Trovita Island
The sun pierced through the window of Misty's current room within Rudy and Mahri's residence. The light shone into her eyes, but she was already awake. The water specialist hasn't slept to well the past few days since her mind has been focused on Rudy's offer.
"Do I want to stay on Trovita Island? Rudy said he would move to Cerulean when it was time for me to take over the gym. Still, there's pokemon I want to meet, places I'd like to see, and a lot I could learn out there." Misty thought.
Misty always wanted to be a water type master like her father. His strength and love for water types were some of the only things she could still remember about him. He died when she was so young, and her sisters had been devastated at the time.
That led to no pictures really surviving of him. While doing what her sisters couldn't was motivation, her true motivation lied in the bond she had with the man. He had been so passionate about water pokemon that it'd rubbed off on her.
Participating in the gym challenge gave her so much firsthand experience on how one should be a gym leader. Sure, she would get to watch Rudy's gym matches, but the gyms out here only had a select few challengers. They also worked differently from any other gym out there.
Conversely, she knew her father would be happy if she were happy, and Rudy made her very happy. She also likes Mahri. Of course, Misty would've saved anyone in danger, but the younger girl had really grown on her. Could she really leave them?
Misty suddenly realized there was a group she hadn't discussed this with. Her decision wouldn't just affect her, but her pokemon to. They had become part of her family, so they deserved to weigh in. Maybe getting their opinion on this would help her decide.
Beach
Misty walked to where she'd often trained, and after taking a deep breath, she threw her six pokeballs into the air. "Misty calls, everyone."
Her on hand team appeared consisting of: Starmie, Golduck, Blastoise, Poliwrath, Tentacruel, and Gyarados. She'd have loved to get her Kingdra and Vaporeon's opinions as well, but it wasn't possible this early in the morning.
"Guys, I need to tell you something." All her pokemon looked towards her clearly focused on what she has to say. "Days ago, Rudy asked if I would stay here which means you would as well. My head has been going in circles trying to decide, and I realized I need some help."
"Star. Sarmie." Starmie was the first to reply at seeing it's trainer's distress, and it only wanted what's best for Misty. "Mie. Starmie."
"Thanks, Starmie." Misty smiled as she rubbed the water type.
She may not understand a pokemon's native tongue, but she knows her own pokemon well enough to get what they are saying. Starmie just wanted what was best for her and would support her no-matter what.
"Duck. Golduck. Duck." Golduck added.
"You're only saying that because he knows how to make good water-type food." Misty smiled at the duck pokemon.
At least this was one of her pokemon for staying. Despite Golduck's reason, she will still consider it. Starmie didn't have an opinion, even though the support was nice, so she didn't count that either way.
Blastoise was the next to respond. "Blastoise. Blas. Blas. Blastoise.
"Blastoise, I am sure we will keep getting some good training, even if we stay, but I'll keep it in mind." Misty assured.
Still, she had to admit that Blastoise's point of view did line up with some of her own. Blastoise wants to keep travelling, training, and getting ready for when they take over the gym. Misty also knew Vaporeon would share that point of view.
"Poliwrath." Poliwrath added.
"Thank you, Poliwrath." Misty smiled at the water/fighting type.
Despite his love of fighting, Poliwrath was what many would call a 'hopeless romantic'. He wants Misty to stay with Rudy. After what he's seen, it would be a crime against the heart for her to leave.
"Tenta. Tentacruel."
"Gyarados."
Those two were in much the same camp as Starmie in that they'd support whatever decision Misty made. With her pokemon's views made clear, she returned her team. While all her pokemon made their voices heard, it didn't make her decisions any easier.
"Some of them just wouldn't be happy here while others would be disappointed by me leaving." Misty sighed. "What do I do?"
Later…
Misty had decided to head into town for a bit in hopes of clearing her head. Little did she know, she'd be in for quite the couple of meetings that day.
"We, like, finally found you, Misty." An all too familiar voice spoke up as four legs appeared in front of the water type specialist.
"Yeah, we have, like, been looking all over for ya." A second familiar voice added.
Misty blinked in shock at seeing two of three sisters here. "Lily? Violet? What are you doing here?" She then noticed a water type was with them. "Isn't Kingdra supposed to be examined to be used in gym battles?"
"Like, don't worry Misty." Violet reassured.
