C. Cowboy: This is it, the last chapter of the TOD series. (?) I'd like to go ahead and thank everyone for reading this story and this series, and I'd like to thank everyone who's stuck with me through this series from the original Time Of Destiny all the way to this. I know that the last few TOD stories have had less then happy endings and I hope this one makes up for those. This chapter also contains a shortened version of The Touch, by Stand Bush, and also Faith of the Heart by Rod Stuart. Now, without further ado, the final chapter of the Time of Destiny 4: Moment of Truth. R&R!
ARMAGEDDON part 4: Faith Of The Heart
"Ash!" Misty cried out as she shook his unconscious body.
'Destroyah has placed his consciousness into Ash's mind,' Pikamew informed, 'I do not wish to do this…but it's the only way to insure Destroyah's defeat.' He said sadly as he up a psychic blast.
"No!" Misty snapped lying over Ash's body protectively, "Pikachu, if there is any Pikachu left in you… If the roles were reversed and you were battling that monster in your head, would he hurt you without giving you a chance of pulling though?"
Pikamew stared into her eyes and powered down, 'no he wouldn't.'
"He can beat this." Misty stated firmly, "I believe in him."
Meanwhile…
"M-Misty…" Ash groaned as he slowly set up.
"It's about time, Ash." Misty's voice growled from behind him.
Ash shook his head and looked down, he was setting in the grass, and what surprised him, he was thirteen again, and wearing the same outfit he wore on his original journey.
"Misty?" Ash asked but gasped as he felt a sharp pain in his back.
He picked himself up to his hands and knees, and looked towards her only to see her kick him again, this time hard in the ribs.
"Mist…what are…" He asked as she continued to ruthlessly kick him.
"That's for everything, Ash." Misty snapped as she kicked him down, "My bike, dragging me on that stupid journey, ruining my life."
"Misty… please stop…" Ash begged as she started to stomp him in his ribs, not giving him time to pull himself up.
"No, Ash, I will not stop." Misty growled, "Gary was right the whole time, you're nothing but a loser! You suck as a pokemon trainer, and you will never EVER be a pokemon master!"
When she said that something snapped, Ash caught her foot and grabbed her leg, this threw her off balance and she stumbled backwards, "I am going to be a pokemon master, the greatest pokemon master in the world!" Ash proclaimed proudly.
"Face it, Ash, if it wasn't for us there, holding your hand, you wouldn't have made it past Pewter City Gym." Brock said walking up and helping Misty up.
Ash didn't know what to say, he had admitted before that his friends had helped him through the hard parts, but could he have made it without them?
"Pika!" a voice came from behind the two gym leaders.
Ash suddenly found himself in the Indigo Stadium, a large crater was in the center with a small broken Pikachu laying in the center.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried out as he ran past Brock and Misty and cradled the injured pokemon in his arms. Pikachu's electric pouches were swiveled up and bloody.
"Pikapi…" Pikachu gasped looking up at him, "Pikachu pika… kachu…pi. Pika ka kachu?" 'You knew…something was wrong with me. What did you let me get hurt?"
"Pikachu…I'm sorry…" Ash begged as tears stung his eyes.
"Pi…pika chu…Pikapi…" 'You… let me die… Brother…" Pikachu gasped as his body went limp.
"Some Pokemon Master." Brock chuckled peaking over Ash's shoulder.
"Can't even take care of a little electric mouse." Misty added from Ash's other shoulder.
Suddenly Ash's pokeball on his belt shot open, and he was surrounded by his team of Pokemon.
'What did you do to him?'
'All he ever did was what you wanted him to.'
'I'm outta here, you are no master of mine.'
'Gary was right, you're a loser and a terrible master.' His pokemon growled one at a time at him.
"No…" Ash whispered as tears ran down his face.
"Look at the baby, he's starting to cry!" Gary chuckled walking up.
"Give me back the Pokedex, Ash, you have no right to use it." Professor Oak growled outreaching his hand.
"You're just like your father." Daria stated walking up, "You're just going to set down, quit, and run away!"
"What…did you say?" Ash growled peering up at the crowd of people and pokemon around him.
