CHAPTER 2
"Two Old Revivals Reunited"

After 6 weeks the casts on Ash were removed and he was back on his feet.

"I couldn't move them" Misty said.

Ash went in and smiled at the duo. Ash sighed and picked up Pikachu.

"See?" Misty whispered.

Pikachu yawned and stretched. Ash smiled. Pikachu rubbed the sleep from its eyes.

"Morning." Ash said.

"Pi-pika" Pikachu said. (translation: morning)

Ash smiled. Pikachu blinked a few times.

"Sleep well?" Ash asked.

Pikachu nodded. Ash smiled.

"Good." Ash said.

Pikachu grinned.

"I think I'm gonna go see professor Oak." Ash said.

Pikachu nodded.

"I'll see ya later, Misty." Ash said.

"alright" Misty said.

Ash smiled and headed out. Soon Ash arrived at Professor Oak's lab and found there his old rival Gary. Pikachu hoped the old rivalry wouldn't come up. Ash knew he had to go past Gary to get in there.

"Hi, Gary." Ash said.

"Ash?" Gary said.

"Yeah." Ash said.

"Things have changed." He added.

Gary raised an eye brow.

"I was a chief, now I'm a rancher and breeder. I also have the title of pokemon Professor." Ash said.

Gary's jaw dropped.

"Not to mention I have a son." Ash said.

Gary was now stunned. Ash smiled and pet Pikachu. Pikachu looked like he was going to laugh. Ash sighed. Pikachu giggled. Ash smiled.

"Like I said things have changed." Ash said.

Pikachu grinned while Gary sighed. Ash sighed as well. Pikachu was still grinning.

"I even have quite a few new eggs." Ash said.

Gary looked at him.

"I've even recently caught a Eevee." Ash said.

"Really?" Gary asked.

"Yes. I'm going to breed her as soon as I get a male." Ash said.

Gary nodded. Ash smiled. Gary just shrugged.

"It's hard to believe at time." Ash said.

"Yeah" Gary said.

Ash sighed and pet Pikachu. Pikachu looked between the two humans.

"What's up, Pika?" Ash asked using a family nickname for pikachu.

"You never used a nickname with him before." Gary commented.

"Things have changed. Patrick was the one who started that nickname." Ash said.

Gary chuckled. Ash smiled. Pikachu grinned. Ash pet pikachu. Pikachu snuggled. Ash smile. Ash kept petting Pikachu.

"Pikachu here has been a big help with the ranch as has my wife." Ash said.

"Him?" Gary asked.

"Yeah." Ash said.

Pikachu's ears wiggled. Ash kept petting Pikachu. Gary grinned.

"You know my wife quite well. Not as well as me and Brock." Ash said.

"oh?" asked Gary.

"Her sisters run the Cerulen City gym." Ash said.

"no way... you mean?" Gary asked.

"Misty." Ash said.

Gary's jaw dropped.

"If only there were a way to lift this damn curse." Ash mumbled.

Gary cocked his eyebrow. Ash looked at him. Gary decided to let it slide. A girl was about to bump into Ash and before he realized it she bumped into him there was a pop and smoke and a black horse stood there when the smoke cleared. Gary's jaw dropped. The horse whinned and started to seem to panic a bit. Gary tried his best to calm him. Ash was scared. Pikachu gave it a try.

"calm down ketchum" Gary said.

Ash looked at Gary and backed away a little afraid of the reaction.

"have a secert, eh old buddy?" Gary teased.

Ash nodded. Gary chuckled. Ash sighed. Gary grinned.

"Old family curse." Ash said letting Pikachu up.

Pikachu quickly climbed up.

Ash looked at the girl and at Gary.

"what?" Gary asked.

"The touch of her caused it and it's suppose to be a secret." Ash said.

"she didn't mean it" Gary said.

"I know. But, she can't..." Ash started.

"she won't tell" Gary said.

"Gary, you can't..." Ash started.

"i won't tell" Gary said.

"Good." Ash said.

gary grinned.

Ash sighed.

Ash looked down.

"aw cheer up" Gary said.

"I can't even hug my wife without this happening." Ash said sadly.

