Authors note: First time writing for Pokemon, I hope I keep the characters as in show as possible. If you don't like Misty or Poke-shipping don't read. This takes place eight years after the Johto storyline and they actually age so most characters are around 18.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or any of it's characters

Chapter 1: Reunion

Misty woke up with an arm around her waist. She gently turned to stare at the sleeping form of her fiance. Careful not to wake Gary up she got up and dressed in shorts and a tank. She paused to look at the box she kept at the top of the closet with his things.

"Only one month huh" She heard from behind, "All the guests are here early and my grandfather wants us to come to a dinner party at his lab"

"Yeah" She turned and smiled "It's a surprise you would remember"

"Who do you take me for?"

Misty came over to kiss him goodbye and hurried to the door to avoid the question. In her mind she still thought about him. It was silly, last she heard he had settled in Kalos with a girl he met during one of his journeys .

She got on her bike and headed for Cerulean. Since the engagement two years ago she and Gary had chosen to live in a house next to a lake a little outside Cerulean.

She passed by spring flowers and got taken by a sudden memory. It was Spring when he left to continue his journey to Hoenn. Someone once told her Spring is the time for new beginnings. And now she would get her own new beginning.

Most days were spent training her water pokemon, with challengers every now and then. She decided today would be a lucky day when a boy who just started his adventure came to challenge her. An arrogant prick who reminded her of how Gary used to be when she started her adventure with him eight years ago.

Without mercy she summoned her Staryu to take out his Charmander with water gun. His next pokemon, a Geodude was easily taken out the same way while the Beedrill took a double-edge.

The rest of the day she spent thinking about the wedding which would happen in her gym one month from today. She invited Brock, Tracy, and May and Max from Hoenn, while Gary his own friends; his cheerleaders from eight years ago, and a girl named Dawn.

When she came home she let her long hair loose and changed into a light blue dress that flowed like waves did in the ocean.

"Are you ready to go?" She called to Gary.

"Yeah, just finished polishing these" he showed her his pokeballs.

"We're going for dinner not to battle!"

"I'm a trainer, and soon to be pokemon master, the pokemon league is coming soon and I need to train any chance I get so I won't lose again"

The two got to Gary's car and drove in peaceful silence to Pallet.

They parked next to the lab and Misty knocked on the door. It was opened by Professor Oak and the two were greeted by their friends and Ash's Mom.

Everyone congratulated them and Misty smiled. She was happy. Everything was perfect.

Dinner went on as predicted. Everyone got caught up with each other, and shared stories of their adventures. Just before dinner ended they heard the doorbell.

"Who could that be this late?" Professor Oak wondered out loud, "Did you two invite anyone else?" He asked her and Gary.

"No" His grandson answered.

"I'll get it" Misty volunteered.

When she opened the door her heart stopped and she could only stare as emotions overwhelmed her.

Why now? After all this time why now?

"Hey Misty it's been a while" A goofy grin, just as she remembered.

Why are you here?

"Hey Misty who is it?" Someone called but she barely heard. Why now?

Beside Ash, a blonde girl introduced herself, "Hi I'm Serena!"

Realizing she was staring she moved aside to let the two in.

"Ash… What are you doing here?"

"Well I came home but no one was there so I figured I'd try the lab"

Serena and Ash entered and the three made their way to the dining room.

"Ash!" Brock called, "Long time no see"

"Brock! And Gary! May, Max, Dawn, Tracy you guys are here too!?"

Ash's mom rushed to her son but swept down to hug Pikachu, "How are you doing Pikachu?" Ignoring her son she turned to Serena, "You must be Ash's girlfriend!" His mom exclaimed, "It's so nice to finally meet you!"

"Hi I'm Serena!" The blonde greeted Ash's mother with a warm smile

Girlfriend… Misty watched, still in shock. It was eight years since she last saw him and feelings she learned to bury were rushing at her. Anger, betrayal, regret, longing.

"What brings you back to Pallet Ash?" Professor Oak asked.

"I'm here to challenge the Pokemon League again and become a Pokemon master"

"Pika" Looking down, Misty couldn't help a soft smile at the familiar pokemon.

