Would you look at that! I'm already back with the beginning to Part 3 :D

That didn't very long at all! Like what? 2 days? What can I say, except...I'VE BEEN SO EXCITED TO REACH THIS POINT IT'S UNBEARABLE! Lol

Part 3 is officially under way, and before we begin, a few notes.

1.) For anyone just now clicking into this story. You should be able to read Part 3 without having read the other parts. Granted, you will be missing some key points that make this part so much more fun and enjoyable.

2.) I have no overall chapter plan for this part. I have the story planned out, but not how many chapters. Part's 1 & 2 were based to be 20 chapters, but for Part 3, I'm just going to write until I feel that the story has reached the end. So it could be more than 20 chp. or less. It could go either way at this point. Think of the first two parts as a setup, or backstory, for the main story to come.

3.) Part 3 will be headed down a darker path than the others, I mean it is the final part! I will include as much of the light stuff as I can, but ultimately it will be very serious, and probably a wee bit hectic haha. Don't worry though! This will forever be an Ash and Misty story, so expect fluff ;)

4.) It will be following more than just where Ash and Misty happen to be at that time. I know that's how I wrote Part's 1 & 2, but this time around, we will probably be getting chapter's that don't feature them at all. :O Oh no! How could I do that! Once again, don't worry! Ash and Misty story!

5.) Quit reading my babbles and start Part 3 already!

Long, long ago...before People and Pokemon. Before stars, planets, and solar systems. Before the universe was just a speck of dust, there existed nothing. Or more accurately, what living beings perceive to be nothing...Darkness. Creatures more terrible than the imagination can dream, thrived among the Darkness, fighting for dominance. Then Dominion's rose up from the deepest pits of blackness and claimed their place as the dominant force. And for a time longer than a God can live, the Dominion's reigned supreme. Until at on moment in time, Arceus came to be. The Dominions, despising the light emitting from Arceus, began their crusade to destroy the new God. In his defense, Arceus created the first life form, Mew. And from Mew, the Legendary Pokemon. Together, they pushed the Dominions back into the pits, and drove away the Darkness. And for billions of years, the Dominions watched and cursed the light as it has grown...no longer...

"Ash...Aaaasshhh...ASH"!

"Huh"?

He slowly opened his eyes, letting them get used to the light flooding in from the bedroom window. He yawned wide, and stretched his arms out above his head. A light giggle made him reopen his eyes, and he looked for the source.

Misty sat on the edge of his bed, smiling down at him as he stretched.

"About time" she teased him.

"Come on babe" Ash groaned, "can't I sleep just a little longer. We we're up late".

"I know that dork" Misty started, pointing her finger at him, "and who's fault was that"?

"Your's" Ash muttered, turning on his stomach to hide his face in his pillow.

"Ash Ketchum" Misty raised her voice, "it is already four o clock in the afternoon, and we only have three more hours before the wedding, so get OUT of bed"!

Ash tilted his head enough to reveal on eye glaring at her, so Misty threatened him with, "or no sex for a month"!

You'd have thought a plane had flown through their room. Ash was out of bed, and into the bathroom before Misty could blink.

"I'm going to have to remember to use that more often" she mused to herself with a smile.

There was a knock at the bedroom door, followed by May's voice, "Misty? Is he up yet?! We really need to get a move on"!

Ash suddenly burst back into his bedroom from his bathroom, stark naked, frantically digging through his dresser drawers.

"I just got him up" Misty called through the door, suppressing her giggle at the sight, "just go on ahead without us. Tell Maria and Terrence we'll be there soon after".

"Alrighty! See you two there in a few" May's voice came from the other side as Ash swept back into the bathroom.

Misty could hear her walking away down the hall, and walked herself over to Ash's bathroom door.

"Don't be a Slowpoke in there! We are leaving in ten minutes" she rapped on the door.

"I got it! I got it" his muffled voice shouted back.

Misty smiled wide to herself, relishing the authority she could have over him. She then walked over to the dresser mirror to check her appearance one last time. Turning left, then right, to see all angles of herself. Then fixing a curl in her hair, she nodded in approval.

She was in a sleek light, navy blue, strapless dress, which glittered in the right lighting. A pair of the same colored high heels, which forced Misty to be a few inches taller, and she had a frilly blue wristband on her left wrist. Opal earrings hung just underneath her fiery orange hair, which had been curled just enough to give off a wavy look.

The bathroom door burst open behind her, and Ash stepped out wearing a straight black tux. His hair was, naturally, a wild mess. Not that he hadn't tried to tame it down, Misty could tell he had, the comb was still stuck in his hair. He was fumbling with his tie, trying desperately to get it to figured out.

Misty giggled as he walked up to her, and with the most pitiful of expressions, held out the tie for her to do.

"Come here" Misty said sweetly, and took the tie in her hands.

Ash watched her gently tighten his tie, and smooth it out down his chest. Misty then reached up and removed the comb from his hair.

"I gave it a shot" he shrugged, nodding to the comb in her hand.

"I like it better messy anyway" she grinned at him.

Ash smiled back, and then for the first time, looked over her appearance. He had to pick his jaw back up before speaking.

"Wow...".

"What"?

Ash didn't reply, he let his body motions do that for him. Locking his brown eyes with her light blue ones, and slowly leaned in and gave her a kiss. Placing his hands on her hips, he pulled her close, and she wrapped her arms around the back of his neck.

