Author's Notes:

07/16/06- Ok, guys. Please tell me I somehow caught your attention. Or do I have to warpover there and pinch you myself? Hmm? Hmm! Hehe...

What I did was I added paragraphs and changed sentences a bit. I don't know..maybe because I wanted to give you guys the best story possible, and I've been working my brains out to do that. Look at the scene with Drew/May,and the one with May/Brock. Also, the part of Ash's introspective. I've made the different POVs in this chapter separate too to avoid possible confusion. You'd bound to find change.

Heheh, I wanted to be more dramatic... lol. Hope you guys don't mind.

I have plenty of things to learn, but little time to improve. Specifically on details, POVs, etc. But I do feel a lot better because I think my characters do not clash with the original ones on the show.

Timing is key!

So my dear readers, relax and enjoy!


Serendipity

Chapter 3:

Unexpected Beginnings

The pokemon center in Zeldin city was packed with people and pokemon, all with varying reasons to account for their presence. The atmosphere was particularly lively, filled with mixed emotions: excitement, comfort, determination, warmth, and tension.

For those who came to have their pokemon rejuvenated, they were aware that the center made sure pokemons are provided the best intensive health care. The pokemon center in Zeldin city is known for its competence in that field.

For those who came to enter the much-awaited pokemon exhibition event, these coordinators have one thing in their minds-to conquer most of what they can and prove to the world their coordinating skills are unparalleled.

Participants were making necessary and last minute preparations for the event the next day. For May, however, her first step was to sign up.

Ash, Brock, and Max were in the lounge of the building, waiting for her, who was lined up in front of the main desk to register for the pokemon exhibition show tomorrow during the festival.

After eagerly awaiting her turn, May finally advanced to the front of the line. Nurse Joy greeted the young sandy brown-haired coordinator. Then, she asked her a series of questions and inputted the answers on the computer.

"And which 2 pokemon are you planning to enter in the event?" Nurse Joy inquired.

"I'll go with Combusken and Beautifly, please."

"Alright… Hold on…"

May watched Nurse Joy enter the last information on the processor. She was obviously excited and determined to do her best tomorrow. Her blue eyes sparkled in joy.

It's no coincidence I'm here. This event is definitely calling me!

"Alright, here you are." Nurse Joy said as she handed her permit. "Good luck tomorrow. And, enjoy your stay in Zeldin city!" She bowed her head politely. May thanked her and walked happily to the direction of the pokemon center lounge.

Just as she was entering the farthest room to the left of the pokemon clinic, she collides with someone. The force from the collision sent her pushed backwards and she ended up sprawled on the floor. Her id permit dropped beside her.

"I'm so sorry, I-" May finally got a clear view of the person she just bumped.

There, on the floor, was a certain green-haired boy May obviously knew. His eyes were green orbs; most of the time they reflect extreme confidence, determination and impassive cockiness. But, sometimes, they mirror warmth and gentleness, especially when he attends to his pokemon. Drew possess a cool and calm composure. When he's combating in pokemon contests however, he becomes a different person. What is striking is that it's almost as if he had no weaknesses.

"Drew!"

May blinked. Somehow, she felt she shouldn't be surprised to see Drew there anymore. They keep on running into each other, as if there paths were somehow intertwined. Their encounters would usually trigger a sense of rivalry between them. After all, they are competing for one goal.

"Well, well." The boy said. He helped himself up and then, helped May get to her feet. "If it isn't May."

"Drew, you're here too?"

"In the flesh." Drew smirked, flicking his hair. "If you aren't so clumsy, you'd not be stating the obvious. Must have been a bad bump."

Hmph! This guy hasn't changed one tinsy bit!

"What brings you here then?" May's blue eyes narrowed, the disdain clearly reflected on them.

"Why ever so curious?" He said, amused. Drew picked up her id permit on the floor and looked at it.

May realized she dropped her permit and angrily tried to take it from Drew.

"Hey! Give that back!"

Drew raised his arm, his hand holding her permit in the air, evading her hand easily. He had a mischievous grin on his face, almost as if he's trying to mock her.

"Don't be rude, I'm still looking…"

"Rude?" May snapped at him, the tone of her voice raising in anger.She bore a hard, incredulous look on her face. "Rude! I'm the one who's rude! Then the world must be upside down!"

"Just as I thought." Drew ignored her and continued examining her permit. "Entering the pokemon exhibition event, eh. You're so predictable."

May caught her permit card when Drew let go of it in the air. She quickly placed it inside her pocket, frowning at her rival.

"I suppose YOU would join too."

Drew laughed at a fuming May.

"I don't need to join, May. I'm invited, see."

"Invited?"

"Why yes." He flicked his hair again, putting on a cocky smile. "I've been invited officially by Zeldin's mayor, himself, to perform at the exhibition event."

Well, Drew is famous and popular. It's not surprising...

But no, she shook her head to remove that thought. May doesn't want him to think that she's impressed. That would certainly give him the satisfaction.

