Seven somewhat long months had passed. Everyone grew older, Ash fought and succeeded in defending his champion title against numerous challengers. All the while, Misty's stomach area was gradually increasing, and Ash was increasingly excited about it. Ash was grateful for every day he was able to be with Misty. Although, seven months and 3 weeks after Ash's birthday meant that Misty's birthday was here. She would now be 18, and figured she would no longer afraid of becoming a naive teenage mother. Ash was prepared to make her 18th birthday a special one. For her birthday, Ash made reservations at a very classy French restaurant in Cerulean, something Misty was looking forward to.

The night of her birthday, Ash decided to wear an interesting blue tuxedo with a red rose corsage in the coat pocket. Misty had stood outside of the Cerulean Gym in a maternity-style aqua-colored silk dress with shoulder straps. The air that night was cool, and she wore a brown leather jacket to keep herself warm. She suddenly noticed a long, black limousine pull up in front of her. She was face to face with the last window, and the door suddenly opened, Ash was sitting inside. She was a bit stunned, but got inside and closed the door as the driver pulled away and began driving toward the restaurant.

"This is...Very fancy..." Misty distantly stated as she looked around. There was a small TV that was not on, and a small refrigerator. The limo was quite long, and, besides where she was sitting, there were 2 other couches on the sides.
"Well, I wanted to make you happy for your birthday and...I figured this could be a good start." Ash replied with a proud smile. She looked to him and smiled back.
"It is...Thank you. But, this isn't too much trouble, is it? I mean, you didn't pay--" He cut her off by placing a gentle finger on her lips, shushing her.
"It's okay. It doesn't matter how much anything costs, because I'll do anything for you." Misty was yet again overcome by his sweet words, and pulled him in by his collar for a kiss. Just a few seconds later, the driver announced something to them.
"We're here." Ash and Misty unwillingly broke their kiss, and the driver suddenly opened the door, taking Misty's hand, and allowing her to step out, Ash following right behind. The found themselves stepping onto a perfectly clean red carpet, obviously a warm welcome. But, besides that, they found hundreds of cheering people behind velvet ropes on each side of the carpet.
"Do they come free with the meal?" Misty asked, playfully. Ash just shrugged and the two of them began to walk down the carpet, security suddenly stepping in to hold them all back. Most of them just cheered with banners and signs saying "WE LOVE ASH." Others had pads with pens begging for autographs. The two of them just kept moving toward the entrance of the restaurant, eventually reaching the door and entering.

As they entered the restaurant the night of her birthday, the maitre'd respectfully greeted them, took their coats, and led them toward their table. Ash proceeded to sit in his own chair while the maitre'd held a second chair out for Misty. She thanked the maitre'd, and he gently pushed her chair in for her after she was seated. Ash placed his hands on the table, almost impatient to eat. While they awaited for the waiter to take their order, they looked around the place. The restaurant was huge, enough to accommodate 500 people, which was almost the number of people there. All of the customers greeted Ash, who was a treated as a celebrity and his loving girlfriend, Misty. The smell of various delectable foods lingered in the air, stirring up their appetites. Misty reached across the table, and took Ash's hand in hers. He looked from around the restaurant, to Misty's eyes.

"I want to thank you...for everything you've done for me." She spoke with sincerity in her blue pools. He smiled, and placed his other hand on top of hers.
"And, I want to thank you...for the same." Misty smiled.
"I don't know what I'd do without you. Ever since your birthday you've been so nice to me and never let me feel alone."
"Well, I mean, I do love you and all, and I just want you to be happy..." Ash replied.
"And I am." She cherished this quality moment with the one she loved, staring deeply into his eyes, Ash doing the same. But, it didn't last long, since the waiter cleared his throat to snap the two out of their trance. They blinked, looking surprised.
"Are you ready to order?" The waiter asked with a very French accent. The two of them stared at each other puzzled, looking around everywhere for something.
"Where are the menus?" Ash asked. The waiter looked shocked, then looked at Misty, who was still looking for the menus. The waiter inconspicuously gave Ash some random hand signals, and Ash made up some hand signals in reply. The waiter nodded, and walked off. Misty stared at Ash, puzzled.
"What was that about?" She asked, looking at the waiter. Ash shrugged.

"I don't know. Bur, since he's gone, I want to give you your birthday present, and I know you won't be disappointed..." He trailed off. She smiled brightly, and Ash began searching every one of his pockets for his present. Then, he found it, and pulled it out of his left, inside coat pocket. It was a small, velvet black box. He had closed his eyes, smiling, holding it up closer to Misty, preparing to see a surprised look on her face. "Misty..." He started, opening his eyes. "Will you--" He stopped suddenly to see Misty didn't look very excited, and more like she was in pain. Ash looked concerned. "Misty? What's wrong?" Her arms were hugged around her bulbous stomach area, and she was panting heavily. Customers who were staring at the two were now looking in fear.
"Ash, I'm in a little bit of pain here..." She mumbled, groaning.
"Misty...? Quick! Someone, call an ambulance!" Everyone who had a cell phone in the restaurant dialed for an ambulance at the same time. Ash jumped out of his chair, and kneeled down at Misty's side, rubbing her back, caressingly.
"Don't worry, Misty. It's going to be okay..." He said, trying to calm her. But, he, too, was worried for Misty. She weakly smiled and nodded, huffing. The ambulance arrived in record time, and a couple of rescuers wheeled a stretcher into the restaurant, causing a major scene. Misty willingly got up to lay on it, under the cautious eyes of Ash and the rescuers. They quickly wheeled her out of the restaurant and into the ambulance, to take her to the hospital, leaving those in the restaurant to worry about Misty.


The plot thickens! Next chapter: "The Legacy Reborn." You can only guess what that means...