"Yeah, like, Kingdra did that little test thingy." Lily continued. "She, like, can be used in battles for seven badges upwards."
"Well, at least she can start battling in them." Misty replied.
Each Pokemon in a gym needs to be tested to see what sort of battles they can be used in. Sure, they have their parent's old pokemon, but they are only suitable for the higher badges. Essentially, they've been relying on the catches Misty makes for the lower badges.
"Still, that doesn't answer why you're here." Misty stated.
"Kingdra, like, has been causing trouble at the gym." Lily added.
"Kingdra's been causing trouble?" Misty asked in a concerned tone.
Sure, Kingdra can be stubborn giver her dragon typing, but she has never caused any trouble. She has always listened to Misty and been a hard worker.
"Wait." Misty stated. "If she's been causing trouble, she wouldn't have passed the gym test."
"Well, like, not so much in a dissident way." Violet continued.
"It's more like how your Blastoise is." Lily finished.
"Blastoise? The last time I lent him to Daisy, she said he was fine in gym battles." Misty replied. "Sure, he's not your biggest fan, but that's because you tried to force him into one of your water-shows. Regardless, you can't just show up and demand I rotate my team."
"Misty, like, what is your problem?" Violet asked. "You've already got the gym, so the least you can do is support us with our shows."
"Besides we, like, actually need to practice and don't have time to slack off." Lily added. "The least you could do is let us use your pokemon."
"What do you mean 'have time to slack off'!?" Misty exclaimed in anger. "I am on this journey to learn to be the best gym leader I can be."
"Like, calm down Misty." Violet raised her hands in a calming manner.
"Yeah, like, you already have dad's pokemon to handle gym battles." Lily added. "Unlike performing, battling isn't that hard. Especially since gym leaders are meant to lose, so they can hand out badges."
"What!" Misty exclaimed with clear anger in her voice.
Rudy had gone to see if Misty was out training her pokemon only to find her absent from her training grounds. He had initially worried that she'd up and left him but decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. He figured she was off somewhere else and decided to head into town.
That's when he heard her sounding rather angry with someone. "Someone is riling up my Misty."
This immediately drew the gym leader to her.
"Like, it is just what we said." Violet replied.
"Sure, like, you are the best battler, but that doesn't really mean a lot." Lily explained.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that." A female voice stated.
The tone was calm and drew everyone to see that it was the ice specialist of Kanto's Elite Four.
"Lorelei!" The group exclaimed in unison.
A small smile appeared on the strong trainer's face at the look of shock. "Why yes, that is who I am." She noticed Rudy approaching. "Oh, hello there Rudy. It is a pleasure to see you again."
Misty and her sisters turned to see the gym leader who came to stand near Misty. "Same to you Lorelei." He smiled. "Trovita always welcomes current and former Orange Island natives with open arms."
"Whoa, that's the gym leader of Trovita?" Lily blushed. "He's, like, really handsome."
Violet was also blushing. "He's, like, a real looker."
"So, I take it this is Misty." Lorelei smiled at the youngest Sensational Sister. "Rudy here tells me you are a hardworking, dedicated trainer."
Misty nodded quickly. "Yes ma'am."
"Please, call me Lorelei." The ice type specialist requested with a kind smile. "Of course, it is my pleasure to meet the Cerulean Sensational Sisters. "Lily and Violet, two out of the three best water show stars in Kanto. Of course, Misty Waterflower, Indigo League competitor.
"Um, you talk as though you know us." Misty stated shyly.
"I would consider it a disgrace not to know of the daughters to my once, great rival."
"Your once, greatest rival?" Lily echoed.
"Yes, your father." Lorelei smiled fondly. "He and I started our journey at the same time. He chose to specialize in water types while I specialized in ice. We even ended up going for the same Elite Four spot back in the day. It was a fierce battle, but I won."
"Whoa, he, like, never told us that." Violet gasped.
"Yeah, like, he just told us it was the family business… along with mom's shows." Lily explained.
"I am sorry for your loss." Lorelei apologized upon seeing the upset girls' faces. "Your father was a good man, and he had my upmost respect as a trainer. Since I seem to have upset you, I'd like to invite you up to my guest house as an apology."
Lorelei's Guest House
The sisters realized this was a holiday home with an ocean view and a beautiful stream flowing next to it. Rudy explained that this was the place he gave to all important visitors to the island, and it was a beautiful location.