"Oh, so that's why you feel so special." She said sarcastically.

"Anyway, I'm glad to see you here." Drew told her, nonchalantly, without looking May into the eye. He turned from her and continued heading on his way tucking his hands inside his pockets. "I wouldn't want a boring competition."

Hearing that remark, May's face turned red as a tomato in seconds.

May racked her head for a reply but she was lost in words. There were numerous times, like this one,when Drew would go out of his way and surprise her, without any warning. So by the time she was totally provoked by him, Drew would behave oddly.

His gestures towards her were unfathomable. The roses Drew gave her were the epitome of that. In addition, there were actual times when he was helpful; Drew gave her tips and advices to aid her in pokemon contests. In fact, he was the one who saw through Harley's shameless, sinister ploy to sabotage her during the Grand Festival and warned her about it. May also couldn't forget their little adventure in the cave, especially that incident where in Drew saved her from Team Rocket.

She mused he was a self-centered prick, but, with those actions, Drew could pass as sweet and nice-deep, deep down, of course. She never expected that she and Drew would end up as friends, although neither of themacknowledged this.Despite his cockiness and arrogance, May thought Drew had some good points too...She does like him a little, she constantly reminded herself.Nevertheless, the young green-haired coordinator was unpredictable. There was no telling what is on his mind.

"Hey."

May jerked in her position, breaking away from her thoughts as she saw Drew, who stopped in his tracks, glanced back at her with that infamous smirk on his face.

"Be sure not to crash into people next time, crazy legs."

May scowled and stuck her tongue at Drew; he, in turn, just laughed.

May stomped her feet and crossed her arms.Her blue eyes were blazing strongly.

"Watch out Drew! I shall beat you someday and you won't even know it coming!" She determinedly yelled. There wasno speck of a doubton her face.

Both of them gave each other piercing looks for a brief moment. Finally, Drew smirked and continued on his way, taking a steps forward from her.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." was all he could say.

"I really don't get that guy…"May murmured hotly to herself, as she watched him go. "Is he just making fun of me?"

:-:

"Hey!" a blonde girl yelled furiously as she ran after her deranged psyduck. "Come back here, you!"

"Hihihihihihi!" Psyduck snickered. Its eyes were filled with mischief and gleam, as it played tag with its owner.

This caught Ash's attention, as one person came to mind. Misty's reprimanding, blazing face, as she scolded an oblivious psyduck, appeared in his thoughts. By this memory of her, Ash laughed hard.

Brock and Max exchanged questioning glances and looked oddly at Ash.

"Please don't tell me you picked up something on the floor and ate it. " Brock said wearily. "I can understand you're hungry but-"

"No, no…!" Ash choked in laughter. "It's just that Misty… She…" It was only after a second when he began crackling up again.

It has been a year since they separated, and Ash was surprised at how long they have not been together. To him, it seemed only yesterday they were bickering nonstop over petty little issues, that she would be nag him endlessly of things like brushing his teeth, combing his hair, and even eating properly during meals… His best friend would not give up until she gets her point across. There's no doubt that Misty had no trouble being heard.

Indeed, he missed her.

He and Misty have kept in touch with one another, no matter the distance they were apart. Ash would tell her his exciting adventures and Misty would ask if he had gotten into trouble, like he usually does. It was those moments when Ash found himself a new feeling he did not feel being with just anybody else. His friendship with her was just natural. He liked that. It was comforting.

"What's so funny?" A familiar voice behind them said.

Finally back from registration, May joined her friends in the lounge.

"It's nothing. " Ash said, trying to control from laughing too hard. "It's just that I got a vision of Misty's face when she's mad." He put both sets of fingers to each of his cheeks and stretches them with his hands. "Er faze woud twist inlo sometwing like twis."

With his thumb and pointer fingers pulling his cheeks, He raised his three other fingers and placed each set near his eyelids and did the same thing.

"Twis is Wisty's wangry wace."

Max couldn't control it any longer and burst into laughter.

"If Misty knew you were making fun of her face, she'd be furious." May sighed as she crossed her arms, frowning.

:-:

Brock noticed that something was bothering his young sandy- brown haired friend. He thought it was unlikely of May because she had a very pleasant and vibrant disposition.She was usually very upbeat and high spirited which is why Brock was curious to know whatis up withher stingy attitude.

Frowning, May stood there, with her arms crossed. She was mumbling some things, furiously, to herself. Brock caught the words, "…so arrogant!", "…egocentric jerk!" and "…thinks he's so divine and superb…" and, "…want to shove the Grand Festival cup into his mouth!" out of her ranting.

"You seem to be in a bad mood. " Brock said to an infuriated May. "Did something happen? You were able to enter the event, right?"

"Oh yes, I did."

"Then, what's bothering you?"

"Guess who's here…"

"Huh? Who would…. Ohhhhh…" Brock had an idea who May was talking about. Brock had been a keen observer and he knew there was only one person who May doesn't always act nicely to.