Gary frowned. Ash's eyes were filled with sadness. Ash's ears drouped. Pikachu stroked at ash's mane. Ash looked at Pikachu. Pikachu smiled. Ash still looked sad. Pikachu continued to stroke. Ash started to leave sadly. Gary got in front. Ash looked at his hoofs.

"we'll find a way" Gary said.

Ash was still deeply saddened.

"trust me" Gary said.

"Just let me leave." Ash said sadly.

"i will. but go home..." Gary said.

"I will." Ash said.

Gary soon moved out of the way. Ash looked at Pikachu to make sure he had a grip. Pikachu did. Ash galloped off. Pikachu enjoyed the ride home.

"Misty the curse!" Ash exclaimed.

Once they arrived home.

"stables" Misty said.

Ash sighed and went in. Ash had his head hung low. Pikachu stayed. Ash's eyes were closed and his ears drouping. Misty crept in. Ash's head was very low. Ash's ears twiched. Ash looked at Misty sadly. Misty went over. Ash hung his head again. Professor Oak was working on something in the lab. Misty went to her husband. Ash was shaking in sadness. Professor Oak looked up and smiled when he saw his grandson.

"hey grandpa" Gary said.

"Hello, Gary." Professor Oak said smiling.

"what's going on?" Gary asked.

"Working on a poke system." Professor Oak said.

"oh?" gary asked.

"What happened?" Professor Oak asked know by the look on Gary's face something had happenend.

Gary explianed.

"I know about this curse I've been working on lifting it for sometime. Kenneth told me about it." Professor Oak said.

"ash's dad?" Gary asked.

"Yes." Professor Oak said.

Gary was shocked.

"In fact I'm almost done but I can only lift it one at a time." Professor Oak said.

"what else is needed" Gary asked.

"I'll just need a blood sample from each of the current animal forms and human forms as well." Professor Oak said.

"ash is at home." Gary said.

"The ranch is outside of town." Professor Oak said. Professor Oak summoned his Dragonite. "Dragonite take Gary to the Ketchum ranch." The pokemon picked up Gary and carryed him there.

Pikachu was outside and saw them.

"Where's Ash?" Gary asked.

Pikachu pointed to the barn.

Gary walked in. Ash still looked very sad.

Pikachu ran over.

"Ash..." Gary started.

Ash slowly and sadly looked at Gary.

"don't worry" Gary said.

"Why not?" Ash asked sadly.

"grandpa has an idea" Gary said.

"Really?" Ash asked.

Gary nodded.

"How did..." Ash started.

"he said that your dad told him" Gary replied.

Ash looked at the ground guiltly.

Gary smiled.

"My dad died protecting me." Ash said.

"it's alright" Gary said.

"Why..." Ash started.

"what?" Gary asked.

"Why have you..." Ash started trying to ask why Gary came there.

"well i need a couple of blood samples" Gary said.

"Go ahead." Ash said.

Gary drew the zodiac sample.

There was soon a pop and smoke.

"now one more" Gary said as he drew the second sample.

Ash looked at Gary sadly.

"there" Gary said.

Ash sighed.

"c'mon" Gary said as he found a stash of clothes.

Ash got dressed.

Gary led him to the lab.

Ash went with his old friend.

Gary soon got back to his grandpa.

"Gary, Ash..." Professor Oak started.

"i have the samples" Gary said.

"Good." Professor Oak said and put them in the devise.

"You ready for this, Ash?" Professor Oak asked and Ash nodded.

Gary helped as needed.

Soon a beam hit Ash and soon it was done.

"What..." Ash started.

"something grandpa's been working on" Gary said.

Ash looked still a bit confused. Misty snuck up behind her husband and hugged him. Ash was surprised by the hug and even more surprised when nothing happened.

"he was working on a way to break the curse" Gary said.

Ash looked at his wife and hugged her back. Professor Oak smiled. Gary also grinned.

"Thank you." Ash said.

Gary nodded.

"We can lift it from your whole family as soon as I get a blood sample from each of there zodiac forms and human forms." Professor Oak said.

Gary looked to his friend. Ash smiled. Ash sighed and kept holding his wife. Gary just watched.

"He's never been able to hold his wife without going animal." Professor Oak said softly.

Gary nodded. Ash smiled. Gary grinned again. Ash looked exhausted.

