The sun shone high in Sinnoh, as Misty strolled along the pathway with an exuberant Azurill in her arms. The long grass tickled against her exposed legs, for she never lost the preference of shorter shorts. A black midriff baring top covered her breasts, and a light blue sweater was over it. It was not quite as warm in Sinnoh as it was in Kanto, and having just arrived, she was anxious to meet up with an old friend.
It didn't take too long, for she saw him perched on a stout rock not far ahead. Azurill got excited and started wiggling until it was freed from Misty's hold. It bounced its way over to him and hopped up alongside him, startling him when it emitted a joyous "Zurill, azurill!" and cuddled against his arm.
Misty caught up, waving ecstatically at the black-haired man now waiting for her. He put his sketch pad down and met up with her halfway, embracing her strongly.
"It's nice to see you again, Tracey," Misty said, separating her from his arms, somewhat reluctantly for it was warm being surrounded by his strength. "Can I see what you're drawing?" He nodded his head and when he showed her, it was her Psyduck, who was unable to evolve into a Golduck no matter how much she trained it.
"I just came from the Pokecenter, and Nurse Joy called Hearthome City for me, and it turns out Ash and Brock are on their way to Canalave already. So we should be seeing them shortly. They'll make a stop at the center, so do you want to wait for them there?" Tracey asked, gathering up his items and affectionately patting Azurill on the head.
Misty nodded, butterfrees toiling in her stomach. It had been a long time since she'd seen her two friends, since she had no choice but to return to the Cerulean gym so her sisters could go on their tour for their mermaid show. Once they returned, Misty decided it was time to see her friends, if only for a short while. Tracey wired money for her ferry ticket to Sinnoh, and gave her instructions on where to meet with him. It already warmed her heart to see him, for it has been a couple months since he decided to visit family in Sinnoh and take a break from sketching for Professor Oak.
He ruffled her hair, now kept out if it's side-ponytail, but still kept short beneath her chin. She smiled and punched his arm, and together they headed towards the Pokecenter.
It felt strange to be away from the gym, for it has been a few years now since she had first went back. The last time she saw her friends, they had May along with them, and though she got along with her, she was a little apprehensive about their relationship. Brock had ensured her that they were just friends, and that May actually had a relationship with Drew, and had no interest in Ash whatsoever. Also in that reunion, she lost her Togetic, another dear friend.
"Want me to take that pack for you?" he asked, dragging her out of thoughts of the past. Misty shook her head and insisted on carrying it herself. Then he continued, "Are you alright, Misty? Something seems to be bothering you."
She forced a smile, "Everything's fine. I'm just tired from the ferry is all."
When they arrived at the Pokecenter, Tracey opened the door for her, but Misty didn't get too far. At the counter was a tall, brown-haired man alongside a shorter, leaner, black-haired man. Clinging to the latter man's arm was a blue-haired girl. Instantly Misty knew it was Ash and Brock, but the sight of the girl hanging on his arm made her want to crawl back to Sinnoh.
