" she though to herself as she went into the bathroom to change.

The two both changed into their pjs, and climbed into the king-sized bed.

"Good night, Ash," Misty said as she rolled over, her back facing him.

"Good night, Mist," he said as he turned over and switched off the light, lulled to sleep with memories of how the two of them use to be.

They group woke up bright and early (6 AM), as the trial was scheduled to start at ten.

Everyone got dressed, and met down in the lobby. Brock went a separate way with Amy, as he was the one who would be meeting first with the lawyer.

"Well guys, this is it," Ash said without looking at Misty and Tracey, too focused on the moment at hand.

"What's wrong Ash?" Misty said in a sympathetic voice.

"Glad to see you're still as sweet as ever" Ash thought to himself as he heaved a heavy sigh and headed out the door to the league limo.

"What's up with him Tracey?" Misty asked with a look of worry on her face.

"He's just scared about this case…and about you," Tracey said, not making eye contact with her.

"Why me? Did I do something wrong?" she said with a quiver of fear.

"No, you didn't do anything wrong. Now come on, we're gonna miss our ride," he said sternly as they headed out to the car.

"Phew I just dodged a huge bullet right there. But boy are they going to be surprised who they're lawyer is" Tracey thought to himself with a huge grin on his face.

"O….k" Misty responded, still very perplexed.

The drive to the courthouse was very quiet, as Ash sat in a corner alone staring out the window, concentrating on how his case would be handled.

They limo screeched to a halt in front of the daunting courthouse. Three stories high, with two huge wooden doors emblazoned with the Pokemon League Crest.

The trio stepped out, as they were instantly blinded by camera flashes from the paparazzi. Ash grabbed Misty by the hand, and motioned for Tracey to follow him as he ran through the gigantic doors into the courthouse.

Questions could be heard being shouted from the reporters:

"Why fake your own death Mr. Ketchum?"

"Did you ever think of your child and your fiancé?"

"Why try and cheat the League out of so much money?"

The doors shut behind them, as Ash and Tracey heaved giant sighs of relief.

"Phew that was close," said Ash as he took deep gasping breaths.

"Yeah that damn paparazzi, will do anything for a couple snapshots," Tracey said maliciously.

Brock came out of a door on the side with his mouth hanging wide open.

"What's the matter Brock?" Ash asked out of concern.

"You won't believe who our lawyer is…" he said as he pushed open the door, revealing a man with graying hair wearing his classic red shirt and white lab coat.

"PROFESSOR OAK!" Ash said in complete astonishment.

"Hey kids," Professor Oak said as he stepped out of the doorway giving a smirk and a small wave.

"Professor, you're going to be my lawyer!" Ash said slowly, as if he was still trying to process the fact that Professor Oak would defend him in his case.

"Yes Ash, I've done my research and I believe I have the evidence capable of saving you," he said with a cheery smile.

"Who's the crazy old guy, Ash?" Misty asked inaudibly with a snicker on her face.

"That's Professor Oak Misty! He's the leading researcher on Pokemon science, so you gotta be polite!" Ash said quickly but just loud enough for Professor Oak to overhear.

"What, does Misty not remember who I am? I mean I know I haven't visited in awhile…oh I get the message," he said as he laughed heartily. But when he didn't see anyone else laughing he quickly became concerned.

Ash, with a downcast look on his face, took Professor Oak aside and quietly told him the shocking news. As he was greatly involved in his research, he hadn't gotten around to seeing Misty in her new state.

"Oh…I didn't know," Professor Oak said somberly, "well let's head into the courtroom, the case is about to start."

"Alright Professor. Come on Mist, Tracey, it's time," he said with a solemn look on his face, but fear could easily be seen in his eyes.

As the doors were opened to allow them in, hundreds of flashbulbs went off, blinding the group.

Professor Oak proceeded first and took his place at the defendants table. Seats in the front row were reserved for Tracey, Brock, and Misty.

Before Ash sat down, he quickly asked Brock, "Amy?" as he did not have much time.

Brock responded in kind, "Safe," before he too took his seat.

The crowd began to stir, the buzzing of questions being asked from person to person so loud it sounded like a swarm of bees in Ash's ear.

The bailiff soon came out and silence spread across the crowd.

"All rise for Judge Ivy," said the bailiff in a booming voice.

The people rose to their feet as the long-time Professor emerged and took her seat at the bench.

