Chapter 25: No Need for Recovery
A groan. Eyes started to open. "Ash?" a girl voiced. The blurred vision began to clear as Tenchi, Misaki, Funaho and Sasami hovered over the eyes looking.
"Am I… alive?" asked Ash. Gleeful, Sasami lunged onto Ash and hugged his bandaged body.
"I was worried!" she cried. Ash's bandaged arms wrapped around Sasami's underarms and held her gently while wincing at the pain of his injuries.
"I say we all were," Funaho spoke. "After all, you've been out for two days." Tenchi nodded.
"So, how did I get out?" asked Ash as Sasami lifted herself off of him.
"King Azusa evacuated you from Dr. Clay's ship," Tenchi briefed.
"He didn't want to since he just wanted to make sure Dr. Clay paid for his crimes," Misaki clarified. "We used our healing powers to restore your body, but you still may be sore for some time."
"As long as those important to me are okay, that's all that matters," Ash sighed.
"But you're important to me!" claimed Sasami. "After all, you're the first boy that has helped me since Tenchi let me stay here!" Ash seemed in awe. "Besides, I wanted to take care of you until your friends got here." Ash smiled to Sasami's wish.
"You have no idea how grateful I am for all you've done," he reassured.
"Likewise," Tenchi replied. "After all, you've done plenty to help out." Funaho stepped to the bedside.
"Part of me is glad to have just met you and understand your dynamic," she praised. "And now, you've protected the family we've worked together on building. Words do not comprehend what you've done." She kissed Ash on the temple.
"And I can't thank you enough!" cried Misaki as she lunged on Ash. "I wish you were with us forever!" She pelted Ash's face relentlessly as Tenchi and Sasami gawked.
"Mother!" called out Sasami.
"He's still hurt!" warned Tenchi. They tore Misaki away before dragging her away.
"I STILL WANT TO THANK HIM!" she yelped.
"My sister-in-law can be quite dramatic at times," Funaho giggled.
"That's for sure," Ash winced. Funaho left and Ryoko and Ayeka emerged with Pikachu and Ryo-Ohki jumping on the bed to meet Ash. They pounced on Ash, happy to see him awake.
("You're okay!") cheered Pikachu. Ash greeted his Pokémon and the cabbit.
"Pikachu!"he greeted. "Ryo-Ohki!" He embraced the two cheerfully. "You two were awesome, especially bailing everyone out of there." Ryo-Ohki mewed proudly to the praise. She nuzzled Ash's face, tickling him.
"I'm happy to move on from Dr. Clay and Kagato," Ryoko shrugged. "We didn't necessarily need those two around… and because of you, we won't see them for the rest of our lives."
"Agreed," Ayeka accepted. "You could understand how much mother and I pleaded for Father to get you out of Dr. Clay's vessel before it was destroyed."
"Don't get me wrong," Ash started. "I was happy to get Sasami out of there and that my Pokémon were in Sasami's protection. That's all I cared about and that would've been okay if something happened."
"That would explain why Sasami held your belt with your Pokémon when we left," Ryoko suspected. "So, what happened inside?"
"I grabbed the Tenchi Sword out of instinct and got shocked for it," Ash admitted. "I knew I wasn't accepted, so I used the rejection to shock Kagato. Then, I used what strength I had and knocked Kagato into a trap that I knew he wouldn't get out, including some heavy stuff that pinned him down." Ryoko and Ayeka seemed shocked to hear about Ash's actions within the ship.
"First off, the Tenchi Sword's rejection being used to attack Kagato is a rather drastic offense," Ayeka awed. "But trapping them in heavy debris… No question that you're dangerous when it comes to important people around you."
"It takes a lot to wow me, but damn," Ryoko gulped before she stepped to Ash's side. "But at least Whinyness and I can agree that you're definitely a part of the family." She kissed Ash on the eyelid.
"Ryoko…" lisped Ayeka.
"What?" snickered Ryoko. "Can't a space pirate show a little love?"
"Well, I thought you'd be saving that for Tenchi if I gave up," Ayeka confessed as she switched with Ryoko. "Still, you have earned this for all you've done to protect us." She kissed the other eyelid. Pikachu and Ryo-Ohki enjoyed the sight. They left and Washu came in with Azaka holding a tray of food.
"Ash!" she cried as she hugged Ash. "Oh, I heard how you survived!" Ash hugged Washu back.
"Sorry to make you worry," he apologized.
"No, sorry for not doing all I can to keep protecting you!" whimpered Washu. "But I can't be prouder of what you did!" She kissed Ash just below the eye.
"Ash, your bravery and strategic actions are among the most commendable feats made, even humbling Juraian Knights of legend," Azaka praised. "When we witnessed your efforts to save Princess Sasami, Kamidake and I were discussing with Lord Azusa and Prince Yosho about having you be honored as a Juraian Knight." Ash giggled to the title.
"That's quite an honor," he smiled. "Speaking of Yosho, how's he doing?"
