Part VII – Subtle Nonsense
Flashback
3 years prior . . .
During the opening celebrations of the Poké League competition (the party for all the trainers and Pokémon), Misty could be spotted sneaking up behind Ash when he was chatting with Gary and Professor Oak, before quickly snatching his beloved hat from his head and running off when he realized it.
Ash was a bit slow to react, but eventually he had her cornered between two snack tables set up outside. Everyone who noticed chuckled at the display as Misty kept it just out of reach long enough to dive under one table and roll to safety on the other side.
That just made him more determined, and he followed suit and ducked under the table. He caught her pant leg as she began to retreat, but Misty soon shook him off in a spectacle that caused roars of laughter.
Finally, in a desperate struggle, Ash tackled her to the ground and Misty surrendered the hat. But she had the last laugh as she pulled him down on her in a crushing bear hug, and to his surprise, held him there.
"I give up; you caught me," she had said playfully.