"Oh I get it" Misty breathed out as he broke the kiss, "you think I'm beautiful"!

She gave him a quick wink, but Ash shook his head, making Misty's smile falter.

"I think you're absolutely gorgeous" he corrected her.

Misty's smile strengthened, and she gave him one more quick kiss before saying, "come on! We need to hurry"!

6 weeks ago...

"I'm terribly sorry, but the Hoenn Officials haven't been able to find anything on your missing persons case" Officer Jenny was saying, but Ash was having trouble processing her words.

"They've done everything they deem possible" she continued, "but one missing person from Kanto isn't on their priority list right now. Not since Mt. Chimney erupted".

"But we can't just leave him to Team Rocket" Ash protested, clenching his fists.

"We are continuing investigating here in our own Region" Jenny told him, "but, that is all we can do at the present time".

Ash opened his mouth once more, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him from speaking.

"Thank you Officer Jenny" Professor Oak said, stepping past Ash, "please keep us updated".

Officer Jenny nodded to Oak, and with an apologetic look to Ash, left the room.

"This is bullshit..." Ash muttered.

He was sitting in Oak's lounge room with the Professor, Misty, Pikachu, May, and Cameron. Ash sat back into his seat, placing his hands over his face.

"They could have killed him by now...".

"And it wouldn't be your fault" Oak told him, "Everett stayed behind to give you all the chance you needed. That was his choice, one that I know he would make again and again".

The older man looked around the room at the younger guilty faces. Cameron's in particular looked worse for wear.

"No one told me Mt. Chimney erupted..." he mumbled with horror.

"They don't know what the cause was" Professor Oak said, "however...it is very likely your Groudon was the cause...".

Upon seeing Cameron's face become more distressed, Oak continued swiftly, "thankfully, no one was injured! Lavaridge evacuated just in time".

A tiny bit of the fear left Cameron's face, and May rested her hand on his shoulder.

A moment of awkward silence engulfed them, making Pikachu's cheeks spark in tension. Ash jumped forward as his PokeGear rang out, thankful for the quick distraction. Pulling it out of his pocket, he decided to leave the room to answer it.

Once he was out in the hall, he flipped it open and answered, "hello"?

"Hiiiiii Ash"!

"Maria"?

"The one and only" Maria's voice rang out through the speaker, "hey! Is Misty with you? I've got a question for you both"?

"Um..." Ash turned back to the door he had exited through, but found Misty already walking through it.

She paused when she saw him turn to her, and slowly shut the door behind her.

"Yea, she is" Ash said into the PokeGear, "what's up"?

Misty cocked her head to the side, giving Ash a funny look. She could hear a voice through the speaker, but was unable to understand it. Ash's eyes widened, and he said, "oh...maybe I should have had that on speaker. Just a second".

He lowered the PokeGear, and pressed a button, "say that again"?

"I saaaiiiddd, Terrence just asked me to marry him" Maria was trying her best not to shout with excitement, "and we were wondering if you and Misty would like to be a groomsman and bridesmaid"?!

"A bridesmaid" Misty asked in shock, "really"?!

"HI Misty! Yea, what do you say"?!

Misty was a tough, tomboy, didn't take shit from anyone kind of girl...but in this moment, she couldn't hold back her inner girly girlishness.

"Oh my God" she squealed, making Ash eye her with amusement, "I wouldn't turn that down for the world! What color dress should I wear? When is the wedding? How did he propose? Wait! I didn't even know you two were a thing-".

"Misty" Ash cut in with a chuckle, "slow down a little bit".

"Blue, March 6th, and he surprised me on my front door" Maria laughed through the tiny speaker, "as far as being a thing, that's a looooong story! Come over for lunch and I'll fill you in, and we can start planning with the other girls".

"Sounds good" Misty winked unnecessarily, "I'll see you soon then"!

"I'll take it that Ash is going to be the groomsman then"?

"OF course! I'll kick his butt if he tries to be a wimp about it".

"Alrighty! I'll see you at lunch then"!

Maria's end of the call hung up, so Ash closed his PokeGear and replaced it in his pocket.

"A wedding" Ash asked Misty, "don't we have more important things to worry about"?

"Yes" she agreed, "but we still have to live life. So let's have some fun while we can".

"At least I'll get to see you all dressed up again" Ash smiled, unfortunately, knowing he wasn't going to get out of this.

May walked up to Professor Oak's lab, Cameron right behind her.

"Allow me" Cameron sang, swerving around May and opening the door for her.

"What a gentleman" May curtsied, pulling the bottom edges of her dark red dress out slightly, and then walked inside.

The main hall was already packed with people, which took May by surprise. She checked her watch to make sure she had the right time. Two and half more hours, wow, their families liked to be early.

"May! Cameron"!

The two turned to the shout, and wide grins spread across their faces. Brock and Delila were waving them over, standing beside Delia, Professor Oak, and another man neither of them had seen before. Delila wrapped May into a tight hug as soon as she was within reach, her pink hair tickling May's nose.

"I have something important to tell you later" she whispered in May's ear ominously.

"Ooooooh I love secrets" May whispered back devilishly.

"How's it going Cameron" Brock boomed, shaking his hand, "you two decide to ditch Ash and Misty"?