"We said you're just a quitter, you're never going to be nothing but a nobody!" Misty smirked,
"A loser just like your father!" Daria smirked but gasped as Ash stood up and glared at them.
"I am Ash Ketchum, Son of Red and Daria Ketchum! And I am not going to be, I AM the World's Greatest Pokemon Master!" He then pulled all his pokeballs in between his fingers and pointed them at his Pokemon, "RETURN!"
He then turned to his mother, Brock, Gary, and Prof. Oak, "I don't care what you say, or how you feel about me, I am the greatest master in the world, weather you like it or not!" Ash stated. Then as everyone stood there speechless he grabbed Misty and kissed her.
Ash pulled away from her to his surprise, Misty was gone as was everyone was. "What?" Ash asked looking around, "Where'd everybody go?"
"Bravo, Ash." A voice came from the shadows.
"Who are you?"
"Heh, you know who I am." The figure said walking out. He was slightly taller then Ash, he was dressed in black leather, with a large leather jacket with 'R's on the shoulders, and a long ponytail waving behind him.
"What the…" Ash gasped as he stared at his older self.
"I'm who you're going to be, Ash." Older Ash smirked, "A monster, just like your father."
"It's not true…" Ash gasped.
"Is it?" Older Ash laughed, "How many people were hurt when you destroyed your own wedding?"
Ash looked around and found himself in the remains of the chapel where he and Misty were supposed to be wed.
"You caused this destruction, Ash." Older Ash stated, "Didn't you enjoy it?"
"NO!" Ash shouted, "I didn't enjoy it! I hated it. I wanted to…"
"You only did what you wanted." Older Ash spoke evilly, "All Destroyah did was free you of your human weaknesses. All this was what you wanted."
"It's not true…" Ash whispered looking down at his hands, and finding them covered in blood. "What?"
He looked around the floor. "No…" Ash gasped as he saw, Star, Leo, his mother, his father, Duplica, Jimmy, Gary, Melody, and Brock lying on the ground dead. Then Ash looked toward the alter, "MISTY NO!" Ash cried as he ran to her body. Her white wedding dress was now red with her own blood.
"You did this, Ash." Older Ash said standing over him.
"Oh God…" Ash sobbed as he held Misty in his arms.
"Give into Destroyah." Older Ash suggested, "He'll make it all better."
"Give… into Destroyah…" Ash whispered almost in a trance.
Meanwhile…
"Pikamew!" Misty gasped still at Ash's side, "Something wrong, I can feel it." She panicked, tears freely flowing.
' I think we're losing him!' Pikamew gasped silently praying for his fallen friend.
"Oh Ash, please…" Misty begged squeezing his hand tight, "Don't leave me, not again, I can't handle it! Please Ash, don't leave me, I love you!"
Back in 'Ash's world'…
"Oh Ash, please…" a voice sounded loudly just as Older Ash placed a robe over Ash's shoulders, "Don't leave me, not again, I can't handle it! Please Ash, don't leave me, I love you!"
"Misty?" Ash asked standing up, letting the robe fall off his shoulders.
"No!" Older Ash growled as Ash turned and looked him in his bright red eyes.
Ash noticed he wasn't a 13 year old anymore. He was looking the Older Ash eye to eye, Ash looked down and he was now in his Elite Four uniform, and looked especially at the name badge over his heart, 'MASTER KETCHUM'.
You got the touch!
"I am a Pokemon Master, Destroyah." Ash stated with a smirk. "You can't control me. Not anymore."
"I had hoped to take you the easy way, Ketchum." Destroyah growled, "I'll enjoy breaking you with force."
You got the power!
"What's happening to him??" Misty panicked as Ash began to jerk and gasp.
'He's fighting.' Pikamew whispered placing his small paws on his shoulder, 'Just keep believing in him, Misty, just keep believing in him.'
After all is said and done
You've never walked'
You've never run,
You're a winner
"Get away from me!" Ash yelled as he slugged his older self in the face.
"If that's how you want to play it, so be it, Master Ketchum." Destroyah growled slugging Ash in the chest.