"get some rest" Gary said.

Ash nodded and he and Misty headed home. Ash was moved very slowly. Misty helped him. Ash yawned. Ash staggered in exhaustion. Ash looked at his wife with blured vesion.

"ash?" Misty asked.

Ash passed out from the exhaustion. Misty was worried when she caught him. Professor Oak walked over.

"He must have been really tired." Professor Oak said.

Misty nodded. Professor Oak moved the boy. Misty followed. Professor Oak put him in a sleeping place. Misty stayed. Ash kept sleeping. misty smiled. Ash slept for days.

DAYS LATER

Ash stirred a bit. Pikachu came by after chores. Ash started to wake up and opened his eyes. Pikachu looked up from his spot. Ash sat up and looked around. Pikachu made his way over.

"Hey, Pika." Ash said.

Pikachu smiled. Ash picked up Pikachu. Pikachu was still smiling.

"What is it?" Ash asked.

Pikachu shook his head. He was just glad ash was awake. Ash pet him. Pikachu stayed.

"How long was I asleep?" Ash asked.

Pikachu stretched his arms out. Ash looked Pikachu a bit.

"chu" pikachu said. (translation: days)

Ash pet Pikachu. Pikachu grinned. Ash smiled. Pikachu stayed put. Ash sighed knowing Pikachu hadn't been there after the curse was lifted.

"Where's..." Ash started to ask where Misty was.

Pikachu pointed in the direction of the lab's break room. Ash stood and walked over and in. Misty was having a cup of tea.

"Hello, love." Ash said walking over to her and hugged her.

"ash...?" Misty asked.

"Yeah." Ash said.

Misty smiled. Ash held his wife tightly. Misty giggled.

"Let's show Pika the news." Ash whispeared in her ear.

Misty giggled. Ash waited for her to hug him back. Misty gave him a big hug. Ash smiled and hugged her back. Misty just smiled. Ash looked at Pikachu. Pikachu's jaw was hanging opened. Ash smiled at him.

"The curse is gone." Ash said.

pikachu was stunned.

"Professor Oak lifted it." Ash said.

Pikachu was still speechless. Ash smiled. Ash picked him up and pet Pikachu. Ash smiled at Misty. Misty smiled back. Ash sighed. Ash looked at Pikachu then at his wife.

"what?" Misty asked.

"You know that cancer is just in remission and could come back at any time." Ash said in her ear in at a whispear.

"oh,ash... stop it!!!" Misty whispered back.

"You know it's true." Ash said.

Misty growled.

"We just have to except it." Ash said.

Misty looked away.

"Hopefully it won't." Ash said.

"But, it's possible." He added.

Misty ignore that. Ash sighed and pet Pikachu. Pikachu looked up. Ash smiled at Pikachu. Ash kept petting Pikachu. Pikachu was just enjoying the touch. They soon got to the ranch house. Pikachu caught sight of Milly. Ash smiled as he noticed the filley and his Rapidash. Pikachu ran toward his sister. Ash walked over to them. Pikachu was admist a nuzzling from Milly. Ash pet his Rapidash. Pikachu was laughing from being tickled. Ash smiled. Pikachu was laughing too much. Ash sighed. Milly wasn't letting him up. Ash saddled up Rapidash. Pikachu stayed with Milly. Ash went for a ride. Pikachu waited. Ash return after a while. Pikachu was hiding and ducked when he saw Milly coming. Ash blinked seeing this. Pikachu giggled. Ash smiled and walked passed the duo. Soon laughter could be heard. Ash sighed and walked towards the house. Pikachu was soon running into the house, out of breath. Ash smiled and sat down. Pikachu was catching his breath. Ash looked at Pikachu. Pikachu looked up. Ash sighed and laid on the couch. Pikachu curled up on a chair. Ash groaned and slowly sat up. Pikachu looked.

"Misty! Can you bring me that medicine for headaches?!" Ash exclaimed.

Misty did as asked. Ash sighed and took when he was given it. Misty smiled.

"I have a major headache." Ash said.

Misty nodded. Ash laid back down.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Ash said.

Misty smiled. Ash smiled softly.

"I hope I'm wrong." Ash said.

Misty nodded. Ash soon fell asleep once more. Misty stayed. Ash slept until morning.