"This place is, like, the dream holiday place." Violet gasped.
"Like, yeah." Lily added in equal amazement.
"Rudy does know how to treat his guests." Lorelei stated.
"I do try my best to please." Rudy looked at Misty. "I just hope you are not disappointed I did not give you a place like this, Misty."
Violet and Lily looked on interested considering Misty hadn't told them she was staying on Trovita Island. As far as they knew, this was just a stop for their little sister on her journey.
"Oh no, your home has been great Rudy." Misty replied. "You've been very hospitable."
"I'm glad to hear that." Rudy stated. "After all, a maiden as beautiful as you should only receive the best."
The sister's eyes opened wide as they now began to think something was going on between those two. Come to think of it, they'd most certainly been giving the gym leader an eye, but his eyes had practically only been on Misty.
"Now that you are here, I'd like to discuss something with you two." Lorelei was focused on Lily and Violet. "I think you should learn how to not only treat people but also pokemon."
"What do you mean?" The two girls asked.
"I admittedly observed your interaction with your sister before stepping in and, it seemed as though you weren't treating her as sisters should." Lorelei stated.
"Is that what I walked in on?" Rudy looked to Misty. "Were they the reason I heard you in distress Misty?"
"Uh, well yeah." Misty rubbed the back of her head. "They came all this way to try and make me rotate my Kingdra for one of my pokemon on hand. They tend to make my pokemon participate in their water shows even though a good few of them don't really enjoy it."
"Then, I must agree with Lorelei." Rudy scolded the two sisters. "As an older sibling myself, what you two have done isn't right."
"But, like, we share our parent's old Pokemon." Violet replied.
"Why can't we do the same with Misty's?" Lily asked.
"There is a clear difference between your parent's and Misty's pokemon." Rudy stated firmly. "Misty's pokemon have traveled with her, and she was the one who caught them. Your parents left you their pokemon to be shared. Do you see the difference?"
The two girls looked at each other as the realization dawned on them. Despite admitting that Misty is the better battler, they haven't been respecting her. Really, it all goes back to the loss of their parents. Without them, it was up to the sisters to raise Misty.
It sounds stupid, she was just a toddler, but they had blamed her for it. The worst part is, Daisy was never the same. Sure, she would tease Misty or let their behavior go; however, being the oldest meant she always did most of the taking care off. What have they done?
"We're sorry." The two girls apologized to the Elite Four and Gym Leader.
"It isn't us that needs the apology." Lorelei replied.
The two girls nodded in agreement before walking over to their sister.
"We're sorry, Misty." Violet apologized.
"Guess we were still, like, blaming you for having to take care of you." Lily explained. "We know you had no control over the situation, and we shouldn't have been blaming you for circumstances that were out of your control."
"Can you, like, forgive us?" The sisters asked in unison.
"...Yeah." Misty replied after a moment's hesitation. "Just stop trying to make my pokemon do stuff they don't want to."
"You have our word, sis." The sisters stated.
The sisters then entered a group hug.
"By the way, you, like, totally scored with that Rudy." Lily whispered. "He's not only attractive, but willing to really stick up for you."
"Maybe you did actually inherit a bit of the Sensational Sister's looks." Violet added.
Misty blushed a crimson red, but even through her embarrassment, she couldn't deny that Rudy had, in fact, stuck up for her. That had meant a lot to her.
"Well, now that we've sorted that…" Lorelei approached the group, causing the sisters to break apart. "…what would you say to a battle, Misty?"
"What!" Misty exclaimed. "You want to battle me!?"
"Of course." Lorelei smiled. "I heard your sisters say you are the best battler, so I'd like to see if you inherited your father's skills. Plus, I've caught a few pokemon from another region and have been training then. Who better to test them against than you?"
Misty smiled. "When you put it like that, how can I say no?"
"I know you'll do wonderfully Misty." Rudy declared in support.
"I will warn you that I try to act like water and go with the flow." Lorelei informed. "That changes in battle as I become hard like ice."
"My pokemon are ready." Misty declared. "What are the rules?"
"How about three one on one battles?" Lorelei suggested. "Best two out of three wins."
"Sounds good to me." Misty replied.