You got the movesYou know the streets
Break the rules
Take the heat
You're nobody's fool
Ash and Destroyah locked up pushing trying forcing each other back.
"You're going down, Destroyah." Ash growled as he grappled with his doppelganger.
"I've heard that before, Mortal, you can't defeat me, so just surrender, and I might spare your friends and beloved Misty."
You're at your best when the goin' gets rough
"Oh, now it's on!" Ash snapped as he broke the grapple, and slugged Destroyah in the jaw.
You've been put to the test, but it's never enoughDestroyah dropped to one knee and was promptly kicked in the face.
You got the touchYou got the power
"Get out of my head, Destroyah!" Ash growled as he punched his other self, making him shatter like glass.
'You haven't won yet, Ash.' Destroyah stated appearing in his true form.
"You're right." Ash smirked, "I'm just warming up."
When all hell's breakin' loose
You'll be riding the eye of the storm
Ash then dove at the monster, taking him off guard.
"This is for making me turn on my friends!" Ash growled as he squeezed the monster's neck, and punching him across the face.
You got the heart
You got the motion
"This is for making me hurt, Pikachu!" Ash growled a little louder as he hit the shocked Destroyah harder and strangled him that much tighter.
You know that when things get too tough
"And this…" Ash growled as he strangled Destroyah down to his back, "is for making me hurt, Misty!"
You got the touch!
You got the power!
'You'll…never be rid of me, Ash…' Destroyah gasped beginning to fade, 'I will always be there…waiting…waiting for you… to give into…the darkness…again…'
"I hope you're patient." Ash smiled, "'Cause that's not going to happen."
'We'll see…Pokemon Master…' Destroyah whispered fading completely away, 'We'll see…'
"Come on, Ash…" Misty whispered as a tear slid down from her worried eyes.
"M-Misty…" Ash groaned as he began to come to.
Misty tried to say something but found her words caught in her throat as she watched for Ash to show who won his internal battle with his eyes. Did Ash pull it off, or did Destroyah prove too powerful for even Ash's willpower?
All her's and everyone else's fears were set at ease when she locked eyes with Ash's deep, brown eyes. "Ash!" Misty finally gasped as she pulled him to her.
"I'm alright Mist." Ash soothed as he held her tight, "I'm alright."
'You did well, Ash.' Pikamew said proudly, 'It has been said before, and I will say it again, the world could not be in better hands.'
"Are… you going to stay like that?" Ash asked as Misty helped him set up.
'I am sorry…' Pikamew sighed sadly, 'As long as there is a chance Destroyah might return, we will stay as one.'
Ash set there for a moment and let this sink in, once it did, it felt like a sledgehammer was slammed into his chest. "Pikachu…"
'It would be wrong to not let you say goodbye.' Pikamew said as a bright flash blinded the group.
"What?" Ash asked as his vision slowly refocused.
"Pikapi."
"Pikachu?" Ash asked with a smile as his first Pokemon jumped into his arms.
"Pikachu…I…I don't want you to go…" Ash whispered as tears threatened his eyes, "I'm so sorry…"
"Pika ka chu." 'Don't say that.' Pikachu said fighting off tears himself, "Pika pi ka pikachu!" 'You saved us all!'
"But…I…I've lost you twice already…" Ash said tears beginning to flow, "and I just got you back…"
"Pikapi, ka pika kapi chu." 'Brother, you never lost me.' Pikachu smiled through his tears, "Pika chu, Pi ka pikachu pi ka kachu. Pi chu" 'Like I said, I'll always be with you. Right there.' Pikachu whispered pushing his face into Ash's chest over his heart at the last part.
"Pikachu…" Ash sobbed holding his best friend tight.
"Pika…pi…pi…" Pikachu struggled as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Pikachu then opened his eyes and looked deep into Ash's eyes, "Pi…I…l-love…y-you…Pikapi…Pi…We… we'll…a-always…b-be…to…t-together… "
The two best friends embraced for several minutes before Pikachu finally pulled back. Ash and Pikachu gave each other brave nods when Pikachu jumped up and licked Ash's cheek. "Pi ka pikachu." "Not gonna say goodbye." Pikachu stated as he climbed out of Ash's lap, "Pika pikachu…kapika." 'I'll come back… someday.'