"Professor…Ivy!" Brock stammered out of amazement.

"Brock shut up!" Tracey said as he elbowed him sharply in the ribs.

"Please be seated," Professor errrr Judge Ivy said to the crowd.

"Well now Ash, it's been awhile hasn't it?" she said with a kind disposition on her face.

"Yeah it has, I didn't even know you had become a Pokemon League Judge," he said as he laughed nervously.

"It's good seeing you, if only it were under different circumstances," she heaved a deep sigh, and her expression quickly hardened, "but what you have done is of the greatest degree, something I would have never expected out of you!"

"But I…" Ash tried to speak up, but Judge Ivy instantly interjected.

"Faking your own death? Insurance fraud? You tried to cheat the League out of millions of dollars! But I will leave the rest up to your prosecutor," she said as she motioned to the man sitting down at the table fifteen feet to the left of Ash's.

And yet again Ash was shocked at the person arguing against him.

"G…G…Gary!" Ash said dumbfounded.

"How on earth can he be here? He just kidnapped my mom not too long ago! What the hell is wrong with Gary? I thought me and him were friends…but how can he go and do all this and smile so smugly!"

"How's it going Ashy boy? There's no way you're gonna get out of this, your ass is going to jail, mark my words!" he said as he began to laugh.

"Calm down please Mr. Oak," Judge Ivy said coolly.

"Professor…how can we go against your grandson?" Ash questioned nervously.

"I didn't expect this…but we should be okay. But going against someone who knows you very personal will prove to be a challenge," said Professor Oak with a look of uncertainty in his eyes.

"Now Mr. Oak, you can proceed with your prosecution," Judge Ivy said as she sat back.

"Your honor, I wish to call my first witness to the stand, Ash Ketchum." He sneered at Ash with a look of great triumph on his face.

"Just tell the truth," Professor Oak said as he nudged Ash to get up from his seat.

"Take the stand Mr. Ketchum," Judge Ivy said sternly as Ash stood in front of the menacing wooden chair.

Ash placed his hand on the Bible and raised his right hand.

"Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?" the Bailiff asked.

"Sure, why not," Ash said nonchalant.

Professor Oak smacked his forehead out of frustration.

"This is on national television Ash, don't screw it up!"

Ash took a seat and faced the crowd, who he knew would judge him solely based on the outcome of this trial.

"Now Mr. Ketchum, three months ago were you indeed present on the outskirts of Viridian City?"

"Yes I was."

"And were you not with a companion who would witness your 'death' shall we say and would act as a witness?"

"Objection," spoke up Professor Oak.

"Objection sustained. Continue Mr. Oak."

"Let me rephrase then. Did you have a companion when you were on the outskirts of Viridian City?"

"Yeah, my friend Anna."

"And didn't within the next hour the building you entered exploded?"

"Yes, but how did you know there was a building? I mean it IS the outskirts of Viridian so there shouldn't be anything there now should there?" Ash said with a smirk.

"Way to stick it to him!" said Brock a little louder then he should have as he was immediately shushed by many people surrounding him.

"I'll ask the questions Mr. Ketchum," Gary said smugly. "But it was recorded many metal fragments were left after the explosion. That explosion SHOULD have killed you, and yet here you are, perfectly healthy. How do you explain that?"

"Well yeah that explosion should have killed me if the bullets didn't. If it wasn't for my buddy Mewtwo then yes I would be dead. But he came in the nick of time and saved my butt," Ash said as the smile widened on his face.

"Mewtwo? Would you mind telling us all just how this thing could have saved your life?"

"Well he can teleport, see?" Ash reached into his pocket and pressed a small button which signaled Mewtwo to teleport to Ash's location. It was the same receiver used to call Mewtwo during the fatal plane crash.

And just like the first time, Mewtwo appeared right next to Ash on the stand.

"You called?" said Mewtwo, but he connected to everyone in the room so they could hear his speech.

"Damn…he came," Gary said quietly through gritted teeth.

Many people gasped out of shock at the sudden appearance of such an intimidating pokemon in the courtroom.

"And what is this….thing supposed to be?" asked Judge Ivy.

"Oh this is my friend Mewtwo, he's a psychic pokemon so he can teleport, which is how I got out of that building alive," Ash said beaming.

"Or so you say, but can this pokemon really teleport itself AND you to different locations?" Gary said with a twinge of nervousness in his voice.