"He's still dealing with that huge wound on his shoulder," Washu informed. "By the way, Sasami helped me with making this." Azaka brought the tray to Ash with what looked like stuffed sweet potatoes. In them were black beans, chives, shredded carrot, fish fillet pieces with shredded cheese and yogurt topping. "If I wanted to be like your mom, I'd thought I try a little cooking to see how I did."
"I mean, it looks good," Ash admitted before taking a bite. A high hum was heard. "Good!" Washu smiled as Kamidake entered.
"Sir Ash," he addressed. "How is your recovery?"
"Still sore, but I'm doing pretty good," Ash replied. "By the way, what's it like being outside of your logs?" Azaka and Kamidake looked to each other before turning to Ash.
"We feel fine, but we do wish to return to our stationary positions as soon as possible," Azaka claimed.
"Do not get us wrong," Kamidake assured. "We only wanted to protect the royal family, but with the evil destroyed… we do not need to pursue further exposure."
"I know, it does feel unusual to see you outside of those shells," Ash agreed.
("But I like you like this!") voiced Pikachu. Ryo-Ohki mewed in agreement.
"Now, now, you two," Ash eased. Pikachu and Ryo-Ohki looked to Ash. "It's up to them to decide. I mean, I could see Misty's sisters liking Azaka and Kamidake. I still remember Daisy bringing up boyfriends and girlfriends before." Ryo-Ohki looked confused, but Pikachu knew Ash's point.
("She didn't have to be harsh to Misty,") he sighed. After eating, Washu, Azaka and Kamidake exited. Mihoshi and Kiyone arrived next and seeing Ash in his bandaged state, Mihoshi rushed to Ash's bedside.
"Ash!" she cried as she tightly hugged Ash. "I thought you wouldn't make it, but I'm so glad you did-"
"Mioshi, stop!" yelled Kiyone as she and the animals tried to pull the two apart.
"Kiyone!" whined Mihoshi. Ash winced and tried to straighten himself. After calming down, Kiyone stepped up.
"As much as that was rude and dangerous, Mihoshi's right," Kiyone acknowledged. "We're glad you're okay and not in pieces floating in space." Ash winced again, not from his injuries.
"Seriously?" he irked.
"Yeah, a bit graphic… but we couldn't have Sasami back without your help," Kiyone praised.
"Did you find out how Dr. Clay freed himself?" questioned Ash.
"We did not," Mihoshi shrugged. "We wouldn't be surprised if the heads of the Galaxy Police bureau keep the information confiscated to maintain a good look for them." Kiyone nodded, confirming the claim.
"No doubt, Galaxy Police is trying a proper PR to save face," she believed. "Still, we no longer have to worry about her, thanks to you." She kissed Ash's cheek.
"Why do you have to kiss him!?" whined Mihoshi.
"Don't you want to give him one?" offered Kiyone. Mihoshi smiled and came over, planting one on the other cheek. "What, nothing to say?"
"No, you already said it," Mihoshi shrugged.
"It's alright," Ash assured. "It's not really law to give a hero a reward, right?" Everyone laughed, thinking Ash joked. As evening settled, Sasami brought Ash some stew.
"Mother told me you could be able to walk tomorrow," she briefed as Ryo-Ohki ate a carrot.
"I can't wait," Ash believed. "By the way, I haven't had a chance to give you something for all you've done to help me." Sasami seemed surprised to hear of a gift.
"You did?" A nod came from Ash before he turned to his Pokémon.
"Pikachu, it's in the closet. I showed it to you." Realizing the item, Pikachu bailed with Ryo-Ohki trailing. They passed Azusa who wanted to check in on Ash and Sasami. A couple of minutes later, Pikachu and Ryo-Ohki brought the case to the room. "That's it." Sasami looked to the case.
"You couldn't have." She reached and picked the case up. Opening it, she saw something that made her eyes nearly exit her face: a necklace made of aquamarine with a heart made of a mix of tourmaline and ruby. Sasami gasped. "Oh my gosh… This is… How? This would cost a fortune to have!"
"Just seeing your reaction is worth every penny." 'At least, every penny that thief has to fork.' Sasami lunged and hugged Ash again.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" She began to cry. "I couldn't have found a better person to love." Ash smiled, knowing that Sasami was happy. "There's something else." This made Pikachu and Ryo-Ohki curious. "Can I…" She struggled to find the words to tell Ash. "Can I ask you to… to do something… for me?" Ash could only wonder about Sasami's request.
"Of course. What is it?" Sasami prepared to ask. She took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Ash Ketchum… Will you…" She continued to struggle. "Will you… marry me?" The question made Ash gasp.
"What!?" The jump made Ash aggravate some pain. "OW!" The animals were worried of his injuries.
"Careful, Ash!" Ash took a few breaths to ease pain. "You're still hurting!"
"Yeah, sorry." After settling his body, Ash looked to Sasami. "You… really want… to marry me? Like, right now?" Sasami slowly nodded.
