This is the sequel to my other fanfiction, "I'll Be There". I do not own Pokemon at all. Reviews are welcome!(:

"Good job, Pikachu!" I awarded the yellow creature with a snack. We had been training in the tall grass for about an hour now. Pikachu cooed and nuzzled my hand. What a shame it was, having such a remarkable Pokémon whose master didn't even try to care anymore. Ash was…who knows where, like usual.

I sat down by the lake and watched Psyduck mess around in the sand. This reminded me of Gary, when we were together at the lake in Cerulean looking for a Seaking. I wonder what he has been up to. I could easily find out but there was a part of me that didn't want to.

We used to send each other letters regularly in secret but one day, Ash found out. He got really angry and said he felt betrayed. He made me promise not to talk to Gary anymore because he was just using me to get to him. I don't know why, but I agreed. It was easier to go along with Ash than to fight against him and I guess I shouldn't have lied to him anyway.

I shook my head; Gary was probably dating some gorgeous girl and living the life of a celebrity. Not thinking about me as often as I thought of him, I bet. I called back Psyduck and picked up Pikachu, heading back to the house we had been staying at in Nimbasa City for two months.

Two months, I had to roll my eyes, and I had only been traveling with Ash for 6. That shows how much Ash has changed. Before, we would've whipped past this city in a week, not pausing for a breath.

Last week, Ash FINALLY battled the gym leader. Thanks to me, might I add, since I was the one who actually trained his Pokémon as well as my own. Of course, he won easily. I expected to be on the road by now but Ash said he wasn't ready to leave.

"Three years I waited for this. And here I am, literally suffocating with boredom." I mumbled to myself, swinging the door open of my room and laying on my bed. Apparently, Ash was in the house because I heard him clamber up the stairs in his lazy-like fashion.

"Mist?" He leaned in the door way, "You missed a freaking SPECTACULAR party last night. How come?" He gave me the set of puppy eyes that I fell in love with all those years ago. It was the moments like this that kept me from leaving. Ash was the same person on the inside; he just…utilized a part of him now that was dormant before.

I shrugged, "Crowds aren't really my thing, and you know that. Besides, I am completely bored with Nimbasa. Can't we move on now?" Going into 'suck up to Ash' mode, I stretched out on my bed and gave a cutsie smile.

Ash returned with a slightly creepier version but stayed silent. He had expressed more than interest in having a relationship with me but I have been hesitant. Ah, the cruel irony. I used to dream of the day he noticed me in a way beyond friendship but now that he did, I couldn't stand it.

Flirting with him, though, was the only way to get anything productive done.

"I dunno, Mist. Why do we have to rush? The Pokémon League isn't going anywhere, we've got time." Ash slowly walked over and sat on the bed. I abruptly sat up and drew my feet into my chest, awkwardly trying to hide my discomfort. "Misty, I am so glad you are with me again. May, Dawn, they weren't the same." His tone was smooth and steady, his gray eyes locked on mine. That didn't stop you from trying them out for size, huh? I thought bitterly.

"I'm happy to be here too," Pausing to think of another way to convince him to travel onwards, "Do you think we can see Brock anytime soon?" I strategically placed that question in order to motivate Ash.

Ash's gaze faltered, "Uh, I guess. I actually have no idea where he is now…but I'll see." He patted me on the thigh which sent a shiver down my spine and left my room.

He hasn't been keeping in touch with Brock? I did for the first two years but after that I wasn't able to reach him. I thought he just moved and didn't pass on the information to me but I couldn't imagine him not staying in contact with Ash.

There were so many holes in Ash's years spent away that I didn't even know what questions to ask. I know that his Dawn and May relationships had both ended badly but could he have possibly messed up his friendship with Brock too?

I went downstairs and flipped absent-mindedly through the mail, kind of wishing there'd be a letter from Gary but I knew there wouldn't.

To Ash Ketchum, From the United Pokémon Society.

This caught my interest and, knowing Ash would never look at it, I ripped the envelope open.

Dear Ash Ketchum,

As you may know, a huge collaborative Pokémon research project has been in progress since the beginning of last year. Many great professors, watchers, masters, and researchers have been a part of this study, which is now concluding. In honor of this event, you a cordially invited to join other important figures in the Pokémon world to attend the Pokémon Gala.

The Guest-Of-Honor is Professor Oak, who will be retiring soon after.

You may bring one companion and please RSVP in the next week.

Thank you, The UPS

My tight grip on the paper left crumpled indents on the side, an effect of my hopes drastically rising. This was perfect, Ash couldn't miss out on this, and it was in honor of Professor Oak after all!

I ran outside to find Ash, keeping a firm hold on the letter. I found him hanging out in the theme park and pulled him aside.

"Look at this, Ash. You were invited to this exclusive party thing!" I shoved the letter at him while pretending to just have an innocent excitement.

Ash looked it over and shrugged, "It's just some stupid, boring old people fest, Mist. Waste of time." He handed me back the invitation and started to walk back to his groupies.

"No, wait!" I grabbed his wrist and did the most desperate thing, "I really, really want to go, Ash. Professor Oak is like family to me and I NEED to be there. Maybe we could...go together…together…" I whispered seductively, feeling like a pathetic fool.

Is this what I've turned into? A fake, whiny girl who would do anything to get what she wants?

This offer intrigued Ash, his eyebrows raised, "Together? Misty, you mean, as my date?" Hope filled his eyes and I nodded sincerely.

"If you wanted to go out with me, in that way, why didn't you just say so? It can be done like that," He dramatically snapped his fingers, "You don't need to use some ugly, old party as an excuse. I'll throw one here for you ins-"

"No, Ash, that's sweet but I really want to go to the Gala." I interrupted him, trying to steer him back to submission. But I know I made a mistake by asserting my dominance over him when his expression darkened.

"Misty, we are not going to that party," He growled.

Ash was messing with the Queen of Stubborn Angst and he wasn't aware of how well I reigned.

"Well, Ash, I want to go."

"I don't."

"Kay, thanks for your opinion. Just so you know I'm still going."

"You weren't invited."

"I can think of a way to get an invite, Ash darling, don't you worry."

"Misty, I said no!"

He was getting really angry and his friends were starting to stare. No matter what happens, I promised myself, I could not back down.

"I heard you the first time; I'm not forcing you to go. I'm just telling you that I WILL." And I turned on my heel and walked back to the house.

Ash yelled but didn't chase after me. Wow, I forgot how exhilarating an argument could be. Made me miss those petty fights I used to get with Gary…

No, I have to concentrate on my next step. Time to make some calls and rustle up an invitation, which I didn't expect would be too hard.

"Hi, Mrs. Ketchum? Yeah, it's me, Misty. I was wondering if you knew how I could get an extra invititaion to the Pokémon Gala…"