"Then, it is time for my new pokemon to make their debut." Lorelei declared. "Come on out to the backyard, and we'll get this battle started."
Backyard
Misty and Lorelei faced off while Lily, Violet, and Rudy stood off to the side.
The ice specialist pulled out a pokeball. "Come forth, my friend."
In a flash of light, an Alolan Sandslash appeared.
"Like, what is that?" Lily asked.
"That is an Alolan Sandslash." Rudy replied. "Alola is a tropical region not that far beyond the Orange Islands. Years ago, many people from Kanto and Johto migrated to the region and took their pokemon. Due to changes in environment, some pokemon had to adapt."
"Correct." Lorelei smiled. "Misty, the pokemon I plan to use today will be participating in their first battles. Of course, I have trained each one, so I simply wish to see if they are suitable for an Indigo League winner to battle."
Everyone there knew that the winner of any league was given a card that entitled that trainer to challenge the Elite Four & Champion of the region. If you failed to beat them, the challenger would be evaluated, by them, to determine if they could keep the card.
It was highly unusual that a first-time challenger got their card revoked considering every league went by improvement. If someone with a card ended up winning another league, then their card would be updated, and one for that league would be given to the runner up.
As for the battle at hand, Misty knew that variant of Sandslash had to be an ice type, but she didn't know if that was all it was. Honestly, it was common for many pokemon to have a secondary typing, and even more common to acquire one at evolution.
"With what little I do know about regional variants, it's uncommon for them to share the mono typing with their original form." In the end, Misty knew she'd have to go with her gut. "Misty calls, Golduck!"
"What an interesting choice." Lorelei smiled genuinely. "As for the field, we can use the land and pond. Now, all we need is a ref."
"It would be an honor to assist." Rudy offered and got a nod from both trainers before taking his position. "Begin!"
Misty vs Lorelei (P. I)
"Golduck, start off by going for the water." Misty instructed.
"Even though I declared the pond as part of the battle ground, that doesn't prevent it from being altered." Lorelei declared. "Sandslash, use blizzard."
Golduck ran for the water only to be nailed by blizzard which also froze the water.
"If they want a head fight, let's give them one." Misty declared. "Use calm mind."
"Use icicle crash." Lorelei commanded.
Golduck focused his mind raising his special attack by two stages before Sandslash came in with a large icicle and smashed it into the water type.
"Metal Claw." Lorelei ordered.
"Use psyshock." Misty instructed.
Sandslash came charging in at Golduck who generated spheres of psychic energy. Just as the ice/steel type drew in close, the duck pokemon bombarded him with the psychic energy.
"Well done, Misty." Lorelei praised. "You've clearly raised your pokemon well."
"Thank you, but the battle isn't over yet." Misty smiled. "Golduck, use surf."
"Sandslash, meet the wave they generate head on with an ice punch." Lorelei ordered. "Then, end this with giga impact.
Sandslash charged at the oncoming wave, which Golduck was riding, and slammed an ice-covered fist into it freezing the water. This sent Golduck flying due to the sudden loss of momentum. Sandslash then turned and took aim.
He cloaked himself in powerful normal energy and took off before slamming into Golduck. The duck pokemon was slammed straight into a rock. As Sandslash backed off, the water type collapsed to the ground with swirls in his eyes.
"Golduck is unable to battle meaning this round goes to Lorelei and Sandslash." Rudy declared.
Trovita Island
"You were amazing, Golduck." Misty returned her water type. "Take a nice long rest."
Lorelei had already returned and thanked her mouse pokemon. "You performed well Misty, but now it is time for our second round. Come forth, my friend!"
In a flash of light, Lorelei's second pokemon appeared, and it was an Alolan Ninetales.
"That looks like a Ninetales." Violet stated. "Is that, like, another Alolan variation?"
"That's right." Rudy replied. "Clearly, Lorelei is diversifying her team beyond the more commonly seen water/ice typing Kanto has."
"As an Elite Four member, one should never be content with their strength." Lorelei stated. "Considering my team up to this point was mainly water/ice types, can you really blame me? By the way Misty, here's a hint. The ice types I have here today, aren't just ice types."
Misty certainly couldn't blame the Elite Four member for diversifying, but it made her job of deciding which pokemon to use difficult. Of course, she hadn't thought Alolan Sandslash was part water, but with none of them being water, she wondered what other type they were.