THE NEXT MORNING

Ash stirred. Pikachu looked up, having come in for breakfast. Ash smiled as he sat up and went to the kitchen. Pikachu followed. Ash started to make breakfast. Pikachu helped. As usually the family was awoke by the smell of his cooking. Pikachu looked to see who'd come. Misty was first in. Pikachu grinned.

"Morning, love." Ash said.

"morning" Misty said with a grin.

"Breakfast is almost done." Ash said.

Misty nodded. Ash soon plated up the plates as his son came in. Pikachu grinned at his brother.

"Morning, Patrick." Ash said.

"hey dad" Patrick said.

"Breakfast." Ash said holding the plate out.

Patrick took it and ate. Ash took another plate and sat down as well and ate. Ash soon finshed and got up. Pikachu finished and followed. He still had a busy day. Ash did some chores but was moving rather slowly. Pikachu watched. Ash stumbled. Pikachu was worried. Ash wobbled and collasped. Pikachu ran to ash's side. Ash's heart was slowing as was his breathing. Pikachu instictively sent a thundershock. Ash's heart returned to normal but Ash remained unconscious. Misty and patrick helped Ash to bed until help could come. Ash would stay out for days and soon medics came. They soon rushed Ash to the hospital. The family was concerned. Once there he was tended to. Days pass and Ash was still unconscious. Pikachu would sneak in for visits. Not trusting the doctors. Ash groaned started to come to. Pikachu skidded in and hid from an orderlie. Ash's eyes open. Pikachu wasn't looking for coast clear. Ash looked around. Only the tip of an ear could be seen.

"Pika?" Ash asked.

Pikachu looked from his hiding spot. Ash slowly sat up. Pikachu came over. Ash looked at Pikachu and put his feet over the side which brought them withen Pikachu's reach. Pikachu just hugged one leg.

"Why don't you climb up here at least until I can reach you." Ash said.

Pikachu did as asked. Ash took him in his arms and pet him. Pikachu grinned.

"How long was I out?" Ash asked as he pet Pikachu.

"chu" Pikachu replied. (translation: days)

"I wonder what's wrong." Ash said.

Pikachu shrugged. Ash smiled. Ash sighed and knew a doctor whould be in to check on him. The doctor walked in. Pikachu looked. Ash looked at the doctor.

"What's wrong with me?" Ash asked.

One of Ash's arm's grip on Pikachu was weak. Pikachu noticed.

"It was a stroke." The doctor said. Ash looked a bit shock.

Pikachu's ears drooped.

"I was fine last time." Ash reminded Pikachu.

Pikachu was worried about the extent this time. Ash laid down putting Pikachu in his lap. Pikachu's cheeks sparked softly.

"I'll be...fine." Ash said slowly.

Pikachu's cheeks were still sparking softly. Ash pet him one handed. Pikachu's cheeks sparked softly.

"I'll be...fine." Ash said slowly.

Pikachu's cheeks were still sparking softly. Ash pet him one handed. Pikachu settled to the touch. Ash kept petting Pikachu. Ash looked at the door feeling someone there and it was his wife.

"Love..." Ash started.

Pikachu stayed in his spot.

"Misty...it was a stroke." Ash said softly.

Misty went and sat by them. Ash smiled weakly at her.

"Misty..." Ash started weakly.

"yes, ash?" Misty asked.

"The family..." Ash started.

"don't worry about them Or the ranch, Hear me?" Misty said.

Ash nodded. Misty smiled.

"What about..." Ash started now worried about his wife.

"i'm fine" Misty said.

Ash sighed and started to doze off.

"rest" Misty said.

Ash fell asleep. Ash slept the rest of the day. Pikachu stayed. Ash woke up the next morning. Pikachu looked, having been up.

"Pika..." Ash started.

Pikachu smiled. Ash smiled at him. Ash sat up slowly and smiled at Pikachu. Pikachu almost rolled playfully. Ash smiled. Pikachu stood on it's head. Ash chuckled.

"I was just thinking about May and Max." Ash said.

Pikachu looked at him after landing on his back. Ash sighed and pet Pikachu when he got back to his feet. Pikachu was trying to get Ash to smile. Ash smiled softly. Ash kept petting Pikachu one handed. Pikachu was just happy to see the smile.