"Don't tell me my son was still asleep" Delia sighed exasperatedly, but she smiled nonetheless.

"Yea, he was" May admitted, "Misty got him up as we were leaving though, so they should be here soon".

The man behind Professor Oak cleared his throat, gaining the groups attention.

"Oh where are my manners" Oak realized, "May, Cameron, this is Lance Silver. Champion of the Kanto Elite Four".

"Any friend's of Ash's are always a friend of mine" Lance said, stepping forward and extending his hand.

May and Cameron's mouth had dropped open, and they were frozen in awe. Lance looked down at them with his intense stare, waiting for one of them to shake his hand.

"H-hi" May squeaked out, reaching her hand forward to take his.

"Nice t-to meet you" Cameron stuttered, shaking his hand as well.

Lance chuckled, which in May's opinion, seemed very out of character for his intimidating demeanor.

"Lance stopped by to see Ash, and imagine the surprise when he walked in on wedding preparations" Oak laughed.

"Just proves I need to learn how to call first" Lance told him with a smile.

"Nonsense! Ash likes surprises" said Delia.

"He won't like this one" Lance's entire aura changed as he spoke, changing from a happy tune to one of dark memories. The others shifted uncomfortably, May wondering how one man could change the mood so quickly.

"Apologies" Lance added, "that Temple has some dark places in it, and what we found could either be bad, or very, very good".

3 weeks ago...

As Ash and Misty were helping Maria and Terrence prepare for the wedding in Pallet Town...far away in Sinnoh, Lance sat beside Dawn in a land rover. Speeding up the path of the mountain to their campsite outside the Temple. They had driven down to a nearby town for more supplies, but only halfway there, Professor Rowan radioed and quickly told them they had found something they needed to see. Lance swung the rover around, and floored it back.

Rowan and Kyle stood by the Temple entrance as Lance slammed on the brakes, skidding to a halt in front of them. Rowan, having the sense to sidestep, dodged the snow that was thrown into the air. Kyle wasn't as lucky...the snow blasted over him, causing him to let out a loud, "aaaaawwwwww LANCE"!

Ignoring him, Lance jumped out of the vehicle and strode up to Rowan, "show me".

"This way" Rowan nodded, and headed down into the Temple.

Lance and Kyle followed right after the Professor, but Dawn had to collect herself for a moment. Multiple things had happened since their first exploration into the dark tunnels. They had ran hundreds of tests and experiments on the Darkin, and all of them inconclusive...except for one. Whenever Dawn would go near it, the artifact would throw off thousands of different readings that Rowan's machines couldn't keep up with.

"To describe what it would look like if we could see the signals it produces, would be similar to a thousand rainbows, with no same color, shooting out in seemingly random directions" Rowan had told her.

The Darkin also had the habit of making her seizure, and see flashes of a world with sleek, jagged black rocks. So they stopped bringing her near the artifact, and just hoped they could get something useful from it.

Next, when they had finally ventured back into the Temple, those mutant Sandshrew had been waiting. Two of the scientists had been ripped apart right in front of Dawn, covering her in their blood. She could still hear the ripping of their flesh, and the screams as they reached out to her for help. If it hadn't been for Lance, she'd be dead too. Thanks to Lance, and his leadership ability, the mutant Sandshrew had been either killed off or captured and stored securely in cages outside of the camp. The research team could now move freely through the Temple, and had hung up lights, and extra support beams for the weak ceiling.

Dawn followed behind Kyle closely, safe or not, she still didn't like being inside those tunnels. She watched Lance's cloak swish behind him from over Kyle's shoulder. Granted she had to walk on her tiptoes to see over the blonde man.

Kyle noticed, and whispered, "if you wanted to check him out, you could've just asked me to move".

Dawn turned pink, and dropped back to her regular walk.

"Shut up" she whispered back.

Lance and Dawn had grown close over the last five weeks. They seemed like best friends, but kind of like there was more going on as well. Kyle couldn't tell, so he just enjoyed picking on Dawn about it. There was no use asking either, Kyle knew Lance, and there was NO way he would open up about it. Dawn wouldn't admit anything either, so Kyle just smiled and teased her playfully.

"Here we are" Rowan exclaimed, taking them into a small circular room covered in carvings that Dawn thought looked like complete gibberish.

There were researchers copying down the scribbles, and running their finger over them for whatever reason Dawn didn't know.

"Is this entire room covered in text" Lance asked incredulously.

"Amazing, isn't it" Rowan confirmed, "the ancient Sinnohans wrote down an entire story on these walls. Once we decipher it, hopefully we'll know so much more about the Dominion's".

"Just in time to eat with the others" Misty exclaimed as Ash pulled his mother's car, which he had borrowed, up to Professor Oak's lab.

"Food" Ash asked, swinging his head to look at Misty with glee.

Having being woken up, and rushed off like he was, he didn't get to eat.

"Yes" Misty giggled, "food! They're having a dinner before the wedding, you should know this Ash! You helped plan the whole thing"!

"Pika PiPikachu" the rodent bounced out of the back seat and onto Ash's shoulder with a wide grin.

May had asked Pikachu if he wanted to accompany them to Oak's lab, or wait on Ash to be ready. The mouse had thought about it, but in the end, decided he should wait on his trainer.

"Then what are we waiting for" Ash exclaimed happily, found a parking spot amongst the hundred other cars, and soared out of the driver's seat.

