A/N: Alright, here it is. The final chapter. First, I want to apologize to those of you who have been reading my fanfic, liked it, and couldn't wait for more. Some of you have taken guesses as to who Ash picked and who the rival is. I will say that in terms of the rival, all of you are wrong (not to be rude). But for the girl of choice, some of you are correct. But to find out what really happens, you'll just have to read through. Also, all the text below that is underlined is for a dream/nightmare scene which takes place for Ash. I know most people use Italics for dreams/nightmares, but I wanted to try something a little different since I use Italics for thoughts or emphasis purposes. I hope those of you who have been following my fanfic enjoy this final chapter.
Disclaimer: I hold no ownership to Pokémon.
-Chapter 5: Ash's Decision-
Ash found himself standing in a dark room and he looked around, but couldn't see anything.
"Where the heck am I?" Ash asked himself, his voice echoing in the endless void.
Then three people appeared in front of him. Upon closer inspection, Ash knew who the three figures were.
"Misty. May. Dawn. Where the heck are we?" Ash asked them.
"Ash, there's something we need to tell you," May said.
"Huh? What is it?" Ash asked, wondering what they'd have to say.
"We've already found someone to be with," Misty said.
Ash just stood there, wide-eyed and frozen.
"Wh-what?" Ash asked in disbelief.
Just then, three more figures appeared. One beside Dawn, one beside May, and one beside Misty. Ash couldn't believe his eyes.
"I'm actually with Paul, Ash," Dawn said, and the figure standing next to her changed into Paul, the purple-haired boy giving Ash an evil glare.
"And I'm with Harley," May said while the figure standing next to her became Harley, wearing his green cactus outfit and smirking at Ash.
The young raven-haired boy then turned to Misty.
"Misty…" Ash said softly.
"Sorry Ash, but I couldn't wait for you any longer. While you went off in Sinnoh, I went to the Orange Islands and got together with Rudy," Misty said and the figure standing next to her changed into Rudy, the Gym Leader of Trovita Island, as he flicked his hair and grinned at Ash.
Ash just stood there in shock. How could this be happening? Were they just leading him on? Letting him spend time with them only to knock him down? Ash then looked up and saw all six of them walking away from him.
"Wait! Come back!" Ash called out as he ran after them.
But it seemed as though no matter how fast he ran, the raven-haired boy couldn't catch up with them. The six fleeting figures then vanished in the darkness and Ash fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" the young trainer yelled at the top of his lungs.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Ash yelled as he shot upward, but then stopped himself as he looked at his surroundings.
He was back in his room.
'Was it all… just a dream?' Ash thought to himself.
Sweat poured down his face as he held his head in his hands.
'More like a nightmare,' Ash continued his thought.
He then heard a knock at the door and heard a voice from the other side.
"Ash? Are you okay, honey?" the voice asked, which was a feminine voice, and Ash knew exactly who it was.
"I'm fine, mom," Ash answered after calming down.
"Alright. Breakfast is on the table. Come down when you're ready," Delia said from the other side of the door before walking away.
Ash then just fell back onto his bed.
'That was one heck of a crazy nightmare,' Ash thought to himself as he looked up at his ceiling.
The images of the three girls walking away with Paul, Harley and Rudy were stuck in his mind.
'I just hope it isn't true,' Ash thought.
Ash then got up, got dressed, and then headed downstairs for breakfast where the others greeted him.
"Morning sleepy-head," the three girls Ash spent a day each with said, nearly in unison.
Ash just scratched the back of his head and greeted them a good morning before sitting down to eat. Pikachu came running down the stairs out of Ash's room for some food as well, which Brock made some Poké-food especially for the electric mouse. Once breakfast was over, the three girls went into the living room and started to chat again while Ash sat at the kitchen table still, watching the girls.
'Okay Ash, don't chicken out. This is your only chance,' Ash thought to himself as he swallowed a lump in his throat.
The young raven-haired boy then stood up and walked over to the girls, making them stop their conversation and look up at the boy. Having all three girls look up at him made Ash's face turn slightly red.
"Um, Misty? Would I be able to talk to you for a bit?" Ash asked, stuttering a little bit.
Misty then turned to face May and Dawn, her face turning a light pink, then looking back up at Ash.
"Sure," Misty said as she stood up.