"I wonder what those two are up to." Ash said.

Pikachu shrugged. Ash sighed as he pet Pikachu. Pikachu grinned. Ash smiled. Ash's stomach growled. Pikachu tried to keep from giggling. Ash looked at the door. He saw his uncle as he came in.

"Uncle John..." Ash started.

"Hey nephew." John said.

"Did she..." Ash started.

"Who?" John asked

"Misty, did she tell you what happened?" Ash asked.

John nodded.

"Good." Ash said.

"It's just..." Ash started.

"what?" John asked.

"Takes a while to adjust to this problem again." Ash said.

John just smiled.

"I was worried about the family." Ash said.

"Don't." John said.

Ash smiled.

"I'll try not to." Ash said.

John grinned playfully. Ash's stomach growled loudly. Johnn smirked.

"Shut up." Ash growled at his stomach.

John laughed. Ash blushed slightly.

"I'm hungry." Ash said.

"Can you..." Ash started.

John went to get a nurse about a meal for his nephew. The nurse took care of it. And soon the meal arrived. Ash started eating. John stayed as company. Ash soon finished the meal and smiled softly and pet Pikachu.

'Wonder if Pika's ate.' Ash thought.

Pikachu just enjoyed the touch.

"Know if he's ate?" Ash asked his uncle.

"not sure" John replied.

Ash stopped.

"Pika, have you ate?" Ash asked.

Pikachu was a bit embarressed to admit that he hadn't yet.

"Somebody needs to bring his pokechow." Ash said.

"good thing i brought this." John said as he held up a small bag.

Ash smiled. John set it in front of Pikachu who tried to open it on his own. Ash smiled as he watched Pikachu. Pikachu dove in a bit after he got the knot undone. Ash looked at his uncle.

"How are thing's going back home?" Ash asked.

"They're going well." John replied.

"Good." Ash said.

Ash smiled. Ash laid back. Pikachu curled up for a nap once he had his fill. He closed up the bag.

"We're gonna have to re do the wheelchair adjustments for now back home." Ash said.

Pikachu looked up while John nodded. Ash pet Pikachu. Ash sighed. Pikachu stayed put. He looked at Ash. Ash pet Pikachu. Pikachu smiled. Ash sighed as he pet pikachu. Pikachu looked up. Ash sighed. Pikachu blinked.

"What is it, Pika?" Ash asked.

Pikachu just sat there. Ash pet pikachu. Pikachu like it when he got behind his ears. Ash knew this and oftened focused on his ears. Pikachu squealed softly. Ash smiled as he pet pikachu. Ash kept petting Pikachu. Pikachu didn't want to move. Ash knew he be there for weeks. Ash kept petting pikachu. Pikachu stayed in his spot.

"Pika, why don't you go home you can always vist I'm gonna be in here for like 6 weeks." Ash said.

Pikachu shook his head.

"Pika...I'll be fine." Ash said.

Pikachu wasn't as sure.

"I was last time...I'll be fine this time." Ash said.

Pikachu stayed quiet and in his spot. Ash dozed off. Pikachu curled up and fell asleep. Ash slept for days. Pikachu had to be taken home by John.

DAYS LATER

Ash stirred. Pikachu looked during a visit. Ash woke up and sat up and looked around. A black tip poked from the edge of the bed. Ash looked over the edge of the bed and saw pikachu.

"Hey, Pika." Ash said.

Pikachu looked up with a smile. Ash smiled at Pikachu. Pikachu smiled back.

"Who brought you today?" Ash asked.

Patrick poked his head in.

"Hi, Pat." Ash said smiling.

"hi dad" Patrick said.

"This is quite a bit annoying." Ash said.

"c'mon dad." Patrick said.

Ash looked at him. Patrick grinned.

"Can you..." Ash started.

Patrick put Pikachu on the bed. Ash smiled and pet Pikachu. Patrick grinned. Ash smled.

"Patrick...your mom tell you?" Ash asked.

"yeah she told me." Patrick replied.

"About the...soon to be baby brother or sister." Ash said.

"i'm excited about it." Patrick said.

Ash smiled.

"Can you keep an eye on your mom until I'm released?" Ash asked.