"Chaaaa"!

Misty shook her head as Ash raced across the grass to the front doors. She opened her car door, and stepped out onto the pavement.

"Want to wait on me Love" she shouted after him.

Ash skidded to a halt outside of the front doors, and with his hand on the handle, patiently waited for Misty. He stood upright, with his other hand tucked behind his back. Pikachu in the same pose on his shoulder. Misty walked up to the door, and he pulled it open, stepping to the side to allow her access.

"After you beautiful" Ash cooed.

"Pikachuuu" his Pokemon mimicked.

Pikachu, however, went a step further and gave a little bow.

"Oh come on" Misty giggled, "I'm starving"!

Ash needed no further persuasion than that. He grabbed Misty's hand and hauled her inside. The lobby was empty, so Ash hurried their way to the dining area.

"No Ash, it's outside in a tent remember"?

Misty sighed as she spoke...clearly Ash only paid attention when he wanted too.

They made quite the entrance whenever Ash burst his way into the tent out back. Everyone had already been seated among the couple dozen tables, and every head turned Ash and Misty's direction. Turning a slight shade of pink, Misty waved awkwardly. Ash wasn't focused on the entrance he had just made, he spotted a long buffet of heaps and piles of delicious looking food. Chicken, Pork, Mozzarella sticks, Cavier, anything you could probably think of.

He swept them over to the table and instantly began to fill a plate. Most heads had gone back to their conversations, but a few remained on Ash and Misty. Wondering if they were supposed to be there. Maria alleviated any concerns when she ran up to Misty and pulled her into a tight hug.

"I was beginning to wonder if you guys were going to come" Maria teased them as she let go of the red head.

"We wouldn't miss it" Misty said happily, "it's just always a pain having to get Ash anywhere".

"Hwaar" Ash asked, turning his head to them with his mouth full of food.

Maria laughed, but Misty turned pink once again.

"Once you two have your food, we're sitting at that far table over there" Maria pointed, "your group is there".

"Alright".

With a smile, Maria walked back to through the crowd of people.

"Why wasn't she in her wedding dress" Ash asked as he shoveled more food onto his plate.

"While she eats? Really Ash"?

After a few more topics as they finished filling their plates, and a bop to the back of Ash's head by Misty, the two were finally sitting down with their group. Much to both of their surprises, Lance was sitting across from them.

"Lance?! What are you doing here" Ash asked, wondering if he might just be seeing things...or dreaming again.

Thankfully, his dreams of the Dominion had stopped after that night in Pallet Town, but every now and then he could swear he'd see an allusion, or vision of some kind.

"Unfortunately, it's on business" Lance told him, "I have information".

The table fell silent amongst the cheerful chatter of the other wedding guests.

"About the Dominion's" Misty asked, taking a glance at Pikachu, who was sneaking towards Ash's plate while he was distracted.

"Yes, and a little more" Lance answered her, and then looked straight at Ash, "the problem is...it's just a story".

"Well all we had to go on at the start was the story Professor Oak found" Ash told him, "lay it on us".

1 Week Ago...

Lance strode out of his tent, and pulled his cloak tightly around his neck to block the wind. It may have been the end of April, but up high on a mountain in Sinnoh...it was still pretty damn cold. The ground was slushy from the mixture of falling snow at night, and it melting during the day. His footsteps squelched as he walked.

Two of the land rovers drove by, flinging mud in all directions, but that didn't bother Lance. He was used to getting dirty. What did bother him was Kyle, the one driving the first vehicle, had drove right beside him on purpose. How did Lance know this? He could see him giggling in the rear view mirror...

But that wasn't important, right now he needed to get over to the massive research tent. Professor Rowan had radioed for him, and he sounded a little too excited. So Lance marched through the sloshy mud, his cloak dragging along in it.

"Hey buddy"!

Lance stopped to turn at the shout. He knew who it was, a certain blunette that had taken to calling him buddy.

"Where are ya headed" Dawn asked as she squished through the mud up to Lance.

"The research tent" Lance told her, swiveling back in the direction he had been heading, "Professor Rowan has something".

"Any idea what it is" she asked falling in stride with him.

"He didn't elaborate".

"Damn" she grunted, "I want them to figure out that Darkin already so it can be shipped out of here".

Lance raised a brow at her, "still gives you the creeps"?

She shivered at the thought, "yes...".

They walked in silence for a moment, before Dawn opened her mouth to speak, but Lance cut her off.

"No I won't carry you! It's just mud"!

Dawn pouted, "but it's icky"!

"No need to worry" Lance mocked her playfully, "we're here anyway".

He reached out his arm and opened the tent flap for her to enter first. Rowan was in front them almost immediately, tugging them along, "This way! It truly is fascinating"!

Dawn was relieved, and irritated, as they passed the Darkin. Still covered up and not being researched. Rowan led them over to a clipboard that was covered in drawings of carvings and symbols.

"Here we are" Rowan exclaimed.

"Wanna fill me in a little more" Lance asked as patiently as he could.

"These drawing are of the circular room we found covered in nothing but ancient text" Rowan began, "we've translated it"!

Lance's brow shot up, "please tell me it gives us a way to fight the Dominion's"?

