It has been 5 years since the incident. After the un-successful search, Ash Ketchum was presumed dead.
Misty, now 17, is living back with her sister's at the Cerulean gym.
Brock, now 19, is back with his family in Viridian City.
Ash/Lance, now 17, has grown close to his 'new family' in Carmen Town.
Pikachu and Charizard stayed with Misty.

Misty checked the mail, like she has been doing on a daily basis for 5 years. Alway's hopeful for any information on her friend's disappearance. She never believed Officer Jenny when she said that Ash was dead 5 years ago. She received a strange flyer. She puled her long red hair out of her face so she could read it.
BIGGEST POKEMON FESTIVAL EVER!!!
The people of Carmen Town would like to present, The Annual Pokemon Festival.
Stalls, displays, performances, training exercises, battle demonstrations featuring Carmen Town's Best Trainers in Action!
And a trophy for the winner of the day!
THEME: WATER POKEMON!!
DATE: 9/4/01
VENUE: Carmen Town Square
ADMISSION: FREE!
All ages and level Welcome!

"Hmm, that's in 2 day's," said Misty out aloud as she walked back inside the Gym. Daisy was behind the counter working out figures when she noticed Misty reading.
"What are you reading, Misty?" she asked
"A Pokemon Festival, and the main theme is water Pokemon," she stated, looking up, "You wanna go?"
Daisy shook her head, "I can't, I've got too much stuff to do around here, and don't bother asking any of the others, they have to stay here with me and help. But you go, have a break" she smiled.
"But I don't want to go on my own!" Misty snapped.
"Well" Daisy thought, "Ask that friend of your's from Viridian City"
"I don't know If Brock would want to go" Misty stated,
"All you can do is ask!" Daisy snapped,
"Fine! I'll go ring him then!" Misty snapped back as she stormed off towards the phone. She dialled up Brocks number and he answered,
"Oh, Hi Misty" he smiled.
"Hey Brock, Have you got anything planned for the next 3 days?" she asked,
"Umm" Brock thought for a moment, "No, not really, why?"
"Do you want to go to the Festival at Carmen town with me?"
"Yeh, Okay then! That's not that far away from here," he stated.
"About a day's drive" stated Misty, "You've got your license, you could drive!"
"You just want me to come so you don't have to walk!" chuckled Brock as he sat back in his chair.
"I Do Not!" Misty snapped. "I just don't want to go on my own"
"Ok, I'll pack up and head up to you then, I'll be a few hours" he stated.
"Ok, We'll leave in the morning" Misty chirped.
"Seeya then" Brock finished,
"Thanks Brock" Misty hung up the phone. She walked out the back of the gym where they keep all the Pokemon. Pikachu spotted Misty and ran up to her.
"Pika!" he chirped.
"Hey Pikachu, do you want to come on a trip with Brock and I?" she asked.
"Pika- Cu!" he bounced about. Misty laughed and her and Pikachu went inside to pack.
~*~
"Vaporeon! Water gun, Now!" Lance called to his Pokemon. Vaporeon let out a huge water gun attack at the smaller Pigeotto flying above it.
"PIGGOO!" Pigeotto screeched as it fell to the ground. It didn't get up.
"Pigeotto is unable to battle, Lance, the Gym leader is the winner" stated the referee.
"Yes!" said Lance quietly under his breath as he flicked his long, midnight black pony tail of his shoulder and walked over to the visiting trainer, "Good Job" he held out his hand.
"Thanks" stated the younger trainer as he shook Lance's hand, "Now I know why they call you the unbeatable"
"That's not true! I've been beaten plenty of times!" stated Lance. The younger trainer smiled.
"Come back anytime" stated Lance.
"I will, and next time I'll beat ya!" called the trainer as he walked out.
"I'll look forward to it!" Lance called back. The younger trainer walked out of the gym and Lance locked the door behind him. He let out a large sigh.
"What's wrong, Lance?" asked Mylie as she and her evee walked over to Lance.
"I've been up since 6 this morning, training" he sighed.
"You've been practicing really hard for the festival, haven't you?" she asked
"Yep, 'Cause I want to win the Festival Trophy" he stated, taking Mylie's hand and walking to the back entrance.
"No one around here can beat you," she stated as he turned all the lights out.
"True, but there will be visiting trainers from all over coming" he said as he locked the back door.
"You'll beat 'em all!" she cheered as she hugged her brother.
"I hope" he smiled as he let out his Rapidash and put her up on it. He jumped on and they off back home...
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Will Misty and Ash/Lance meet up at the festival, better yet, will they battle each other in the tordement!! Wait and see...