Sorry it's taken me so long to get this part up. I've been extremely busy with school work lately. Please enjoy and, as always, comments welcome.
Disclaimer: If I owned Pokemon, you would be watching this story instead of reading it.
Part 3: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Ash: Sceptile, Leaf Blade!
Sceptile charged straight for Gastrodon. As it did, the leaf-like spikes on his arms began to glow and grew to four times their normal length. It then tried to slash its opponent with them.
Cynthia: Dodge and use Sludge Bomb!
Gastrodon jumped out of the way of the attack just before it connected. It then launched several balls of black sludge straight at the grass type. Ash had to think fast.
Ash: Counter with Bullet Seed!
Sceptile fired a hailstorm of energized seeds from its mouth. It met the Sludge Bomb in mid-air and the two attacks exploded, covering the battlefield in a cloud of smoke. Ash strained his eyes in an effort to see his foe.
Cynthia: Jump and use Body Slam!
Ash turned his gaze to the sky as Gastrodon shot out of the top of the billowing smoke and began to fall towards Sceptile with the intent to crush it. Ash could easily have had his Pokemon dodge it, but he had a better, yet risky, idea.
Ash: Sceptile, Solar Beam!
Sceptile began gathering solar energy in the seed pods on its back. Cynthia thought that there was no way it would be able to finish charging the attack before Gastrodon landed. However, her confidence turned into shock when the pods suddenly flashed white.
Ash: Fire now!
Sceptile launched a powerful beam of solar energy straight up at Gastrodon. The attack hit it squarely in the stomach and blasted it back into the air. Cynthia watched helplessly as her Pokemon crashed into the ground, face first. It then struggled to get back up, only to collapse again, too tired to keep fighting.
Referee: Gastrodon is unable to battle! Sceptile wins!
The crowd roared with screams and cheers of excitement. Ash had managed to knock out three of Cynthia's Pokemon, and he still had four left.
Anouncer: Well, sense the champion has lost three of her Pokemon, we will now take a thirty minute break.
Both trainers recalled their Pokemon back to their balls and headed off to their respective break rooms, each planning their next moves.
Meanwhile, up in the stands, Misty and the others were in awe of the skills Ash had aquired during his long time away.
May: Wow! That was a close one.
Max: Yeah. Another second or two, and Sceptile would have been flattened like a pancake.
Tracey: It's amazing how Ash managed to pull off such a dramatic counter attack like that.
Gary: Still, he took a pretty big risk using Solar Beam. The whole thing could have backfired on him.
Professor Oak: That's true Gary, but sometimes taking a risk like that is worth it in the end.
Everyone was very impressed by how well Ash had done so far, but Misty wasn't paying any attention to them. She had something else on her mind. She silently sighed to herself, and then got up from her seat.
Misty: Chellsy, could you come with me, please.
Chellsy: OK, mom.
Dawn: Hey, where are you going?
Misty: I going to have a little talk with Ash.
Brock: Misty, are you sure that's a good idea?
Misty: Yeah. I need to tell him about something very important.
May: Do you want us to come with you?
Misty: No thanks. I need to do this myself. Come on, Chellsy.
The others watched as she and her daughter headed for the backstage area.
Professor Oak: I wonder what she wants to talk to him about.
Mrs. Ketchum: I don't know, but I think I have an idea...
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Ash was sitting in the break room watching Pikachu munch on an apple. He had a million things going through his head. He was happy he had made it this far in his quest to become the world's greatest Pokemon Master, but something was troubling him. For some reason, this thoughts kept drifting to that girl he had seen sitting next to Misty in the stands. She had the same eyes as Misty, so could only assume that she was her daughter. The fact that she had black hair, however, seemed to make him think that maybe she was also...
There was a sudden knock at the door. Ash had a funny feeling he knew who was behind it.
Ash: Come in.
The door opened and Misty walked in. As she closed it behind her, Ash caught a glimpse of the girl he had seen before. It seemed Misty had brought her along and had asked her to wait outside.
Ash: I figured you would come to see me during the break.
Misty was a little shocked by Ash's prepared response. She had expected him to be surprised to see her.
Misty: How did you know I was here?
Ash: Pikachu pointed you and the others out to me before the match started. You were all so busy talking; you didn't notice me looking at you guys.
Pikachu looked up from its snack and greeted Misty happily. Misty smiled. She should have known Pikachu's ears would have been able to pick up the sound of their voices, even amongst the huge crowd.