Pikachu then climbed up on Misty's shoulder, "Pi pikachu kachu, Pikachu." 'Take care of him for me.' Pikachu said as he licked her cheek.
"I'll… do my best…" Misty whispered crying herself.
Pikachu then jumped down to Kurai and the Pichus. He went to each of them and hugged them, then nuzzled with Kurai. The two looked at each other for a moment before they hugged each other tight, "Pi ka cha chu." 'I'll come back to you.'
"Ka pika…" ' I know…' Kurai sighed trying to show a strong face.
Pikachu then looked back at the group before refusing with Mew, and disappearing.
It was over, the battle was won, but no one made a sound, except silent sobbing by those affected the most from Pikachu's leaving.
"Now what?" Misty asked finally breaking the silence.
"Well…" Ash said wiping away the last of his tears, bringing everyone's attention to him, "I think we were doing something important when all this broke loose." Ash said looking as if he had to think about what it was.
"Wha?" Misty asked looking at Ash flabbergasted.
"That is…" Ash asked nervously, "If you're still up for it?"
Misty answered his question by jumping on him and kissing him passionately.
"Whoa!" Brock gasped, as Kurai tried frantically to cover her Pichus' eyes.
A few weeks later…
Ash stood beside Brock at the alter pacing nervously, "Ok, Ash." Brock whispered in his ear, "This time…don't try to blow up the church and kill everyone."
Ash glared at his Best Man, "Ok, is it ok if I just kill the Best Man?"
"That's cold."
Ash started to reply when he spotted his Father escorting Misty in the same beautiful white wedding gown toward him.
It's been a long road, getting from there to here.
"Friends and Family," The priest began, "We are gathered her to unite Master Ash Ketchum and Misty Waterflower in holy matrimony."
It's been a long time, but my time is finally near
Ash and Misty heard none of it, but merely gazed into each other's eyes. "Misty, do you take this Ash to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do." Misty said proudly.
And I can feel the change in the wind right now. Nothing's in my way.
"Ash, do you take Misty to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Ash looked at the preacher then looked deeply into Misty's deep blue eyes, "I do."
And they're not gonna hold me down no more
"If anyone has an objection to this union, speak now…"
"WAIT JUST A SEC…" Crystal yelled running in the back, but was cut off by a flying kick to the side of the head.
"Boot to the head." Leo said standing over Crystal's KO'ed form, "OK, as you were, don't mind us!" Leo chuckled throwing Crystal over his shoulder and running back towards the back.
"If there is no more." The Priest asked looking around, "then I now pronounce you man and wife! You my kiss the bride."
Ash didn't waste a second, but brought Misty into his arms and gave her the deepest, most passionate kiss he had given her yet.
No they're not gonna hold me down.
"Friends and Family." The Priest announced in a loud voice, "I present to you… Ash and Misty Ketchum!"
Cause I've got faith of the heart.
I'm going where my heart will take me.
I've got faith to believe. I can do anything.
I've got strength of the soul. And no one's gonna bend or break me.
I can reach any star. I've got faith; I've got faith, faith of the heart.
Two years later…
Ash paced nervously just out side the operating room door, with Brock, Star, Gary, Melody, and his father watching him each step of the way.
It's been a long night. Trying to find my way.
"Please be ok…" Ash prayed out loud.
Been through the darkness
"Don't worry, Son." Red tried to calm his son, "She's as strong as they come. She'll be fine."
Now I finally have my day
"I hope so, Dad." Ash sighed, "I hope so…"
And I will see my dream come alive at last
Finally the door came open, and Ash as well as everyone else turned looking for good news.
I will touch the sky
Ash looked and saw on one side Nurse Joy, and on the other his pregnant wife, Misty.
And they're not gonna hold me down no more
Between them, leaning on the two. Slowly but surely, one step at a time…
And they're not gonna hold me down no more
Daria Ketchum walked once more. And tears of joy ran down her face as she embraced with her husband for the first time in several years.