"Pikachu, let's get going," Ash called out to his Pokémon.
Pikachu ran over to Ash and jumped on his shoulder. The three of them walked out the front door.
"What is it you want to talk to me about, Ash?" Misty asked.
"First, could you come with me somewhere for a bit? I'll talk to you once we get there," Ash answered.
"Um, okay," Misty said, not sure what Ash was up to.
Ash then led Misty away from the house, Pikachu still on his shoulder. Several minutes of walking later, Ash led Misty to a small hill just a little outside the town before he stopped, causing Misty to stop behind him.
"Ash? Is something wrong?" Misty asked.
Ash just stood there as he started building up courage. He then turned around to face Misty.
"Misty, there's something I've been wanting to tell you. I wanted to say it for a while, but at the time I didn't know it," Ash said, his face slowly turning red.
"Ash…" Misty said softly, her face turning pink.
"Misty, I just wanted you to know tha--" Ash said, but was cut off by a squawking sound before he could finish.
Both Ash and Misty looked up and saw something flying towards them.
"What's that?" Misty asked.
Ash's eyes widened as he saw the figure flying at them. It had been 6 years since he last saw it, but he knew what it was.
'No. My nightmare isn't coming true, is it?" Ash thought to himself as he took a small, unnoticeable step back.
As the figure got closer, it was clear that it belonged to a Pidgeot. But this one was larger than a normal Pidgeot, and Ash knew who it belonged to. Once the bird Pokémon was close enough, a person jumped off of Pidgeot's back, returning it to its PokéBall as the person landed. The person had auburn-colored hair and a somewhat fancy dance suit on. It had been 6 long years, but Ash recognized who it was, and so did Misty after seeing the person stand up.
"Rudy…" Ash said quietly to himself.
"Why hello there. It's been a while," Rudy said as he looked at Ash and Misty.
"Rudy? What are you doing here?" Misty asked.
"Well, I was actually starting to get a little worried about you when I didn't hear that you and little Ash here got together yet," Rudy said, causing Ash and Misty to blush a bit.
"But that doesn't exactly answer her question, Rudy," Ash said.
"Heh," Rudy scoffed, flicking his hair. "I came to take Misty to Trovita Island."
"What?!" both Ash and Misty yelled in surprise.
"That's right. I want her to live there with me. Mahri's still upset that you decided against staying. So to make her, and myself, happy, I promised her I'd bring you there," Rudy said.
Ash then stuck out his arms, as if to protect Misty.
"She didn't want to stay with you back then. What makes you think she'd want to go with you now?" Ash asked.
"Well, I have a little idea then," Rudy said. "How about you and I have a battle?"
"A battle?" Ash repeated.
"That's right. One-on-one. And whoever wins gets Misty," Rudy said.
Ash then gritted his teeth.
"No way! Misty's not some trophy or prize to be won! I won't do it!" Ash spat at Rudy.
"Ash…" Misty said as she looked at the two boys.
"Are you just saying that because you know you won't beat me?" Rudy taunted.
"You say that even though I beat you and even got your badge to prove it?" Ash taunted back.
"That was 6 years ago. And even back then I beat you with one of my Pokémon. I've gotten a lot stronger since then. So unless you battle me, I'll just take Misty to Trovita Island," Rudy said.
Ash just growled a bit, glaring at Rudy.
"Fine…" Ash said. "If you want a battle, I'll give you one."
"Ash, wait," Misty said.
"Don't worry. I won't let him take you if you don't want to go," Ash said to the red-head.
"Oh Ash…" Misty said quietly and softly, placing one hand on her chest and slightly blushing.
"Let's see what you've got then," Rudy said.
"You said one-on-one, right?" Ash asked, wanting to clarify what Rudy said earlier.
"That's right," Rudy answered.
"Alright then. You pick yours first," Ash said.
"Very well," Rudy said as he flicked his hair.
The auburn-haired boy grabbed a PokéBall and threw it.
"Get ready for battle, Electivire!" Rudy called out.
The PokéBall opened and a flash of white light flooded out of the ball, materializing into an Electivire.
"What the? An Electivire?" Ash said in shock.
"That's right. After our gym battle all those years ago, I've been training even harder than usual. And it just so happened it caused my Electabuzz, which beat your little Pikachu, to evolve into Electivire and it became even stronger," Rudy explained.