"At this point, I think I need to go with my strongest or most reliable pokemon." Misty thought. "My strongest would be Blastoise or Gyarados; however, Starmie is a determined battler." In the end, she made her choice. "Misty calls, Starmie!"
Misty knew she would be at a disadvantage no matter who she choose. Even if Lorelei wasn't using pokemon trained to be elite level yet, she was still an Elite Four member herself. Starmie was her most reliable pokemon.
Sure, Gyarados and Blastoise were stronger, and Starmie didn't always pull through when she needed it. Still, it could take more damage than her heavy hitters. Given that Starmie still has a good pool of moves, it felt like the best choice.
"Begin!" Rudy declared.
Misty vs Lorelei (P. II)
"Let's start things off with aurora beam." Lorelei instructed.
"Dodge it and strike with power gem." Misty commanded.
Ninetales opened her mouth and fired off a beam of aurora energy which Starmie dodged before shooting a beam of rock type energy. This was another reason why she choose Starmie since all ice types, regardless of their second typing, seemed weak to rock type moves.
"Let's follow it up with a thunderbolt!" Misty shouted.
"Ninetales, use disable to halt our opponent in their tracks." Lorelei commanded. "Then, hit Starmie hard with dark pulse."
Starmie began generating electric energy only to turn gray and cease its attack. Ninetales then immediately opened her mouth and fired the super effective dark attack into the water/psychic pokemon.
"Starmie, use recover." Misty ordered.
"This is our chance." Lorelei stated. "Use hypnosis to bring Starmie down and follow it up with hex."
Starmie recovered from the damage only for Ninetales to hit it with psychic energy from her eyes rendering the mysterious pokemon asleep.
"Starmie, get up and get out of there!" Misty tried.
It was no use. The water/psychic pokemon was hit by hex which only doubled in strength since Starmie was inflicted with a status condition. It didn't help that, despite recover, the earlier dark pulse had done more damage than initially thought.
"Starmie, get up and use hydro pump." Misty tried.
"Ninetales, wrap this up with another dark pulse." Lorelei ordered.
Starmie remained asleep as Ninetales fired the dark attack at it once more. The mysterious pokemon beeped weekly indicating it had fainted. This was more of a one-sided beat down than a battle, but that was the true strength of an Elite Four member.
"Starmie is unable to battle meaning this round and battle goes to Lorelei and Ninetales." Rudy declared professionally.
Trovita Island
Sure, Rudy was sad to see Misty lose, but he took any position seriously. That said, it didn't mean he couldn't try to comfort her later.
"Return Starmie." Misty muttered as she recalled her fallen pokemon.
She looked at the pokeball. "At least I know roughly how far I have to go before I'm as strong as dad was." She clipped the pokeball to her waist. "Though, I'd say it's a truly rough idea since I don't know how those pokemon compare to her usual team members."
"Well done, Misty." Lorelei approached the orange haired girl with Ninetales by her side. "You battled well, and while it might not seem like it, Starmie performed well. Your potential as a trainer is much further along than either your father or I around this time in our journey."
"I'm not sure about that." Misty replied sheepishly. "The battles were fairly one sided."
"While that is true, a lot of trainers in your position would've just given up." Lorelei explained. "In the end, you saw the battles through to the end which is an important trait to have. One your father would have been proud to see in you."
"Thank you, Lorelei." Misty smiled at that. "That is kind of you to say."
If anyone knew how her dad would have reacted, besides her sisters, it'd be his rival.
"Like, well done Misty." Violet praised as both of Misty's sisters approached her.
"You were, like, in total sync throughout the whole battle." Lily praised.
"Thanks, you two." Misty then looked at them. "So, I hope you won't keep forcing my pokemon to do your shows."
"Like, no." Violet replied. "We've totally learned our lesson."
"We will only, like, use your pokemon in gym battles." Lily added.
With the battle over, the group bid goodbye to Lorelei. They then went to the pokemon center to get both of Misty's pokemon healed up. Lily and Violet then bid their goodbyes before leaving to get a ship to an island with an airport.
It had always been known that Misty would take over the gym eventually. Even though they admitted Misty was the superior battler, her sisters hadn't respected her. They consider battling beneath preforming. Now, they can see that Misty is a Sensational Sister.