Patrick nodded.

"Good." Ash said with a sigh.

Patrick smiled.

"Your mom had moodswings when she was pregnant with you...she's probably going to or already having them with this one." Ash said.

Patrick nodded.

"I'll be in here for about 2 months." Ash said.

"Your mom is already 6 months." He added.

"hopefully you'll be out in time." Patrick said.

"I hope that is the case but..." Ash started.

"dad..." Patrick said.

"It might not be the case and I'm not going to be in any shape to help her. Uncle doesn't know yet." Ash said.

"you're not expecting me to..." Patrick said.

"If she goes into labor before I tell uncle you'll have to help her." Ash said.

"but i don't know..." Patrick said.

Ash sighed.

"well it's true" Patrick said.

"I know." Ash said.

Patrick sighed. Ash smiled. Patrick smiled a bit. Ash kept petting pikachu. Pikachu almost felt like he being tickled. Ash smiled.

6 WEEKS LATER

Ash is releashed. He called his uncle. John answered.

"Uncle...I have some news." Ash said.

"oh?" John asked.

"Misty is pregnant and due next month." Ash said.

"really?" John asked.

"Yes." Ash said.

John smiled.

"i'll be here." John said.

"Good. But, I'll be in no shape next month to help her with the labor. Good news as far as the curse goes Professor Oak can lift it but..." Ash started.

"But..." John prompted.

"He'll need a blood sample of both your human form and zodiac form." Ash said.

"ah" John said.

"It worked for me." Ash said.

John nodded.

"You can trust him with the secret dad's the one who told him and ask him to lift it." Ash said.

John smiled.

"You can trust him to keep the secret." Ash said.

John nodded again. Ash smiled. John smiled back.

"You should get the curse lifted before she goes into labor." Ash said.

John nodded. Ash pulled out the needle to take blood thankful that the side he used wasn't paralysed. John knew what was needed even though he had long been single. Ash took a blood sample and called for Misty.

"I need a sample of his zodiac form." Ash said as he tried to lable the blood sample he already had.

Misty put the label on, knowing what she needed to do.

"You know what to do." Ash said.

Misty hugged John and gained the need sample. Ash smiled.

"Let's put it somewhere save until he turns back." Ash said.

Misty nodded. Ash smiled. Misty kept the samples until she could get them to Professor Oak. Ash waited for his uncle to turn back. An aged Rough Collie sat on the floor. Ash smiled at his uncle. The dog laid down. Ash sighed. Misty smiled. Ash smiled as well as his stomach growled. Misty giggled. Ash blushed a bit. Misty smiled.

"I'm hungry." Ash said.

Misty smiled a bit.

"what else is new?" She teased.

Ash blushed even more.

"Can you..." Ash started.

Misty left for a few minutes. She came back with fruit. Ash smiled and ate. Soon it was gone. Misty cleared the dishes. Ash was tired. More then just a little tired. Misty was a bit worried. Ash yawned nearly falling asleep in his chair.

"Sleep." Misty said.

Ash headed to their bedroom Misty had pushed the wheelchair in because he couldn't roll himself and laid down with Misty's help. Misty smiled. Ash sighed as he started to fall asleep. Misty began to leave the room.

"Misty...love..." Ash started as sleep started to take over..

Misty turned to look at him.

"Sit and take it easy." Ash said having been a month premature himself.

Misty couldn't. She had a lot to do.

"Love, I was a month early..." Ash started.

"i still have housework..." Misty said.

"Just take it easy out there." Ash said.

Misty nodded. Ash fell asleep. John was working with the pokemon in the corrall none knew how soon the baby would be born. Misty was just going about her business. Soon that moment of the begining of labor started. Misty gasped out in pain. John came in to check on her.

"I think it's coming." Misty said.

John took her to the hospital quickly. John helped her as best he could. Misty's pain was growing. A nurse Ash's age looked at the duo she looked a lot like Deliah.

John saw her. She came over to the duo and smiled as she helped them. John smiled back.

"My name is Aiko Ketchum and you are?" She asked John.

"John Ketchum" John answered.

Aiko smiled.

"I was born here and left the other doctor thought there was a mix up but were unsure." Aiko said.