"Pika pika!" Pikachu shouted, electricity sparking from its cheeks.
But before Pikachu could charge in, Ash stopped it by raising his hand.
"No, Pikachu. He's right. That Electivire beat you when it was an Electabuzz. I don't want to take the chance of him taking Misty, so I need to use someone else," Ash said quietly to his Pokémon.
Pikachu then nodded, earning a laugh from Rudy.
"What's wrong? Are you going to quit?" Rudy asked tauntingly.
"Of course not. I just have someone else I'd rather use against you," Ash said.
"Then show me what you've got," Rudy said.
Ash then grabbed a PokéBall off his belt, which he had brought all his Pokémon with him, and threw it towards Rudy's Electivire.
"I choose you, Gliscor!" Ash called out.
The PokéBall opened, pouring out white light that materialized into Ash's Gliscor.
"Gli gliscor gli," Gliscor said.
"Heh. Choosing a Flying-type against my Electric-type was a bad move on your part, Ash," Rudy said.
"We'll see about that," Ash grinned.
"I'm going to end this with one attack. Electivire, attack with Thunder Bolt!" Rudy ordered.
The Thunderbolt Pokémon did as it was told and charged up the electric attack.
"Gliscor, take to the air!" Ash told his Pokémon.
The Fang Scorpion Pokémon nodded in understanding and used its tail as a spring to launch itself into the air.
"Electivire, re-direct your attack and hit that Gliscor!" Rudy ordered.
Electivire obeyed and fired the Thunder Bolt upward, striking Gliscor. Rudy smirked as he watched the airborne Pokémon get zapped, but his smirk faded when he saw Gliscor wasn't taking any damage.
"What the heck? What's going on here?" Rudy asked in confusion.
"Gliscor isn't just a Flying-type, Rudy. It's also a Ground-type, meaning your electric attacks won't work," Ash stated.
"What?!" Rudy said in shock.
"Now Gliscor, attack with X-Scissor!" Ash commanded.
Gliscor then dove down as its claws started to glow and it crossed them into an X shape.
"Electivire, counter with Thunder Punch!" Rudy ordered.
Electivire charged electricity into its fist and, right when Gliscor was right in front of it, threw its fist forward and punched Gliscor's claws. Unfortunately, all it did was delay Gliscor's attack a little as Gliscor pushed through and hit Electivire dead-on, sending it back a bit.
"It's not over yet, Ash. I had Electivire learn an attack while it was still an Electabuzz just in case something like this happened," Rudy said.
"Say what?" Ash said in surprise, thinking that there was no way Electivire could have an attack that could beat Gliscor.
"Electivire, attack with Ice Punch!" Rudy commanded.
Ash's eyes widened as he heard Rudy call the attack.
"Gliscor, get away from it!" Ash told his Pokémon.
Gliscor tried to jump out of the way, but Electivire hit Gliscor and froze part of its tail.
"No, Gliscor!" Ash called out.
"Finish it, Electivire!" Rudy commanded.
"Gliscor, take to the air!" Ash ordered.
Electivire charged ahead for another attack, but Gliscor jumped just in time to evade it.
"Alright Gliscor, let's finish this. Hit it with Guillotine!" Ash told the Fang Scorpion Pokémon.
Gliscor opened one of its claws as it started to glow, then the Pokémon dove down towards Electivire as fast as it could. Ash knew that if this attack hit, Electivire would be instantly knocked out.
"Electivire, jump back and then attack with Ice Punch once it lands!" Rudy ordered, earning a gasp from Ash.
Electivire jumped backwards from where it was standing. Ash knew it was over now since Guillotine could only travel in a straight line. Gliscor smashed into the ground with its claw and Electivire charged ahead while the Fang Scorpion was stuck. The Thunderbolt Pokémon then threw its fist forward, connecting the Ice Punch right into Gliscor's forehead. Electivire then jumped back and Gliscor began to be sealed in ice.
"No, Gliscor!" Ash called out.
"Looks like I win," Rudy said. "Good job, Electivire. Now return."
Rudy returned the Thunderbolt Pokémon to its PokéBall and then smirked at Ash as the raven-haired boy tried to get Gliscor out of the ice.