"Tough luck Ashy-boy" Gary smirked at his old rival, "I'll be winning this one"

"Gary! So you're challenging it too… good, I wouldn't want to win without any competition!"

"You don't think I've been sitting here playing around the past eight years do you? I'm not going to lose to you"

"How about a battle to warm up?"

"You're on!"

"Ash!" Serena touched him on the arm, "You only have Pikachu with you"

"Uh! You're right! I need to find the old gang!"

Misty sighed without thinking, "There you go again Ash, acting without thinking" She hadn't meant to say it but it felt so natural she couldn't help it.

"So what are you guys all doing here?" Ash asked.

She felt Gary put an arm around her, "Me and Misty are getting married in a month"

The shock was clear on Ash's face. "No way! Why am I always the last to hear about things?!"

"Maybe if you came home more often you would know" Ash's mom scolded.

"Sorry" Ash apologized to his mother and turned back to her and Gary, "Congratulations, I'm happy for you" If Misty didn't know any better she'd swear he looked disappointed, but why would he? He left without a thought of her before.

"Since we're here we might as well stay for the wedding" Serena decided, "I could help with planning if you want".

"Yeah! Serena's really good at these sort of things" Ash agreed.

"I'm going out for some air" Misty announced and took a chance to leave the room before anyone could join or question her decision.

Once outside her psyduck let itself out of it's pokeball, "Psy?"

"Why did he have to come back now, just before the wedding?"

"Psy"

It was Spring when he left to continue his journey to Hoenn. Someone once told her Spring is the time for new beginnings. Misty enjoyed being the Cerulean gym leader. When summer came she decided to visit him in Hoenn with Tracy. Summer is a time for sunshine or so it's said. The short time with him had her flooding with emotions. Things were great, she was back by his side, and enjoyed the company of May, Max, and Brock. She thought about telling him, then and there but as soon as he looked at her she looked away and she lost her nerve. Then came time when she needed to part ways with her baby Togepi- now evolved into Togetic. More than ever she wanted to wrap her arms around Ash as her tears fell but she was too afraid how he might react. Misty doesn't think it was so sunny that day.

As the leaves fell she learned for herself autumn is a time for remembrance. When his journey in Hoenn was complete he didn't return. Misty could fool others but not herself. She missed him.

Then winter came colder than ever. All she felt was regret. Why didn't she tell him how she felt when she had the chance?

She waited for him, because love never dies. She dismissed any men who fell for her, because none of them rivaled Ash. He was silly, and often got in trouble but his heart was always in the right place… until it wasn't.

Until she heard he was staying in Kalos with a girl he met during one of his journeys. She should have been that girl! All Misty felt was regret but she finally chose to move one. Soon after Gary came home to Pallet and as the year went by, she began to get frequent visits from him. He had matured since five years ago and was nothing like the boy she remembered. Slowly he began to pick up the pieces of her heart that Ash had broke.

After two years he proposed to her and the two began to live together. They decided to wait another year to get married. Misty could finally feel the warmth of the sun again.

Until now. When Ash returned.

"It's unlike you to be so quiet, what are you thinking about" Speak of the Devil.

"Ash…"

"I'm really happy to see you again Misty"

"Why? You're with Serena now"

"You're with Gary"

She wanted to yell at him, to let all the hurt out, but she couldn't.

"What's the deal with you two anyway?" She asked him.

"Well, we started dating about two years ago. I can't believe Serena waited for me after all that time!"

It was like a slap to the face.

I waited for you! I hate her! I hate you for liking her!

"How do you know?" Was all Misty could say.

Ash blushed. BLUSHED! "Well, before I left for Alola, she kissed me!"

Why didn't I tell you when I had the chance?

"I'm happy for you" She lied.

"Misty…"

"I'm getting married now Ash. Can you believe it?"

"Do you love him?"

Misty looked up at the stars. It was the same question Brock had asked, and Tracy, and May. It felt different coming from Ash's mouth.

"Yeah" She told him, "It's getting cold, I'm going inside" And for once Misty was the one to leave him. Their reunion wouldn't change anything. He left her with a broken heart and Gary was there to pick up the pieces. No she was moving on with her life, it was time for her new beginning.

TBC