"Oh yeah he can, let's show them Mewtwo." Ash grabbed Mewtwo's tail and the teleported in front of the bench, in front of the witness box, and finally next to Gary.

Many people's jaws were dropped in awe of the speed and finesse of the teleportations.

"So he can teleport. But this can still further prove how you escaped that building alive, now doesn't it?"

Ash's smile quickly faded at the realization of this fact.

"You say that you were shot inside that building, but where is that proof? I would like to call my next witness, Misty Waterflower to the stand."

"You may step down Mr. Ketchum," Judge Ivy quietly said to Ash.

Ash stepped off and he and Mewtwo walked back to the defendant's table, where Ash immediately took his seat. Mewtwo hovered beside him deep in meditation.

Misty, slightly confused, stood up at the sound of her name.

Professor Oak rose in response, "Your honor, Ms. Waterflower is unable to testify as a witness as she has suffered head trauma which has given her temporary amnesia. I have the medical records right here if you wish to see them," he said confidently. He quickly added, "Thanks Ash for those papers."

"Yes I would like to see those Professor," Judge Ivy said as Professor Oak handed over the files to the bailiff.

Judge Ivy looked over the papers for a few minutes, her eyes darting back and forth. She finally set them down and cleared her throat.

"Yes thank you Professor. Mr. Oak she is in no condition to act as a witness. If you wish to call another you may do so now."

"Thank you your honor, and my mistake Ms. Waterflower," Gary said with a slight bow.

Misty sat down still very puzzled, but even more so by Gary himself. She nudged Tracey in the side and whispered to him, "Why is that guy here in court if he was the one who blew up the plane?"

"GARY BLEW UP THAT PLANE!" Tracey said as his shout echoed throughout the courtroom.

"Order in this court!" Judge Ivy yelled as she slammed her gavel," and please be quiet sir!"

"Yes your honor," Tracey said meekly as he sunk back into his chair, his face a deep crimson.

"Ahem Now with all those pleasantries aside, I would like to call Brock Stone to the stand," Gary said obviously annoyed.

Brock stood up, and walked to the stand. He took the oath then took a seat in the handsomely polished wooden chair which faced the throng of onlookers.

"Now Brock…were you with Ash the day this building exploded and supposedly killed him?"

"Yes I was."

"And why were you there?"

"I was captured by Giovanni. Ash was there to try and save me."

A hush instantly fell over the chattering audience. Some people gasped at the sound of his name, others simply looked away.

"You mean to tell me that the famed leader of Team Rocket kidnapped you?"

"Yes he did. He's the reason I have some of these scars on my body," Brock said as he turned his head so people could see the gash on his neck, and showed the scars on his arms.

"We know Team Rocket is back…from that tragic event that happened here not too long ago. But can you tell us exactly what happened on that day in that building?"

"Sure. I was just lying in my cell when an alarm went off signaling that Ash and Anna, our friend, had entered the building. Within a few minutes she came and broke me out, but we got in a fight with a ton of guards. She got hurt pretty badly after the fights, but I was able to remain conscience. I followed a map she had with her and it led me to Giovanni's main office. I met up with Ash and Misty there. But then the two of them went on to take on Giovanni, while I stayed back to tend to Anna's wounds."

Brock took a deep breath and continued.

"About twenty minutes later another alarm went off that the building was going to self-destruct. Misty and Mrs. Ketchum then came out of the room without Ash. I asked them where he was, but they just said we had to run. So I picked up Anna and we followed a back way out of the base. We found Ash and Anna's motorcycle's and drove off a good distance. Then we all looked back at the base and just watched it…explode. We thought it was the end of Ash, but hopefully Giovanni too," Brock said with a downcast look.

"You say Ash appeared to be dead but here he is now. How do we know he didn't stage all of this just for his own personal gain?"

"Ash wouldn't do that!" Brock burst out. "Ash is a kind and loving person. Besides how could he even profit from destroying a building that big?"

"Well the building in question WAS the once Desert Orre Stadium, and with a few well placed explosives the entire building could be destroyed. I have retrieved the schematics of this facility if you wish to see them your honor."

"That won't be necessary Mr. Oak, please continue," said Judge Ivy and she looked intently at Brock.

"So Mr. Stone, did Ash Ketchum actually suffer these wounds inside the stadium, which I assume were caused by Giovanni you say?"