"You lost, Ash. That means Misty comes with me," Rudy stated.
Ash then glared at Rudy, but knew he was right. By accepting to battle the auburn-haired gym leader, he accepted to the deal that whoever won got Misty.
"Hold it right there, Rudy!" Ash heard a voice from behind him.
Ash turned around and saw the voice came from Misty herself.
"I didn't stay on Trovita with you 6 years ago because I didn't want to. And I still don't!" Misty told the Trovita gym leader.
"What? Even after I proved I'm stronger than him?!" Rudy asked, pointing at Ash.
"Strength isn't everything, Rudy. I don't care if you're stronger than Ash, I'm not going with you," Misty said.
"Misty…" Ash said quietly as he stared at the red-haired girl.
Rudy then laughed quietly as he slowly walked towards Ash. Ash turned around and saw Rudy walking to him, then glared at the auburn-haired boy.
"Whoa, hold it. I only wanted to give you something," Rudy said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out some kind of medicine.
"What is that?" Ash asked.
"It'll help defrost that ice a lot faster," Rudy said.
Ash looked confused at Rudy and then took the medicine from the Trovita gym leader. Ash then sprayed it on Gliscor and the ice around it quickly vaporized.
"You okay, Gliscor?" Ash asked.
"Gliscor!" Gliscor started to cry as it looked at Ash.
"It's okay, you tried your best," Ash said. "Now how about you have some rest?"
Ash then returned Gliscor to its PokéBall after it cheered up and hugged Ash. The young trainer then stood up and looked at Rudy.
"Ash, I told you this 6 years ago, but I think I should say it again. You're a very lucky guy, Ash," Rudy said.
Ash then smiled at Rudy.
"I know what you mean now, Rudy. Thanks," Ash said and the two of them shook hands.
"Well, I hope to see you two some time. Stop by Trovita when you have the chance," Rudy offered.
"Right," Ash said and Misty just nodded.
Rudy then brought out his Pidgeot, got on its back, and flew back towards Trovita Island.
"So Ash, what was it you were going to say before we were interrupted?" Misty asked.
Ash then turned to face Misty with a smile still on his face.
"Well, I just wanted you to know that, after all this time, after all we been through in our travels, I've finally been able to sort out my feelings, but then I ran into a bit of an obstacle," Ash said.
"Was that what the last few days were for?" Misty asked.
"Yeah. Misty, I never said what I'm about to say for two reasons. First, I was too dense and too young. Second, I didn't know how you'd react. But now, I don't care. I want to tell you," Ash said.
"Ash…" Misty said softly.
"Misty… I love you," Ash told her.
"Oh Ash…" Misty said as she blushed and her eyes started to water.
"But if you don't feel the same way, I'll understand. I just wanted to tell you after so long," Ash said, but was then hugged by Misty with her arms wrapped around his neck.
"I love you too, Ash. I've wanted to hear you say it for so long," Misty said as tears fell down her face.
"Misty…" Ash said, but then he wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly.
But then they slowly pulled away and Ash wiped the tears from Misty's eyes.
"But I have to admit, it wasn't one of those love-at-first-sight things. We've been through so much and I got to know you more and more. You're a very caring person, Misty," Ash said.
"It was the same for me. At first I thought you were just some dumb annoying kid. But you've always been so kind towards others as well as Pokémon. Even those that weren't your own," Misty said.
The two of them look into each other's eyes, but then Misty thought of something.
"Wait a minute, what about May and Dawn?" Misty asked.
"Well, you see, I love them too," Ash started, earning a glare from Misty. "But not the same way I love you."
"Oh? How so?" Misty said, now getting a little angry.
"Well, for May, it's kind of a mentor-pupil thing. When I met her, she was just starting out. So I was teaching her how to catch Pokémon and other stuff. So it's kind of a mentor-pupil respect thing we have," Ash said, not sure if he worded what he said correctly enough.
"Oh. But what about Dawn?" Misty asked.
"I love her too, but more like the younger sister I never had. I mean it, Misty. I love you more than anyone else," Ash said.
"Oh Ash," Misty said.
The two of them drew closer and closer until their lips met and kissed each other softly. They slowly pulled away as their faces turned bright red.
"Oh wow," Misty said softly as she put her fingers to her lips.