"Yes and no" Rowan admitted, "listen to this...Long, long ago...before People and Pokemon. Before stars, planets, and solar systems. Before the universe was just a speck of dust, there existed nothing. Or more accurately, what living beings perceive to be nothing...Darkness...".

Ash had barely been listening as the wedding vows were spoken by the bride and groom. He had walked down the isle as the third groomsman, right beside Misty as the third bridesmaid. Then he stood up at the front beside the podium and Terrence as they waited on Maria to walk down the isle in her massively over sized white dress...ok, in Ash's opinion over sized. His mind had been reiterating the story Lance had shared with them, over and over.

The story that had been carved into the Temple walls was very similar to the one Professor Oak had found in his old book. Granted, Professor Oak's had been missing quite a few details. The more Ash ran over the story in his mind, the more he began to realize that they may have only one hope. Arceus...he was beginning to think he would have to find Arceus. That shouldn't be too hard right? He had a run in with the God once, how hard could it be to have a second encounter?

"I do"!

Suddenly everyone was clapping, and Ash was pulled back into reality. He refocused in just in time to see Maria lunge at Terrence and plant a kiss on him. He looked at Misty standing across from him, and gawked. The light was hitting her perfectly, causing her dress to sparkle, her eyes to sparkle, and her smile to beam brightly. He loved when she dressed up. She caught him staring and gave him a wink, which he returned with a wide toothy grin. He heard Brock whistle from out in the crowd, and clapped along with everybody else as Maria and Terrence descended down the isle of guests.

Once the newly weds had made it to the back of the tent, the preacher announced a few more words, and then reminded everyone of the reception going to be held outside in just a few moments. Ash, as one of the groomsmen, had to put on a quick show for the bride to kick off said reception. He wasn't too thrilled about that, but he figured he'd get to watch Misty dance, so you know...eye for an eye!

Once everyone had shuffled their way outside into the setting sunlight, onto an area of Oak's ranch that had been set up to resemble a dance floor, Maria was placed in a chair at the center. Ash took a deep breath, looked towards Misty for encouragement, and then followed his fellow groomsman onto the floor. And then came the laughter...they had choreographed a goofy dance, where the four guys did a few line dances, and then shook their butts Maria's way. Ash blocked it all out, picturing himself battling in an arena with Pikachu to help him through this moment.

Then he got to sit back and watch as Misty and the other bridesmaids had to perform their dance for Terrence. Now that was something Ash enjoyed. He got to sit beside Brock, and watch as four beautiful women danced around the groom, but Misty was his prime focus. Swaying her hips, and batting her eyelashes, constantly flicking her gaze over to Ash. He smiled wide as Misty blew him a quick kiss with a particularly sexy hip swing.

The dance ended, but the fun was apparently only beginning. The DJ Maria had hired came to life over his microphone, and tried to get everyone pumped up by shouting into it, "Whoooooo's ready for a awesome time toniiiiiight"!?

Misty plopped onto Ash's lap, breathing a little harder than normal, but smiling at him nonetheless.

"That was quite the show" Ash teased her, to which Misty remarked back, "says you. I had more fun watching you try to keep up with the other guys".

Brock and Delila giggled next to them, and Ash shot them a look, "let's see you two dance in front of all these people as they stare at you"!

"Alright Ash, if you say so" Brock shrugged.

He then grabbed Delila by the hand, and hauled her onto the empty dance floor.

"What's this" the DJ exclaimed over dramatically, "we've got another couple dancing before the newly weds? Absurd! Get out there bride and groom! Don't let them show you up on this very special day"!

With a laugh from Maria, she pulled Terrence out onto the floor, and the two took off.

"I thought you danced very well honey" Delia chimed in, leaning into the table a little, "you've improved significantly since you were younger".

"Yes he has" Professor Oak decided to input his thoughts as well, "remember when we caught him and Gary dancing around out by the pond"?

"Oh that was the cutest thing" Delia exclaimed brightly.

"Wait" May interrupted, "Ash and Gary were dancing together"?

"Sort of" Delia explained, "more like trying to see who could swing the other around the fastest. What made them so much more adorable was they were both only in their underwear".

Cameron, who had been taking a drink from his wine glass, snorted and shot most of it back into the cup. May and Misty burst into laughter, and even Lance had to place his hand on his mouth to stop the giggles. Pikachu shook his head slowly, giving his trainer an 'I feel so sorry for you' kind of face.

"Can we talk about something else now" Ash asked, turning bright red, "like, how about Mew? How's it doing at the lab"?

"Very well actually" Oak smiled at Ash, then running his hand through his grey hair he added, "I've actually developed a quick solution if we are in need of transporting the baby somewhere else".

Ash raised his brow, "Oh? What's that"?

"I just like to be prepared, but, should Team Rocket come for the Mew, or even the Dominion's show up...I've developed a Master Ball specifically for the baby".

"Really? That's awesome" Ash exclaimed.

"Hopefully we won't need to resort to that though" Oak said, his smile faltering, "but it's nice to have at least some options open to us".

"Options or not" Lance cut in, "a fight is coming, Team Rocket or Dominion...and we all better be prepared for it".

"Oh you three" Delia grunted, frowning just slightly, "this is a wedding! Stop with the serious talk, and have some fun"!

She frowned at Ash a little harder than the others, causing him to wince.

"Your mother's right Ash" Professor Oak sighed, "we'll worry about this stuff tomorrow".