Misty: Well, we had a lot to talk about. We hadn't seen each other in a while, and your sudden return from out of nowhere really surprised us.
Ash: Yeah, I'll bet!
The two of them laughed. They hadn't seen each other in 7 year, yet they were talking as thou they had just spoken yesterday.
Ash: So, I'm assuming you came back here because you wanted to talk to me about something.
Misty: Yeah, I did.
Ash: Let me guess. You're mad at me for not staying in contact with you or anyone else for the last 7 years.
Misty: I'm not mad at you, although that is part of what I want to speak to you about.
Ash: Does the other part have to do with the little girl waiting outside in the hall?
Misty bit her lip and hesitated a bit before answering Ash's question.
Misty: Yes it does. Her name is Chellsy. She's my daughter.
Though Ash had been prepared for this, it was no less of a shock to hear it coming out of Misty's mouth.
Ash: Well, I figured she was your daughter, seeing as how you both have the same eyes.
Misty: I'm surprised you're taking this so well. I would have thought you would scream at me to leave and never speak to you again.
Ash: Misty, did you really think I would be that coldhearted. I'm completely OK with this. I really have only one question to ask: who is her father?
Misty: THAT'S what I wanted to talk about.
Misty sat down in the seat opposite of Ash and looked directly at him. She knew it was time to tell him the truth.
Misty: Ash, do you remember what happened the day before you left 7 years ago?
Ash: Actually, I haven't thought about that day in a long time...
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7 Years Earlier...
Brock: Come on, Ash. You don't want to be late for your own farewell party, do you?
Ash: Will you cool it, Brock! I'm coming already!
Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Dawn were walking down the main road of Pallet Town. They had just finished checking on all of Ash's Pokemon up at Professor Oak's lab, and were now heading back to Ash's house located on the edge of town.
Ash: So, are you guys actually looking forward to this?
Dawn: I don't know. How much can you look forward to saying goodbye to someone who you may not see again for a very long time?
Ash sighed. He had been expecting his friends to be a bit hostile toward him these days. It was only a week ago that he had been competing in the Sinnoh League Championships. He had fought long and hard to make it to the top, but he had only managed to make it into the top four before he was defeated. Ash's last loss made him think about all the leagues he had entered over the years. Out of all of them, the only one's he had ever won were the Orange League and the Battle Frontier. He had come close during the other competitions, but he had always been beaten by someone better than him. Ash realized that, even though he trained extremely hard, he still wasn't strong enough to compete with high-level trainers. That was when he made a decision.
Ash decided he would go on a training journey. He would travel all around the major Pokemon regions, battling trainers and catching new Pokemon as he went.
However, this time he would not be traveling with anyone else. It would just be him, Pikachu, and a select group of Pokemon he had chosen to take with him. However, when he told his friends about what he planned to do, there was a bit of an uproar. They didn't want him to go on his own, but he explained that he didn't want them to give up on their dreams and goals just to go with him when he had no particular destination in mind. Reluctantly, the others agreed to let him go, but they insisted on throwing him a goodbye party before he left. All of Ash's friends were coming to see him off, but he wasn't sure he wanted to have to say goodbye to all of them.
The three friends walked up the front steps of Ash's house and Brock opened the door for them. As he stepped inside, Ash noticed several people sitting in the living room: Misty, May, Max, Tracey, and (surprising) Gary. They stopped talking and looked up at Ash as he entered the room. All of them had a disappointed look on their faces.
Gary: Well, if it isn't Ashy-Boy!
Ash: Not now, Gary. I'm not in the mood.
Gary: Sorry, but I don't know when I'm going to get another chance.
Ash: Ah, it's okay. I understand.
Max: So you're really leaving.
Ash: Yeah, I am.
May: You know, we're all going to miss you, Ash.
Ash: I'll miss all of you, too, but this is something I have to do on my own.
Brock: We understand, Ash. Now why don't we enjoy the time we have left.
Ash: Yeah, why not? You up for it, Pikachu?
Pikachu: Pi-Pikachu!
Ash: All right then, lets have some fun.
It wasn't as easy as Ash made it sound. Thou there was a lot of food and plenty to do, everyone had a hard time enjoying the festivities. As the evening wore on, though, they all started to lighten up a bit. May and Dawn discussed their ventures as Pokemon Coordinators, Max was busy playing with all the Pokemon, Gary was sharing his latest research discoveries with Tracey and Professor Oak (who dropped in a little later in the evening), and Brock was busy helping Mrs. Ketchum in the kitchen. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Everyone that is, except for Misty.