Cause I've got faith of the heart.
I'm going where my heart will take me.
I've got faith to believe. I can do anything.
I've got strength of the soul. And no one's gonna bend or break me.
Merely a few weeks later, Ash set at a bedside, in a delivery room. Hard to believe that he and his wife were just arguing about which it would be, a boy or a girl, when Misty spoke up, "We're about to find out…"
I've known the wind so cold
"You can do it, Mist," Ash coached squeezing his wife's hand.
And seen the darkest days
"ASH!!" Misty cried out as she almost crushed Ash's hand.
But now the winds I feel…
"Almost there, Misty, keep working…" the doctor coached.
Are only winds of change
"THERE!" The doctor exclaimed happily, "Congratulations!"
I've been through the fire and I've been through the rain.
"So, Doc," Ash asked nervously as he wiped the sweat from Misty's forehead, "Boy or girl?"
But I'll be fine!
"Both." The Doctor smiled getting flabbergasted looks from both parents. "Twins."
Cause I've got faith of the heart.
Ash couldn't help but shed tears of joy as he held his son and daughter in his arms.
"Can I see one of my children, Ash?" Misty asked with a smirk.
"Uh…sure…umm… the boy or the girl?" Ash asked nervously.
I'm going where my heart will take me.
"Don't make me get my mallet." Misty joked as Ash placed both of the bundles of joy into her arms.
"What will we name them, Misty?" Ash asked with the excitement of a five year old.
"What about…Nicholas and Natalie?" Misty asked already knowing he'd like the names.
I've got faith to believe. I can do anything
"Nicholas…Natalie…" Ash sighed happily as he looked at the children sleeping in his wife's arms, "You're both going to be great pokemon masters, just like your parents!"
Ash then looked lovingly at his wife, "You did good, Mist."
Misty just leaned over and kissed him, "WE did good, Ash."
I've got strength of the soul. And no one's gonna bend or break me.
"Amazing…" Was all Ash could get out as he gazed at his and Misty's children.
I can reach any star. I've got faith.
Faith of the heart
A few days later…
It was around midnight, when Nicholas awoke crying.
Ash and Misty both woke up and went to check on him, and found not only was Natalie completely ignoring the crying baby, but also someone had already beat them to him.
"Pi chu…Pichu." 'It's ok… don't cry' Peaker soothed gently petting the baby's face.
"Pi chu, Pipi chu." 'Don't cry, I'll be your friend.' The still young Pichu soothed as it cuddled up next to the infant. Nicholas finally calmed down and wrapped his little arms around the young electric mouse.
"Awe, Ash… It's so cute!" Misty whispered, as Ash wrapped his arms are her waist, and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Misty look." Ash whispered as Peaker began to glow lightly.
"Oh Ash…" Misty gasped as she watched the unbelievable scene before her.
"Pichu chu, Pikachu." 'I'll stay with you, forever.' The newly evolved Pikachu sighed as it joined the baby in sleep.
"Look like Nick's got his first Pokemon partner already." Ash said as he followed Misty back to bed.
The Time of Destiny had past. And as old heroes enjoy a new life of peace and joy, new heroes are born to face new challenges and new dangers. The Time of Destiny has past, will it return?
It's been a long road…
THE END
CAMEOS:
Star Angelic- Angelstars A.K.A. A*Mon
Leo- Fusionblaster
Jimmy- Avenger 10
Ranma- Ranma
Zarrah- Evil Zarrah
Sayuri- Misty Blue
Ben- BenRG
Fi- Misty Wildflower
C. Cowboy: I know there are others that I have added in here that I have overlooked for the list, if I used your cameo and forgot, throw me a holler in a review and let me know if I forgot ya and I'll edit this list. Thanks everyone for the help and thanks for reading!
One more thing, just for curiosity on my part, and the fact I love feedback, I'd like to know what was ya'all's favorite TOD moment. Was it When Ash and Misty first Kissed in Time Of Destiny? The apocalyptic battles for Ash between Misty and Crystal in Hand of Fate? Let me know what ya fav part was please with sugar on top!
Again thanks again everybody, and one more question, is this really the end?