Ash sighed as well...why couldn't any of them see just how important this was?! Life or death!

"Come on Ash" Misty poked his shoulder, "wan't to go dance"?

She might have asked him, but she wasn't giving him a choice. She grabbed him by the wrist and yanked him to the dance floor. The floor was much more crowded now, and they passed by Brock and Delila leaving it. Delila sat beside May, grabbing for her glass of wine.

"Woo" Brock exhaled, "I can not keep up with this girl"!

"She's not even breathing hard" May noticed in awe.

"I like to dance" Delila giggled, taking a sip of her wine.

"Speaking of" Delia exclaimed, "would the Dragon Master care to escort me to a dance"?

She looked at him with a sweet smile, and Lance found himself unable to decline. Ash's mother deserved a dance, so Lance stood up and bowed at her saying, "of course Mrs. Ketchum".

Then the two whisked away, leaving the younger adults with Professor Oak, but not for very much longer.

"I believe I should pop in on Mew for just a moment" Oak decided, "it's probably a little confused from all the noise out here".

And with that, he was gone as well. Delila turned to Brock, and smiled a little too sweetly for his comfort.

"Broooockyyy" she sang, "would you be a dear and get me some more wine"?

She jiggled the now empty wine glass in her hand, and he chuckled.

"Sure thing honeyboo"!

"You know, that's a great idea" said May, "oh Cameron"?

She grinned wide at him, and he sighed, but smiled.

"Only because you have such a pretty smile" Cameron said suavely, and then reached for her glass.

His fingers brushed over hers as he took it, and she felt chills run up her spine. She shivered as he turned his back to follow Brock. Delila cleared her throat, getting May's attention.

"I saw that" Delila grinned devilishly.

"Saw what" May asked, blushing.

Realizing what May playing dumb men't, Delila face palmed herself, "you two still aren't a thing"?!

May blushed even harder, and refused to look Delila in the eye, "no! Of course not?! Why would we be? I mean...he is kinda cute, with that crooked smile, and those bright green eyes...".

May must have realized what she was saying, because she quickly wen't back to being defensive, "but no way! We're just friends"!

Delila laughed out loud and asked, "denial much"?

"So how are things with you and Brock" May asked quickly, hoping to change the subject.

Delila's grin grew even wider, and she leaned in closer to whisper, "you remember how I told you I had something to tell you"?

May nodded, leaning in closer to hear better.

"Well..." Delila bit her bottom lip in angst, "um...I'm pregnant".

It was like a happy bomb wen't off inside May's head, "say what?! Oh my God! Delila, that's so exciting-".

Then came the worry, "but wait! Are you two ready for this kind of thing? I mean, it really hasn't been very long...I'm not trying to sound like a downer, I'm just concerned that was too fast-I mean-shit-".

Delila cut her off by laughing even harder. It took her a moment to dry her eyes, and then she said, "It's ok May, we've talked about it. We're both excited, so that's what matters right"?

"Yes" May nodded, "yes I suppose it is".

"Pikachu"?

Both girls jumped harshly, and snapped their focus to the center of their table. The little yellow Pokemon was watching them, with his head cocked to the side, and a shit eating grin on his face.

"Was this supposed to be a secret" May asked, with a slight laugh.

"Not anymore I guess" Delila laughed as well.

Ash pulled Misty in close as the dance ended, and planted a quick kiss on her forehead. She giggled and looked up at him, her hair now frizzled up in places, and a red hue on her cheeks from dancing so much.

"I need to sit down for a moment" she breathed out.

"Hey you're the one who pulled me out here" he chuckled, but then said, "alright, go visit with the girls. I'll get us some drinks".

"Thank you Love" Misty kissed him, and slowly let him go as she walked away.

Ash left the dance floor, passing Maria and Terrence as he went. A slow song had come on, and Maria was pushed up against his chest, resting her head on it. Ash gave Terrence a thumbs up, which made him shake his head with a wide smile. Spotting Brock and Cameron over by the wine bar, Ash sidled up next to them and ordered two glasses.

"Enjoy your dance" Cameron asked, sipping on his drink, "I see you kept your clothes on this time"!

"Hardy har har" Ash faked, "why haven't you asked May to dance yet"?

"Because...that'd be weird"!

Both Brock and Ash exchanged a quick look, then turned their head to Cameron, staring him down.

"What? I mean, why would I wan't to do that? Sure, she's pretty and all...but, um...can you please stop staring"?!

Both other boys laughed, and Brock patted Cameron on the back, "it's ok Cam. I remember a time when Ash was the same way".

"Hey now, whoa" Ash defended raising his hands up, "when was I in denial"?

Brock cocked a brow and then flatly asked, "would you like a list"?

Flushing, Ash said, "no thank you".

"So how are you and Delila" Cameron asked, eager to change the subject.

"Having a baby".

"WHAT" both Ash and Cameron shouted, turning quite a few heads.

Brock laughed, having to set his drink down to do so without spilling it, "yea I know! But, can't change that fact now. It's all good though, we're both excited, and debating about who's eyes it will have".

Ash shook his head, and started to say, "Christ Brock, I can't believe you're having a baby...actually, no, it's not all that shocking".

Brock shrugged, and then picked up his wine glass. Then, completely changing the subject he asked, "so did you bring it"?