"Yes Ash did suffer injuries because of Giovanni," Brock said confidently.

"Now remember Mr. Stone you are under oath. Did Ash get injured by Giovanni, or did he fake them to prove his case?"

"Ash was hurt by Giovanni! Giovanni nearly killed him but Mewtwo came just in time to save him!" Brock said heatedly.

"And where is your proof of this?" Gary said with an evil snicker.

"I…I…it's the truth…." Brock said as his voice steadily grew quiet as he stared at the floor.

"The proof is in the scars on my body," Ash said as he stood up. "And if I does not displease the court, I can show them so everyone can see exactly what he did to me," Ash said as he removed his jacket.

"So that's where all those scars on his arms came from, and that cut on his face? Wow that Giovanni must be a pretty sick person to do something like that to Ash. But even despite those scars he's still really cute…" Misty thought to herself.

"No that is quite alright. As long as you remain decent Mr. Ketchum I will approve it," Judge Ivy said as she gave a long sigh.

"Thank you your honor."

Ash stepped in front of the bench, and removed his shirt and pants, standing in front of hundreds of people in his lucky Pikachu boxers. But many gasps and remarks of pity could be heard as the crowd laid eyes on Ash's scarred body.

The marks of countless cuts and lacerations persisted on his chest and arms. Many dark patches left by bruises marred the texture of his skin. The scar on his cheek was now even more pronounced as it stood out so greatly among the rest, as it remained lighter than the rest, but still showing signs of a deep wound. Numerous dark spots, the sight of gunshot wounds could be very easily seen on his chest, arms, and legs.

And yet despite some of these slightly grotesque marks on his body, Misty saw a different side of Ash; one who fought long and hard for those he loved, and according to him, me.

"He got hurt that much…saving me? Oh I wish I could remember!"

Finally Ash spoke up to silence the crowd.

"Yes these black holes you see are from many gun shot wounds. If it wasn't for Mewtwo's healing abilities I would be dead. These numerous scars from cuts occurred over many fights with Giovanni over the years…If this is not proof enough of what Giovanni is capable of, I don't know what is," Ash said with solemn dignity in his voice.

He redressed and took a seat.

Obviously Gary had not expected this, as his mouth was still hung open in shock.

"Anything left Mr. Oak?" Judge Ivy asked in an almost mocking sort of way.

"No your honor…except one last statement. As you all know, I hail from Pallet as well as Ash Ketchum, as my grandfather is supporting him at this very moment. But Ash and I, we go way back. And I've always known him to be highly competitive, selfish, and cold-hearted," Gary said with a look of hatred in his eyes.

He raised up his shirt sleeve, and revealed an arm which was black and looked diseased and dead (picture Dumbledore's arm from HBP)

"This is what Ash Ketchum is capable of, and if he can do something like this, what else is he capable of?" Gary said in an almost pleading voice as he took a seat.

"Gary….how dare you…"Ash said through clenched teeth.

"Defense, do you have anything left to say?" said Judge Ivy as she turned to Ash and Professor Oak.

Ash turned uncertainly to Professor Oak, who had the same look on his face.

"No your honor…" Professor Oak said with a dejected look.

"Well then, we will recess until the jury is able to come up with a verdict," Judge Ivy announced as she banged her gavel.

As people began to mill out, Gary shot a nasty look at Ash as he left. Misty, Tracey, and Brock approached Ash and Professor Oak slowly, all with downcast looks.

"After that statement, I don't know how we can fight back. Mewtwo and your scars were a big boost, but that arm. It's false but the jury seems to have really taken his words to heart," Professor Oak said authoritatively.

"Let's all go take a break for awhile," Brock said as they headed out of the courtroom.

As the jury passed by on their way to the designated room, they overheard them saying, "Yeah even after that little Psychic stunt, this shouldn't be that hard. And talk about that arm! But honestly we can have this case wrapped up pretty quickly."

"Great, just what we need," Tracey said mournfully.

The group all headed off in separate directions, some to get a bite to eat. Brock joined Tracey and Ash as they headed off to the cafeteria. But in doing so he had forgotten to check up on Amy. He had left her with a Nurse Joy to be kept safe the entire time.

As Misty was about to follow, she heard a soft cry coming from a room adjacent to the courtroom. Being oddly curious, she opened the door and to her surprise she saw a lone baby in a carrier, bawling loudly.