She was still sitting in the same spot she had been when the party started and hadn't said a word all night. Ash had noticed this and was starting to get worried. It wasn't like Misty to exclude herself from the rest of the gang.
The party dragged on until about 11 o'clock. By then, everyone was really tired, so Ash offered to let them spend the night at the house. His mom was in full agreement.
May: Are you sure It wouldn't be too much trouble, Ash?
Ash: Absolutely not! You guys are my friends. You're all more than welcome to stay here anytime.
Mrs. Ketchum: Ash is right. Anyway, it's far too late for you all to head home. Please, feel free to stay.
Brock: That's a good idea.
Dawn: Yeah! And if we stay here tonight, we can see Ash off in the morning.
Max: I'm good with that.
Mrs. Ketchum and Brock left the room to get blankets and pillows as the rest tried to figure out where they were going to sleep. While everyone was busy, Ash turned his attention to Misty, who was still sitting in her chair looking very depressed.
Ash: Hey Misty, are you okay?
Misty: Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine Ash. Well, I guess I should get going.
Ash: Misty, wait. Why don't you stay here tonight? You could have my room.
Misty: Oh no, Ash, I couldn't ask you to give up your room for me. You need a good night's sleep for tomorrow. I really should go home.
Ash: Why? Everyone else is staying, so you should, too, and I insist you should take my room. Come on, I'll walk you up.
Misty: Well, okay, if you insist.
Misty got up from her chair and Ash lead her up the stairs to the door to his room. He opened it for her and she hurried inside.
Ash: I'll be the guest room if you need anything, okay.
Misty nodded. Ash was just about to leave when she spoke.
Misty: Ash, hold on. Could I talk to you for a minute?
Ash walked back inside the room and closed the door behind him, giving the two of them privacy.
Ash: What's on your mind, Misty?
Misty: Well, It's just...
She seemed to be struggling to find the right words.
Misty: ...It's just; I really don't want you to leave tomorrow.
Ash: I know you don't want me to go, Misty. Nobody does. But you need to understand that this is something I have to do.
Misty: I know that, but Ash, I'm really going to miss you.
She plopped herself down on the bed. Ash sat down next to her. He could see tears welling up in her beautiful, blue eyes.
Ash: I'll miss you, too. There won't be a day I'm not thinking about you, Misty.
Misty turned to meet his gaze. The two of them stared at each other for a moment, and then Ash spoke again.
Ash: You know, if you hadn't stuck by me for all these years, I probably wouldn't have made it this far.
Misty: Don't say that, Ash. You're a great trainer. You've gotten yourself out of more predicaments than I can count and you've beaten seemingly unbeatable opponents.
Ash: Because of you! If I was ever in a situation that seemed hopeless, all I had to do was think about you and I was able to gather enough strength to pull through. You inspired me to keep going no matter what stood in my way.
Misty: Wow, Ash. I never knew I meant that much to you.
Ash took Misty's hands into his own, and then looked her straight in the eye.
Ash: Misty, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time. I just haven't been able to find the right words.
Misty: What is it, Ash?
Ash: Misty, I... I...
He struggled for a bit before finally blurting it out.
Ash: I love you!
Misty: You... you do?
Ash: Yes, I do. I love you, Misty. There isn't anyone else I would rather be with.
Misty: Oh, Ash. I love you, too. I've just been to shy to tell you.
Ash smiled, and then his head began moving uncontrollably towards Misty. She mirrored his actions, and the two of them shared their first kiss.
And after that, things only got better.
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The next morning, Misty woke up to find herself alone in Ash's room. At first, she panicked, thinking she had missed Ash's sendoff. She then looked out the window and saw him and Pikachu standing in the middle of the road outside the house, seemingly waiting for something. She quickly dressed and headed out to meet him.
Ash: Morning Misty.
Misty: Don't "Morning Misty" me! You scared me! I thought you had left already!
Ash: Oh, gezz. I'm sorry, Misty. I didn't mean to scare you.
Misty: I know Ash. I'm sorry for yelling at you, but what are you doing out here.
Ash: I'm waiting for an old friend to get here. He should be here any minute.
Misty: Ok, but where did everyone else go. When I came downstairs, they were all gone.
Ash: They all went up to Professor Oak's lab to see which Pokemon I chose to bring with me before they say goodbye.
Misty: So you're really going, huh?
Ash: Yeah, I guess so.
Misty: I'm really going to miss you Ash.
Ash: I'll miss you, too.