Ash looked at him confused for a moment, then realized what he was asking about, "Oh! Yea, I did".

Brock looked over his glass as he took a drink, waiting for more from his friend.

"Don't look at me like that" Ash said, pointing his finger at him, "I'll use it right, don't worry".

Brock nodded, satisfied, and finished off his drink. Cameron looked from one to the other, waiting for an explanation that never came.

"Guess we should get the drinks back to the ladies" Brock said instead, and deciding that he probably shouldn't know, Cameron didn't pursue the subject.

The night wen't on, everyone having a blast, laughing, and enjoying themselves overall. Even Lance was beginning to get a little drunk from the wine, which was kind of funny to everyone else, seeing as he was an unexpected, but welcome, guest. Cameron finally took May to dance, and Professor Oak had returned from his lab, saying Mew was sleeping like a rock. Pikachu had wen't and danced with Delila, or more like Delila held him up and pretended to dance with him. The little Pokemon squealed in delight anyways. Ash danced with Maria once and May twice, but when the second one ended, the DJ came back onto the mic.

"Alriiiiiight ladies and gentlemen" he called out, "we have a special request from the groom himself. So, if I could have all the mothers in the room go grab their sons, that would be faaaaantastic"!

Before Ash had even fully registered what the DJ had said, Delia had pulled her son back to the dance floor.

"Oh, I'm so excited! I haven't danced with my baby since he was ten" Delia exclaimed.

"Moooom" Ash whined, "I'm right here you know"?

"And you're still my baby"!

As he danced with his mother, he caught Misty smiling at him, holding Pikachu in her lap. How was it that she always looked so beautiful when she smiled at him? God did he love her...

The song ended, and another slow song came on.

"Okay you lovely couples out there" DJ said softly, "this one is for you".

"Go get your girl honey" Delia whispered in his ear, and nudged him in the back.

As the slow beat started, Ash walked up to Misty. She looked up at him, trying to hide her smile.

"Hi there beautiful" Ash said coolly, "could I have this dance"?

"I'd be delighted sir" Misty said professionally, and Pikachu jumped back onto the table to let her up.

Ash took her hand, and soon they were swaying softly to the lyrics.

It's a gentle touch, but more than enough

She can stop this ole world from spinnin' too much

It's a natural thing and I do believe

I found my reason to be

He pulled her close, feeling her warmth on his chest. Her arms wrapped around him tightly, her heartbeat picking up speed as they swayed. Misty breathed in deep, smelling Ash's cologne, and slowly exhaled. She closed her eyes as she listened to Ash's heart in her ear, beating just as fast as hers. He rested his chin on the top of her head, and pulled her even tighter, if that was possible at this point.

He caught glimpses of others dancing as well. Brock and Delila, dancing close together, sharing a kiss. Maria and Terrence dancing with their foreheads together. He saw Cameron sitting over by May at their table. May was watching the dance floor with wide, gooey eyes, but Cameron was staring at May. He opened his mouth to say something, but Pikachu accidentally knocked over a glass of wine all over him.

She's got a way with me

She's got a way with me

I'm not the same man since she's been around

There's more to this life, I've suddenly found

I look at myself now so differently

It's her love that brings me peace

Misty shifted against his chest, and Ash felt the item Brock had asked about in his front pocket. He backed away just enough so that he could see her smiling face. She beamed up at him, and he couldn't help but smile right back. The low lighting that had been hung up reflected beautifully off of her eyes, making them sparkle more so than they normally did.

"You know something" Ash said softly.

"Hm"?

"If someone would have told us fifteen years ago, we'd be dancing like this...we'd have probably beat each other up over the thought".

Misty chuckled and nodded, "yea, we probably would. Or! More accurately, you would have had some oblivious remark, and I would have whacked you".

Ash laughed this time, "yeaaaaa, that's probably how it would have happened".

He stopped laughing, but retained his smile, staring down into her eyes that he loved so much.

"There's no where else I'd rather be at this moment" he admitted.

"I thought there were more important things than having fun" Misty teased him, raising a brow.

"Nothing is more important than you are to me".

Misty's breath caught in her throat, but she choked out, "oh Ash...".

She's got a way with me

She's got a way with me

Whatever it is, I'll always be under her spell

She'll always be all I'll ever need

I could search the whole world

And I know I'd never find

Someone perfect as her for me

The item in his pocket seemed to pressing much harder against his chest now. Misty was trying to form words, but for some reason, she couldn't speak. She was lost in his deep brown gaze. Ash however, had more to say.

"Misty" he began, swallowing hard, "When you're by my side, I feel like I can do anything! I feel alive, really alive! On all of my journey's I always had another girl there to travel with, because I kind of thought I was supposed to have one there. None of them ever came close to being you. They're great friends, don't get me wrong, but...you were something different, special. And then, I had you again, and lost you again...".

He let out an uneasy chuckle, but continued on before she could speak, "but here we are, here and now. And I've never been so sure of anything before in my life. I love you Misty, I think I always have, just wasn't aware of how much. So...".

He removed one hand from her waist, and reached into his chest pocket. Her eyes slowly began to grow wider. He removed a little box, and held it out to her, opening the top.

"Will you marry me"?