"I understand your surprise… and I also understand that like here on Earth, you need to be a grownup in your land to marry someone you love… but as I've said to you before you woke up, you've spent so much time with me every day since you and your Pokémon came here, and every moment I've spent with you have been the happiest of my life and the more time I've spent with you, the more I've loved you."
"And I love you too, Sasami."
"But the truth is, I don't just love you… I love you more than how I used to love Tenchi." Tears trickled down her face. "I don't want to just boyfriend and girlfriend, especially after I almost lost you!" She clasped her hands on Ash's single. "I'm begging you, Ash! Please marry me! Marry me and make me your wife!" Pikachu and Ryo-Ohki watched, hoping Ash would accept Sasami's proposal. Ash felt pressured. However, he felt held back by someone.
"Sasami, as much as I want to… your dad is the one who is not going to give me the opportunity."
"And I was going to stick by that before we all witnessed your bravery," Azusa broke his silence. He entered to everyone's surprise.
"Father?" noticed Sasami. Azusa approached Ash's bed opposite of Sasami.
"What do you mean before?" questioned Ash.
"After learning from what you did to save my youngest daughter," Azusa briefed. "My vision was far clearer. I also learned from the Juraian Knights Azaka and Kamidake about the methods of the rescue. Pokémon Trainers are to be feared to those who threaten the kingdom, let alone mine." Ash nodded to the claim.
"Azaka was talking about me being an honorary Juraian Knight," he brought up.
"I am intrigued to offer it to you," Azusa acknowledged. "Now, after what you've been able to accomplish, I have started to reform my earlier statement." The others were interested to hear of Azusa's change of heart.
("Is it like walking back what he said?") guessed Pikachu.
"Ash, you have earned my trust to be with my youngest daughter," Azusa addressed. Ash and Sasami were surprised to be offered the news.
"Your highness!" gasped Ash. "Are you… sure about it?"
"Ketchum, you've more than proven your worth for my daughter's love," Azusa admitted. "And after risking your very life to protect her, you've not only earned my utmost respect, but also my blessing to have her hand." Ash seemed in awe. He had won Azusa's honor.
"Wow…" he hushed. Azusa placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, careful of his injuries.
"Your answer doesn't have to be immediate," he assured. "Give it time." He departed. Ash wondered about the offer and blessing. Sasami and Ryo-Ohki left Ash to think about the offer, but not before she gave him a kiss to the cheek. The next morning, Ash was able to get out of bed. He entered the living room where Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki spotted him as Pikachu walked outside for fresh air.
"Hey, sunshine!" she teased.
"Morning to you, too," Ash returned. Ryo-Ohki jumped from Ryoko's arms to Ash's, mewing to him worried. "Hey, I'm glad to tell you first." Ryo-Ohki looked confused.
"Tell Ryo-Ohki… what?" wondered Ryoko.
"That I thought about Azusa's offering," Ash briefed. Ryo-Ohki awed with some mews. She leaped out of Ash's arms before mewing to him to follow her. Mihoshi saw it from afar.
"I think Ryo-Ohki is saying to follow her," she guessed.
"I think so too," Ash pondered as he followed Ryo-Ohki. In the kitchen, Ash found Sasami and took a deep breath. "Sasami?" Hearing her boyfriend, Sasami turned to Ash.
"Good morning, Ash!" she greeted. "I'm happy to see you out of bed." Ash nodded his smiling head.
"Well, I wanted to get out and finally answer your wish," he pointed out. Sasami's eyes widened. "I had thought about it since we had our first kiss at the festival and that I wanted to be with you for everything. I can now come out with this." Still on shaky legs, he dropped to a knee. Sasami gasped, thinking Ash was proposing. They were in each other's eyes. "Princess Sasami Masaki Jurai, you're the most beautiful person I've ever met. The times we've spent together have been the most exciting moments that I couldn't have dreamed of… and I would be the happiest guy here when I say that I want to be your husband." Sasami's eyes watered, about to cry at Ash's acceptance. Ryoko, Ayeka, Tenchi, Washu and Mihoshi watched. Finally, she leaped into Ash's arms, tackling him to the ground.
"YES!" she shouted. "Ash, I can't wait! I can't wait to be your wife!" She helped Ash onto his feet before they gazed again, finally engaging in a long lock of lips. Tears of joy fell for both youths as Azusa and his wives watched on, happy to see an engaged couple one step closer to becoming married. Meanwhile, a hole formed from a drill in a rocky cliff wall. After the drill was removed, the egg-like creature in Misty's arms squeezed through. It rolled onto the paved road before standing up on its tiny feet.
"Are you okay, Togepi?" voiced Misty. The egg-like creature turned to the hole before jumping.
("Come over!") he shrilled.
"Oh, I hope Ash is okay!" a woman sounded.
"We hope so as well," sounded Brock.
"Okay, Rhydon!" voiced Pietra. "Let's break through this and get Ash!" Rhydon roared before continuing. Once Ash's friends come through, they'll be in for a huge surprise.
TO BE CONTINUED...