"Yeah. That was actually better than I thought it would be," Ash said.
"Yeah," Misty said in agreement.
"So, Misty--" Ash started, but was cut off.
"Please Ash, you can call me Mist if you want. I actually like it when you call me that," Misty said as she kept blushing.
"But I only said it once before," Ash said as he remembered three days ago at the beach.
"I know, but it sounded really nice when you said it," Misty said.
"Alright Misty. I mean Mist," Ash said as he chuckled a bit, causing Misty to giggle.
"So what are you planning now?" Misty asked.
"I'm actually thinking of taking on the Pokémon League again," Ash answered.
"Oh," Misty said and looked away in disappointment.
"But Mist, I want you to come with me," Ash said.
"I don't think I can, Ash. After all, I have to look after the gym," Misty said.
"Then why not have your sisters take over?" Ash asked.
"If only it were that easy. They'd rather do their swimming shows than anything else," Misty answered.
"Well, then we'll just have to get them to be the gym leaders that they should be," Ash said.
"But Ash, what makes you think they'll listen?" Misty asked, concerned.
"You can tell them that you're done being a gym leader and then you and I can teach them how to be better gym leaders," Ash answered.
"I don't think it'll work, Ash," Misty said.
"If we work together, I know we can think of something. No one's ever been able to beat us when we worked together before, right?" Ash asked as he smiled at Misty.
"Right," Misty said as she smiled back.
"But you know, looking back, I guess I really was stupid," Ash said.
"Yeah, you were, actually," Misty giggled.
Ash just sweatdropped.
"But what I mean is, the day that you left… I really didn't want you to go, but my idioticness got the better of me," Ash admitted.
"Yeah. And I was actually going to tell you how I really felt that day, too. But then my sisters called and everything went downhill," Misty said.
"Yeah. And after seeing your bike fixed, which is why you---"Ash was about to say, but quickly shut up.
He looked at Misty and he saw the same old angry glare in her eyes. Even though it had been 7 years, Ash knew he had said the forbidden B word in front of Misty.
"Speaking of which, you still owe me a new bike, Ash Ketchum!" Misty yelled at him.
"Hold on, hold on. If I win the Pokémon League, I'll get more than enough money to get you a new bike," Ash said as he held his arms up defensively.
Misty's glare then softened and she smiled at him.
"Then you better win. Cause I'll be going with you and cheering you on all the way," Misty said softly.
"I will Misty, that's a promise," Ash said and the two of them kissed each other again.
By the time the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League started up again, Ash and Misty were able to convince Daisy, Lily and Violet to become serious gym leaders. The two of them then went to the Indigo Plateau, where Misty watched and cheered for Ash's victory, while forcing him to wear his Sir Aaron costume since she admitted he looked really nice in it. This time around, Ash won the Indigo Plateau championships and got both the trophy and prize money. The first thing he bought with the money was a brand new bike for Misty, which happened to make her nag at him a little less. After that, Ash convinced Misty to go with him to Johto and Hoenn so he could have another try at those championships, which he won because now that he had Misty, Ash believed he really could do anything. As for May and Dawn, May got together with Drew and Dawn hooked up with Kenny, much to the relief of Ash that the rest of his nightmare wasn't true.
A/N: Well, there you have it. The end to my first fanfic. I will admit some parts might be a little out of line (thought that's just my personal opinion. if you readers liked it, then it's fine with me) but I think it was an overall good plot, having Rudy be the rival. The reason for picking him is because he's the only guy Ash met that wanted Misty to live with him (which I'd take as being his girlfriend or even marrying him). Also, at the end, some of you may have noticed I had Dawn and Kenny be together. I did this because I personally despise Paul. And so far Kenny is the only one who shows even mild interest in Dawn. Also, at the top during the nightmare scenes, I put in Paul, Harley and Rudy as pairs for the girls in the nightmare because I think they'd be the WORST pairings for the girls. Rudy and Harley are kind of a given since they have no titled shipping for the paired girls in the nightmare (at least from what I've tried to search and haven't found) and, as mentioned before, I dislike Paul. Anyway, enough of my rant. I hope you all enjoyed my fanfic. I'll try to make others if I can come up with any ideas, though I do have a one-shot InuYasha fanfic up somewhere.
Please R&R