For a fleeting moment, time stood still. Nothing moved, twitched, or even exploded. Misty just stared at the sparkling diamond ring in front of her, her mouth falling open. And just as Ash was about to sweat with worry, Misty lunged forward and smashed her lips against his. She pulled him tighter than she ever had before, giving him the best possible kiss she hoped she could ever give him. When she pulled away, she realized she had kissed him for so long, that the rest of the song had finished, she was breathing hard, and nearly everyone was staring.

She didn't care, she smiled a wide toothy smile from ear to ear, staring into Ash's eyes. He smiled back, but asked, "so...is that a yes"?

If her smile could get wider, it certainly did.

"YES" she shouted, and lunged in for another kiss.

Brock whistled, Delia teared up, May shouted "you go girl", and Maria hollered "I guess we know who should get the bouquet"!

That one amazing, beautiful, insane, perfect moment lasted for only a few seconds longer. A beating sound of a helicopter began to grow closer, causing people to murmur. Ash broke apart from Misty, and looked over to Maria and Terrence, but the two looked just as confused as everyone else. He then decided to look at Lance, maybe he had someone coming? By the look on his face, that was a no.

Soon, it wasn't just one, but a few dozen helicopters flying closer. Their spotlights flashed on as they flew into Pallet Town's borders. They thundered over the buildings, heading straight for Professor Oak's ranch. Their blades caused cups to spill, dresses to fly up, and table cloths to fly away as they began to circle above the reception. His instincts acting up, Ash positioned himself in front of Misty as best he could. Pikachu jumped down from the table and ran to Ash, climbing onto his shoulder, cheeks sparking.

One of the choppers slowed their flying and descended slightly, hovering forty feet above them. Ash squinted to see better as the door was slid open. For the second time that night, time stopped...Giovanni appeared in the chopper's doorway, with Everett tied up on his knees and a gag in his mouth. Giovanni raised a megaphone to his lips.

"Good evening" Giovanni's voice boomed down from above, "I sure do hope everyone has been enjoying themselves"!

Ash looked Everett over as best he could from this distance. The older man was bruised badly, and had dozens of cuts running down his body. He was caked in dried blood, and had multiple burn scars. His left eye was swollen shut as well.

Misty inhaled sharply behind Ash, gripping the back of his tux. Ash clenched his teeth, and shouted, "LET HIM GO"!

Giovanni's laugh boomed through the megaphone, "How about a trade? Give me the Mew".

Everett began to squirm in his bonds, but Giovanni struck him upside the head with the megaphone, causing a screech to echo from it.

"LET HIM GO" Ash roared again.

Giovanni straightened himself up, and raised the megaphone back to his mouth, "I'm done playing games boy. This old shit gave up everything he knew, unfortunately for him, it wasn't enough. If you wan't him back alive, give me the Mew. Otherwise, I will order my helicopters to open fire on every last one of you, and I will slit this old man's throat. You have thirty seconds".

Giovanni lowered the megaphone, and whipped out a small pocket knife, placing it at Everett's adam's apple. Misty's grip tightened on Ash's back. He shot a quick look to Lance, who was carefully reaching back for a PokeBall. Why was it always these moment's that Ash had to leave his Pokemon at home? He then caught Professor Oak's eye, and the man was watching Ash with a look that clearly did not help. All common logic pointed to them handing over the Mew to save everyone's lives...but without the Mew, the Dominion threat would surely win.

"Fifteen seconds"!

There had to be a way, there had to be a solution! Who did Giovanni think he was?!

"Ten"!

Come ON! Think Ash!

"Nine"!

The wedding guests began to murmur and panic.

"Eight"!

The thundering of the helicopter blades were NOT helping Ash try and think quickly.

"Seven"!

Misty gripped Ash's coat even tighter.

"Six"!

Why was no one else thinking of a solution?!

"Five"!

COME ON, COME ON, COME ON! THINK!

"Four"!

ASH!

"Three"!

GOD DAMMIT!

"TWO"!

One never came. A blast of yellow lightning exploded into the side of Giovanni's helicopter. It jolted harshly, and Giovanni had barely managed to cling onto the door just in time. Everett, was not so lucky. He slid out of the side of the chopper, and plummeted to the ground. Another blast of yellow lightning hit the blades of Giovanni's helicopter, causing them to freeze up. As it began to fall, Ash could see the cause...

Dominion's...hundreds upon hundreds of them, zooming through the night sky towards Pallet Town. Multiple things happened at once. Lance released a Dragonite, and began shouting. Party guests screamed in fear, and began to scatter every direction. The other helicopters turned and opened fire on the advancing Dominion's. Giovanni's continued to fall as he clung to the door for dear life. Everett's body slammed into the ground with a sickening pop.

Ash could hear Misty screaming behind him, and Pikachu chattering in his ear. None of it registered though...only one thought was going through his mind...

The Dominion's had arrived...

First things first, the song I used during the proposal scene is called "She's Got A Way With Me" by Billy Currington, just in case anyone cares or something like that :p I thought it fit perfectly with that moment.

Anyway, WHOA! That wen't from happy, and OMG, to the darker side of the story I mentioned. Don't worry though! It only get's worse from here...oh wait...yikes!

As always, let me know what ya'll think! Review's, good or bad, are what inspire me to keep writing this for you guys. Tell me what you like, what you don't like. This story is for you, so I wan't to write it in a way that everyone will enjoy it, while still following along with the story I have in my head.