Misty accesses the PC.

Do-doop! it says cheerfully. What would you like to do?

search engine: Ketchum, Ash; trainer

results: 101,820,010

article: Ash Ketchum, Long-Lost Legend, Returned? — No, But Click Here For Ten Of His Top Look-A-Likes!

article: Ash Ketchum Spotted In Goldenrod City, Johto — ...poster paid for by...

article: Ash Ketchum, Dead — "We have no confirmation on his whereabouts," says Jenny again, "so, no, we're not allowed to say that yet. Please stop asking."

article: Ash Ketchum, Fictional Character? — Debunking Dangerous Dudes and Dudettes

Misty puts her head down on the table and sighs loudly. Why did she even bother asking the internet? She had gotten her hopes up once before, making calls all around the world and drawing together a team of trainers, coordinators, and Pokémon in a manhunt for Ash Ketchum.

Nothing.

It was with sighs and empty reassurances that she sent them all back home after weeks of work, and with a hug that she left Delia.

It's been nearly three years, and she's still desperate to find him, but she's tired now.

She thinks that if she ever sees Team Rocket again, she'll just hire the dorks to track down her lifelong love without guilt.