Instinctively, she walked over and picked the child up, smiled at it, and rocked it gently. She could tell it was a girl from the pink outfit as she softly sang to her.

Hush, little baby, don't say a word.
Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird

And if that mockingbird won't sing,
Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring

And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass

And if that looking glass gets broke,
Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat

And if that billy goat won't pull,
Mama's gonna buy you a cart and bull

And if that cart and bull fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town

"It's okay Amy, I'm here," Misty cooed softly as she gently rocked her child to sleep.

And with just hearing the sound of her child crying, all the memories rushed back into her mind. Everything she had forgotten was right back again.

"I love Ash, this is our child! We went through heaven and hell together! I've got to find him!" Misty exclaimed softly so as not to wake Amy. She laid her gently in her carrier and exited the room looking for Ash.

He was in line getting food from a cafeteria. Misty quickly handed the carrier to a confused Professor Oak.

She rushed over to the line, knocking people out of her way yelling, "ASH!"

He casually turned around, "YeaaAAAHHHH!" as he was immediately wrapped in a giant hug.

"Oh Ash it's so good to be back!" she said with tears in her eyes as she planted a long awaited kiss on his lips.

After what seemed like hours to Ash, she gently broke off. He looked at the face in front of him, and instantly a smile spread across his face from ear to ear.

"Mist….is it…is it you?" he asked reproachfully.

"Yes Ash, I have my memory back! And THAT I remembered," she said with a huge grin.

"Mist!" Ash yelled as he hugged her even tighter and kissed her.

Both lost in the moment for what seemed like forever until a perfectly timed AHEM from Brock broke them apart.

"It's good to have you back and all Misty, but can you two go suck each other's tonsils out somewhere else?" he said with a cheeriness in his voice.

"Fine Brock," Misty said happily.

Ash paid for his food and he led her to a small table and sat down. Professor Oak joined them shortly with Amy in tow.

"So when and HOW did you get your memory back?" Ash asked with such ecstasy in his voice.

"Well…I heard a cry from behind a door, and I opened it and it was this nursery, and right in a crib was Amy. I knew it was her just by hearing her cry, and after that, everything just all flooded back," she said, still beaming.

"Wow, some mother's intuition huh?" Ash said with a chuckle.

"Yeah tell me about it," she said as she flicked her tresses out of her eyes.

They talked constantly about things she may have missed, but Ash still did not reveal to her the kiss he shared with Anna just yet. He would tell her, but at the appropriate time.

Suddenly an announcement came over the PA system: Will everyone please report back to the courtroom. A verdict has been reached by the jury.

Many people abandoned their meals as they headed off into the courtroom. Many bits of speech could be heard by Ash: "Geez that was fast. Either he's completely innocent or outright guilty. What do you think?"

"Yeah he's innocent, I mean just look at the boy!"

"No way, he's guilty. Did you see that guy's arm?"

Ash waited for everyone to leave, and then together he and his friends walked through the heavy oaken doors.

As Misty, Brock, and Tracey took their seats, each gave Ash a, "good luck!" and a kiss from Misty.

Ash and Professor Oak sat down, and Gary waltzed in as if he was walking on air, an evil grin on his face.

Judge Ivy came out and sat up on the bench.

"All rise for the verdict," she said in a slightly monotone voice.

Everyone in the court house stood up. Ash's palms were sweaty as his life hung in the balance of this quick-deciding court.

Misty crossed her fingers for good luck, praying her Ash wouldn't be taken away from her.

Tracey had a worried look on his face, teetering back on forth on the brink of insanity.

Brock displayed a solemn demeanor. He was not one to break down, but he didn't know what he'd do if Ash was sent to jail.

"Has the jury reached a verdict?" Judge Ivy questioned.

"Yes we have your honor," the man said sternly.

Everyone held their breath, as Ash's, and his family's future, hung in the balance. If he was innocent, Ash could continue on with his life, start raising his family, and hopefully get married soon. If he's guilty…well let's not think about that.

"We the jury find the defendant…"

Hahaha I know I'm evil aren't I? Sophomore year has been so hectic, and all honors and AP courses has tied me up, especially with football. So I made this a nice long one, so enjoy, and I'm sorry it took so long to get it. Hopefully the wait was worth it. The next chapter will be started once some reviews pour in, so the more you review the quicker the next chap will come out, I swear. As always, please review. Go on, it's that little button on the left.