Holy Mewtwo, it's been a long time since I've updated. Sorry guys! I hope you like this chapter. I've had some weird writing block lately, so it's been difficult.

So here we are. The last chapter of the first completed story I've ever done. I didn't realize it would be the last until I was done...

So many things to say; so many people to thank!

That's at the end of this chapter.

Like I said, I hope this chapter is decent enough. Sigh.

And I might as well put this here: I don't own Pokémon. Never did, probably never will (If I did, Ash and Misty would totally be in love) so this is just for fun, nonprofit, whatever. Forgot to put a disclaimer on the first chapter, so why not the last?

Anyway.

Enjoy


With a smile at the small pink-swathed bundle in her arms, Misty opened the door to her home and stepped inside. Pikachu rushed past her, meeting Vaporeon as the water type descended the stairs.

"Hello, Vaporeon. I have someone I want you to meet." The Pokémon perked its fin-like ears in curiosity, sniffing the air. Misty took a few steps into the front hall, so as to let Ash through behind her, and stooped down on her knees. "Alison, meet my most loyal friend." The creature trilled in joy at the praise and stuck its face closer to the bundle. The baby's teal eyes widened and she stretched out a delicate hand, which Vaporeon sniffed before giving a feline grin. "You like each other, don't you?" the redhead asked, her grin echoing her blue partner's.

"I sure hope so." Ash called from the living room, where he had set down everything he was carrying. "They both live in this house."

"Of course." Misty giggled.

"Hey, guess what?" The raven-haired man smirked

"...What?" his wife asked reluctantly.

"We're home."

And the two shared a soft smile.

...


That night, they slipped into bed, quietly. With a sigh, Misty laid her head back against the pillow, content to be in her own home for the first time in days.

She was preparing to drift off to sleep when Ash posed a question.

"Do you think I'll be a good father, Mist?"

The redhead stared at her husband in a certain state of shock. He was not one to put things so blatantly.

"Will be? Ash, you're already a fantastic father."

She was met with silence.

"You're thinking of your dad, aren't you?" she whispered. He nodded slightly, running a hand through raven-colored hair.

"I can't help but think I'll do what he did."

"Why would you?"

"I wouldn't."

"Then why worry?"

"Because he didn't think he would, either."

Silence again.

"But you're not him."

Slowly he turned his head to look at her with distressed russet eyes.

"You're not your father, Ash. You're Alison's father."

"That makes a difference?"

"And you have me." she pointed out, laying a hand on his shoulder. "Would I ever let you leave?"

"I guess not." he managed a small smile before frowning again. "Misty, why did your mother show up?"

"I don't know why she did that. I haven't seen her in years."

"I figured that out. But...what happened to your dad?"

"He died when I was little. That's when it all sort of … fell apart, I guess. My mother didn't care anymore. She left. And I was forced to stay with my sisters."

"But they're not so bad. Right?"

"Sure."

"It'll be okay. I'm sure it will."

"I hope so, Ash."

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

And the two fell asleep, shakily confident that, though it hadn't been what they'd planned, Fate had given them a life that was just fine.


Okay, I admit it! It sucked! And it was short! And maybe someday I'll feel inspired to rewrite it.

So review of you feel like it. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't.

And now on to the thank-yous. There's many of them.

Firstly, I should probably give a shout-out to Nintendo, because without their masterminds, Ash and Misty and Pikachu and all the others wouldn't exist. And that would suck, agreed? Plus, this story wouldn't exist. So, yeah, they deserve a huge thank-you.

Next, I must thank my aunt. She was my editor and, though she's not a Pokémon fan and admitted that she didn't have a clue what was going on with the battle scenes, stuck with me throughout this entire story. This is the first story longer than about two pages I've ever finished, and it's mostly thanks to her. I love you, Tresa!

And I simply cannot forget all my many reviewers. Here goes, in order of the first review each of you left:

nyislandersgirl – I read your "Double Trouble" and that story inspired this whole darn thing. SO curse you and thank you at the same time. I love your stories, I look up to you as the fantastic writer and person you are, and you rock. Stay that way.

Avenshal – thank you so much!

Polos Elite – your continued reviews and suggestions are awesome!

Diggs121 – thank you!

Echoing Breeze – You are amazing. I admit there's times when your reviews kept the story flowing and inspired me to write when I didn't feel like it, mainly towards the end. Your reviews have almost made me cry at times, all of the praise you've given. Thanks, a million times!

Wild Child 911 – Thanks so, so much for your reviews!

Guests: Why you no leave names so I can thank each of you individually? You're great, too!

Pkmn2112 – I really appreciate the detailed reviews you leave. Thank you, you fabulous person!

Pokeshippy – There's no words for it, you just plain rock. Thanks for reviewing ALL of my stories!

Meadow Wood – Your reviews have always brought a smile to my face. You. Are. Fantastic! And I love your writing, too. Just make sure you update, now, okay?

MakorraLove97 – Thanks for your review!

So I think that's it. (Falls from exhaustion) I think the thank-yous are longer than the chapter!

Wait! There's others I need to thank!

ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO WILL REVIEW THIS STORY IN THE FUTURE! I appreciate it!

I thank Ash and Misty, too, and all of the other characters for putting up with this story. I apologize as well.

Now let's just hope I am inspired someday to rewrite this chapter. Because it. Sucks. Big. Time. I just had to be done, you know?

And don't worry; I haven't forgotten about Amilla and Trevor. I promise! Just wait! It could be months, but I'll write something for them eventually.

One more HUGE THANK YOU to EVERYONE!

(Cue the Backstreet Boys' "Everyone". It begins to play in the background...)

I LOVE YOU ALL!