"My brother was told that one of the two babies had not lived..." John told her.

"My birth certifect said I was a twin..." Aiko started sadly.

John nodded.

"What about..." Aiko started to ask of her twin.

John told her about Ash and his growing family. He knew that Pikachu would've run amok if he was in the hospital. Aiko gave Misty something for the pain. John stayed. Soon a baby girl was born. Aiko smiled and looked at her uncle. John smiled back.

"She's so cute." Aiko said softly.

"That she is." John said.

Aiko smiled. John smiled back.

"Where is..." Aiko started.

John explained about Ash's current situation.

"I see." Aiko said.

"What about mom?" Aiko asked.

"She's still around." John replied.

Aiko smiled softly and looked at her newborn niece and gave her to Misty. Misty held the baby. Aiko was exhausted she had a long day. John smiled. Aiko sighed.

"What about, Dad?" Aiko asked.

"your dad died protecting your brother when he was three." John said.

Aiko looked down sadly.

"a tauros would've killed ash had your daddy not acted." John said as he told her the story.

Aiko nodded in understanding. The next day Misty and the baby went home. Aiko was in her appartment and sleeping. Aiko was trying to find where here brother and mom lived. Pikachu was at the ranch going about his daily routine, Running past rapidash in the process. In the meantime. Aiko found out and went to the ranch and saw Pikachu. Pikachu screeched to a halt, landing on Aiko's feet when he tried to stop himself.

"Hello, there." Aiko said smiling.

"pi pikachu?" Pikachu asked. (translation: hi who are you?)

"My name is Aiko Ketchum." She said.

His jaw dropped. Pikachu knew ash would get curious after a while.

"Are you my twin brother's?" Aiko asked.

Pikachu nodded.

"They were told I was dead when we were born." Aiko said sadly.

Pikachu started for the ranch house. Aiko followed Pikachu. Pikachu called out to misty and ash as he ran. Ash looked at the door. Misty went to open the door. Pikachu scrambled up the porch steps.

"Aiko..." Misty started.

Aiko smiled.

"Yeah." Aiko said.

Pikachu smiled as he looked up at his mom. Aiko walked up the porch steps. Pikachu ran inside to Ash. Ash looked at him.

"kachu" Pikachu told him. (translation: visitor.)

Ash made his way to where he could see her and paled a bit. Pikachu looked up.

"I-I thought she was..." Ash started in shock.

Pikachu nodded in understanding.

"Brother..." Aiko started seeing him.

Pikachu tugged at ash to snap him to his senses.

"I...I uh..." Ash started.

Pikachu tugged harder. Ash looked at her. Pikachu tried to get Ash's attention. Ash looked at Pikachu. Pikachu tried to get Ash to make the first move. Ash moved towards his sister and hugged her. Pikachu smiled when he saw Aiko return the hug. Ash started to cry. Pikachu smiled softly. Ash cried himself to sleep. Pikachu looked at Misty and Aiko. They moved Ash to bed. Pikachu would've had to be dragged away. They left Ash in his bed. Pikachu stayed. Ash slept the rest of the day. Pikachu remained. The next morning Ash stirred. Pikachu was already awake and just sat on the bed. Ash sat up and looked at Pikachu.

"Was that a dream or is she..." Ash started.

Pikachu leapt off the bed.

"Pika..." Ash started.

Pikachu pointed as he led the way out. Ash made his way out and smiled. Pikachu followed. Ash smiled when he saw her. Pikachu also grinned.

"Sister..." Ash started.

Aiko smiled.

"I thought I dreamed you were still..." Ash started.

Aiko smiled warmly. Ash smiled as well he was now almost by some miracle was back on his feet suddenly. Pikachu grinned. Ash went to the kitchen and started cooking. Pikachu did as always when Ash cooked. Ash saw his sister watching out of the corner of his eye. Pikachu saw her too.

"Sis, I uh..." Ash started.

Pikachu went and got a item Ash had requested. Ash took the item and contiued. Pikachu kept at his post. Soon as was done. The family joined them. Ash gave them the food know this was his sisters first time eatting his cooking. Pikachu wondered how she'd react. Ash ate and was soon done and looked at his sister. Pikachu looked.

"Well, sis?" Ash asked.

TBC...