Ash pulled Misty into a close embrace, but before they could get any further, they heard a loud roar. The two of them broke apart and looked up to see a large, orange, dragon-like Pokemon flying straight towards them.
Ash: And here he is now! Hey, Charizard!
Charizard responded with his usually greeting of blasting Ash in the face with a Flamethrower before landing next to them.
Misty: You're taking Charizard with you?
Ash: Yeah! I think it's time we did some personal training, right pal?
Charizard: Roar!
Brock: Well, I see Charizard got here safe and sound.
Ash and Misty turned to see the rest of the gang walking towards them. Professor Oak approached Ash and handed him three Poke-balls as well as a glass case containing a Pokemon egg. Misty gave Ash a questioning look.
Misty: Why are you taking an egg with you?
Ash: Because I want to raze the Pokemon that hatches from it right from the start.
Brock: That makes a lot of sense.
May: I'm sure whatever comes out will be in good hands with you, Ash.
Ash: Thanks, May.
Max: Are you sure you want to do this?
Dawn: You don't have to go on your own, you know.
Ash: I know, but I don't want any of you to uproot your own lives just for my sake.
Brock: We understand.
Professor Oak: Well, I guess this is it. You take care of yourself, Ash.
Ash: I will, Professor.
Mrs. Ketchum: Ash, promise me you'll be careful out there.
Ash: I will, mom.
Brock: Good luck out there, man.
May: Will be rooting for you.
Dawn: Let us know if things get too rough out there.
Ash: Don't worry about it.
Max: Hey Ash, you and I have to have a battle when you get back.
Ash: It's a deal, Max.
Ash recalled Charizard to its ball then turned to Misty who gave him one last hug.
Ash: I promise, when I come back, you'll be the first person I come and see.
Misty: I know, Ash. I wish you the best luck.
Ash: Till we meet again.
And with that, Ash turned and walked off into the distance with Pikachu by his side, his friends and family waving and shouting their goodbyes until they could no longer see him.
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As his thoughts returned to the present day, Ash just sat there, reality finally catching up with his senses.
Ash: That was the night you and I...
Misty: Uh-huh.
Ash: And have you ever done that with anyone else?
Misty: Nope, just you.
Ash: So that means... I'M Chellsy's father?
Misty: That's right.
Ash felt as though he had just been hit by a truck. The news that he was a dad was quite a shock.
Misty: Ash, are you okay?
Ash: I'm okay. I'm just sorry I didn't know about this sooner. I could have stayed and helped take care of her.
Misty: Believe me, I wanted to tell you, but I didn't find out I was pregnant until about a month later, and you were long gone by then.
Ash: I'm sorry. It's my fault for not staying in touch.
Misty: Its okay, Ash. Don't worry about it.
Ash: Does anyone else know?
Misty: About you being her dad, no. I think your mom suspects it, but she's never confronted me about it. I didn't like to talk about it, so nobody ever really asked me.
Ash: I guess we'll have some explaining to do after this match is over, huh?
Misty: I guess so.
The two of them laughed. Misty was glad this was going so well. She thought Ash would have taken it a lot worse.
Ash: Well, seeing as how I've missed most of her childhood, I guess I have some serious catching up to do.
Misty: Then I guess you had better start right now. Chellsy, you can come in now.
Ash made a nervous gulp as the door opened and his daughter walked in. She looked extremely excited.
Misty: Well, I'm sure you don't need me to tell you who this is, sense odds are you listening at the door.
Chellsy: How did you know?
Misty: Mother's intuition.
Chellsy: Well, how could I not, especially sense I just found out that my dad is none other than the legendary Ash Ketchum?
Ash: You're certainly taking it a lot better than I did finding out I have a 7 year old daughter.
Chellsy: Your not happy about this, are you?
Ash: Of course not. I couldn't be happier. It's just going to take some time for me to get used to this, that's all.
Chellsy: That's good, because I would really like to get to know you better.
Ash: You took the words right out of my mouth.
Chellsy ran over to her dad and gave him a big hug. Before anyone could say anything else, however, they heard a chiming sound coming from the PA system.
Misty: It sounds like the match is about to start up again.
Ash: Well, I guess it's time to finish what I started.
Cheasly: Go get um, dad. We'll be rooting for you.
Ash: Thanks Chealsy. I'll see you and everyone else after the match, okay.
Misty: We'll be there. Good luck Ash.
And with a thankful smile, Ash bolted out the door with Pikachu at his heels.
TO BE CONTINUED...