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Chapter 2: On The Road Again

Misty headed out of the gym, skipping happily with Azurill in tow, but then stopped suddenly to think. Oh yeah. How am I supposed to know where Ash is at this point? I don't even know what region he's in. I should video call him at the Pokemon Center. Misty thought to herself, then headed towards the direction of the Cerulean Pokemon Center.But the closer she got to it, the more her stomach acted up. Her heart began pounding in her chest at the very thought of even contacting Ash. Misty's palms became clammy as she stopped in front of the Pokemon Center. Wait...Why an I trying to find this guy when he hasn't contacted me in YEARS? What if...He doesn't remember me... Misty's thoughts trailed off as she sighed and went in anyways. Misty walked over to the many booths with video call machines in them and sat down. Ok Misty, you can do this... She thought to herself and tried to be brave. Slowly, she dialed Ash's mobile number and waited for a response. Then the screen clicked on.

"Misty? Wow it's you!" Ash said with a big smile. Misty was relieved that he remembered her and she waved to him.

"Hi Ash! How have you been?" misty said cheerfully. It was so good to hear his voice, and she felt lighter than air.

"I'm doing well I guess... So you're traveling again?" Ash said enthusiastically. Misty smiled and nodded.

"Yeah my sisters just returned today. So I was wondering... Could I travel with you again?" Misty said, looking a bit embarrassed. Ash just got a huge grin on his face and laughed a bit.

"You don't even need to ask me, Misty. Of course!" Ash said gleefully. At that moment, Misty noticed something off about Ash. Instead of his usual brown eyes, it seems like there was a good amount of red in them. Misty narrowed her eyes to get a better look, which threw Ash off guard for a second.

"Uhh, whatcha looking at, Misty?" Ash said nervously. Misty cocked her head a bit and looked at him oddly.

"Ehh nothing. It must be a glare or something..." Misty said quietly. Deep inside, Ash sighed with relief that she didn't question his odd colored eyes. Then he started smiling again.

"Well I happen to be in Pallet Town right now Misty, so stay there. I'll see you in an hour or so!" Ash said and then the video screen clicked off. Misty smiled; glad to be with the one she loved again. But she was still pondering his odd eye color. She knew it wasn't a glare. Ignoring it for now, Misty sat down in the Pokemon Center and played with Azurill.

About an hour later, Ash Ketchum walked into the Pokemon Center and looked around. Then he spotted Misty on the bench in the corner of the room, and he waved to them. Misty looked up and saw him. Ash Ketchum in the flesh. Misty couldn't help but ogle him. Ash had really grown physically in six years, and that included his height, shoulders, and muscles. Misty liked the muscles part. Ash looked confused as to why she wasn't getting up to greet him, so he walked towards her. The closer he got, the brighter the shade of red Misty's face grew. Ash, being slightly less dense than when he was younger, took Misty's blush into notice. Ash gave Misty a wink just to get her to react, which she did. Surprised that he did so, Misty got out her infamous mallet and whacked him on the head.

"OWW! Well hello to you too!" Ash said and rubbed his thick skull. Misty just gave a loud "Humph!" but then turned to smile and help him up. Ash just laughed at her random mood swings. When they were both on their feet, Ash brought Misty close to him and gave her a hug. Misty was shocked, but hugged back. Ash had never hugged her before, not ever. It was always a handshake with him, but she could get used to hugs.

"I missed you..." Ash whispered in her ear, which caused Misty to shiver. He gave a small smirk and then pulled away from the hug. Misty was breathless. Who was this new ash Ketchum that acknowledged girls and actually hugged people? Misty had no idea. But then again, six years is a good amount of time for Ash to grow up a little bit. So she decided to let this go as well.

"I missed you too, Ash..." Misty said and looked down, her face bright red. Ash had a flush of color as well, but decided to keep up the conversation.

"Well, let's travel! Where do you want to go, Misty?" Ash said happily. Misty just smiled but shook her head, leaving Ash confused.

"Ash, I want to go with you wherever you go. I like to watch you compete for badges and prizes. So anywhere is fine with me." Misty said and grinned. Ash smiled and then he scratched Pikachu's chin, who was resting on his shoulder. But Misty noticed something was wrong with Pikachu, too. It seemed uneasy, despite the fact that it was with Ash. Misty began to grow concern at this point, but figured that this wasn't a good time to bring it up. She leaned forward to pet Pikachu as well, and she tried to communicate with it using her intense emerald eyes. Pikachu seemed to relax a bit after feeling Misty's touch, which satisfied Misty...for now.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Ash said with determination. He grabbed Misty's hand and ran out of the Pokemon Center, heading towards Vermillion City. Misty was surprised at the softness of Ash's hands. They felt smooth, despite his constant training. She liked it a lot. And she guessed that they were headed for Vermillion City to catch a boat to wherever Ash was planning to go.

"Hey, Ash?" misty said softly when they slowed to a walk. Ash looked over to her and smiled.

"Yes Misty?" Ash said, not exactly sure what she would ask. Misty looked a little nervous all of the sudden, but spoke anyways.

"What happened to Brock? Or anyone else that you travel with?" Misty asked and looked up at Ash, who had stopped to hear her question. He sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

"Well Brock had to go back to Pewter City to take care of the gym, and Dawn went off to be a master coordinator. So I've been lonely." Ash said and winked at Misty again, but she just laughed.

"Ash, you are a pathetic flirter, you know that?" Misty said and laughed, while Ash looked embarrassed.

"Well it's not like I could learn anything from Brock. Besides, I can tell you like it Misty." Ash said and winked yet again. Misty just began cracking up and she playfully slapped Ash's arm. He laughed and slapped her back. Pretty soon, it was an all out girl fight, except with only one girl and one playful guy. Misty and Ash were laughing hysterically and ended up falling on the ground, still slapping the crud out of each other. Then Ash pinned Misty down and gave her a victorious smile. Misty just laughed and grabbed his wrists with her hands. With a skillful move, she flipped him over and was now the one on top. Surprised, Ash laughed with Misty, then winked.

"You can't tell me you don't love that. Look at your red cheeks!" Ash said and flashed a seductive smile. Misty grew even redder and slapped Ash again.

"It's just because I'm hot from all this girl slapping. That's it Ash." Misty said and crossed her arms with a grunt. Ash just chuckled.

"Oh come on, let's go..."