The fact that she had attracted a guy like Rudy didn't hurt in proving that she was one of them. This little adventure, coupled with her thinking and pokemon's opinions, helped Misty decide on what to do about Rudy's offer.
Beach: Evening…
Misty was stood on the beach where she often trained waiting for Rudy. Despite knowing her decision, and knowing it was for the best, she couldn't help but feel nervous. Rudy defending her had been the missing piece in sorting out her feelings for him, but it hadn't changed her decision.
"Misty... I am almost too scared to ask." Rudy had approached her, and she gave him her full attention. "Have you come up with an answer?"
Misty had said they needed to talk, and she should have assumed the guy would pick up on what she meant. Misty looked at his hopeful expression before taking a deep breath.
"I have Rudy." She shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I am not ready to settle down. I still want to take over my dad's gym, and while training here is an option, battling Lorelei opened my eyes to the water pokemon that are still out there.
I want to see as many gyms as I can, catch multiple water pokemon, and build up a strong team. I can't do that on Trovita. I would love to start a relationship with you, but if I stay here, I'd miss out on a lot."
"It's okay, Misty." Rudy nodded. "I understand."
"If I never left my sisters, I would likely be left with Starmie, and it'd likely still be a Staryu." Misty smiled. "When I'm ready to take over the Cerulean Gym, I'd want you and Mahri right there with me. Is it okay if we put off the invitation until then?"
"I got to say, the way you describe traveling is starting to make me realize how much I've missed out on by settling here." Rudy smiled at her. "When I proposed this, I meant what I said. After our time together, I can't lose you."
"Rudy, you can't." Misty knew where he was going with this. "You offering to join me when I'm ready to take over my family's gym is one thing, but I can't let you abandon your place here as a gym leader just to travel with me."
"Misty, I wouldn't abandon my post." Rudy stated. "I'd retire gracefully, after this season, to travel with you. You'd then get the best of both worlds by traveling other regions and having my expertise to help you. Beyond that, Mahri will soon be turning eight.
That is the youngest someone can be a trainer if they have a mentor, and I can think of no one better than you to fill that role… that is if you want it. If you accepted, you could continue your dream, Mahri could finally have Seel as her partner, and I could find a new passion."
"You really want to travel with me?" Misty questioned.
"When I said we'd come with you back to your gym, I meant it." Rudy smiled. "Misty, I know we've spent such a short time together, but I can't imagine being without you. Considering Cerulean would be your gym, I'd need a new passion of my own anyways."
"What about Mahri?" Misty asked.
"I don't mind!" The couple heard Mahri's voice and spotted her coming out from behind a rock. "If it means we don't lose you, and I get to train Seel earlier, I'd gladly leave the island." She smiled. "Plus, a journey with you and Rudy sounds fun."
"Mahri, how long have you been eavesdropping?" Rudy asked.
"Uh, long enough…" Mahri answered.
"Well, I guess I don't have much of a leg to stand on when it comes to you two." Misty glanced at Mahri before smirking. "Let's seal it, Rudy."
Before he could reply, Misty brought Rudy in for a kiss which caused Mahri to pull a grossed-out face. "Eww."
Just because she liked Rudy and Misty together, it didn't mean Mahri liked them kissing. Misty had been banking on that allowing her to slightly punish the younger girl for listening in as well as it being a genuine sign of affection for the Trovita gym leader.
Ibrenneke: Maybe
Reader: Maybe it is, but if you have the chance to catch a fully evolved starter, I think most trainers would go for it.
Megan Lyle (ch. 10): I'll keep that in mind.
Elemental-Aura:
Kabuto & Date-
This is Ash's journey, but I do my best to flesh out other, important characters of the region. Pokemon is a big franchise with countless characters. Despite a few outliers, I like to mainly utilize those characters to fill in the various roles. Hopefully, this chapter suited your questions concerning them. In this timeline, Misty doesn't have Ash around giving Rudy more of a reason to want to go with her Misty.
Navel Gym-
I believe I said at one point that I'd spruce up some of the gym leaders, so that was the first. As for Serena, it kind of helps that Ash technically died back in the Mewtwo bit. Compared to that, she can be way more accepting of his scrappiness. Alot of Ash's older pokemon can actually work well together and are quite accepting of new captures. Klevor is that special accepting considering how off on the wrong foot she got with Ash.