"Drew's here too, huh."

"Hmph! I didn't need to join because I was invited, he said." She mocked angrily.

"I wonder what happened to her and Drew?" He thought to himself.

In fact, there were plenty of things Brock's wondering about.

He noticed May and Drew often conveyed mixed signals to each other, but are unaware that they do. He can't put his finger on it, but the effect they have on each other drive both of them into competitiveness. Brock wondered whether they are just purely annoyed with each other or maybe it's the opposite. For a strange reason, Brock mused that they both actually enjoy it.

:-:

Finishing up at the pokemon center, Ash and the others were leaving. Just then, three very familiar faces enter the pokemon center, with distressed expressions on their faces.

Brock's eyes glimmered, he immediately made his way towards the Sensational sisters.

"Daisy, Violet, Lily!" Brock cried in delight, running with outstretched arms towards them. "My beautiful angels! Have I died and gone to heaven? Then, this must be paradise this very moment!"

"Ugh, we don't like, need this right now." Daisy shoved Brock away. Lily and Violet followed behind her.

"It's you guys!" Ash said, surprised. May and Max glanced at the new strangers curiously.

"Oh my! Like, It's YOU!" Lily chirped. "Misty's boyfriend!"

Ash blushed a thousand red shades on his face.

May and Max gasped. May clasped her hands and beamed at Ash.

"I KNEW there was something going on between you two!" She said in sheer delight.

"It's not true!" Ash muttered helplessly. He was still red on the face.

These things always seem to happen and it's really starting to bug him. It makes him uneasy every time his feelings for Misty would be questioned. It's not that he doesn't mind, it's just that it puts him in a very awkward situation where in he doesn't know how to act.

"Ash." A voice said from behind.

Ash turned and found Daisy with a concerned face.

"You haven't seen Misty come by here, have you?"

:-:

The town square of Zeldin was still looking lively under the night sky. That evening would be a sleepless night for most of them.

A woman was taking her son for a stroll around town. They made their way towards swarms of people to get to a small and pleasant candy shop around the corner of the city plaza.

"Mama…"The child suddenly whimpered; he gave his mom's skirt a little tug.

"What is it, sweety?" The mother tenderly replied, bending low to face her child.

"Look, a pweety twee!" He exclaimed in sheer delight, pointing to the distance.

The mother followed her son's gaze to a strange, but magnificent sight. A cherry blossom tree in the distance glowed a faint pink light. Like a ripple, the cherry tree was conspicuous and began to capture people's wonder and bewilderment.

:-:

Inside the pokemon center, Ash and the others were immediately thrust into a new situation. Daisy, Violet, and Lily lost Misty in an earlier feud and now, they have trouble looking for her.

"Are you sure you've searched the whole city?" Ash demanded.

Daisy, Violet, and Lily nodded in unison. They each have helpless expressions on their faces.

"Oh no..." May said worriedly "Where could she have gone?"

"We even tried calling her in her communicator," Daisy cried out. "But she wouldn't pick up! After a while, the signal vanished!"

"Are you sure she didn't leave town?" Brock asked.

"Yes. We're, like sure." Lily replied. "We asked people around and showed her picture.They are sure they didn't see a certain redhead leaving Zeldin city."

"Knowing Misty, she'd be, like, too scared to travel in the dark by herself." Daisy added.

"Not to mention, there are, like, bug pokemon roaming around the outskirts…" Lily's voice trailed off.

"That's Misty, alright..." said Brock thoughtfully.

"There are so many people in town!" Violet murmured. "How are we suppose to find her?"

Standing there frozen in time, Ash felt helpless. The predicament Mistywas in was no different from before where in she tactlessly ran away from home because she was angry with her older sisters. Unexpetedly, Ash met her. Since then, Misty joined him in his journey under very vague circumstances. According to Misty, she was onlyfollowing him around because she wanted him to compensate for the loss of her bike. Ash thought she was crazy for putting up with the insanity of the situation. No one would follow someone all over land just because of a "stupid, little bike".

Unless, that person is Misty, as far as her motives were concerned.

Ash remainedsilent, hisfists clasped,as the others assess the problem. Throughout their journey together, the redhead was temperamental and incessantly reminded Ash of the certain incident. But gradually, they became very good friendsand have helped each other in their misadventures. Misty even began to forget the "bike dilemna". She cheered him in his pokemon battles, supported him when he was down, and even slapped some sense into him when he was being an idiot. The times Ash needed her the most, she had been there.

With him, all the way.

His thoughts strayed to the time when he, she, and Brock separated. Clearly, Misty was upset when she knew it was time to leave.

Just keep doing your best.

Huh? What do you mean, Misty?

You know...without me there...

And when she needed him...

Quickly, Ash sped past the group and headed his way out.

He'd be there in a second.

"Ash, where are you going?" Max called out.

"To find Misty!" Ash answered back. "Take care of Pikachu for me while I'm out!"

"Wait, Ash!" Brock yelled after his impulsive friend. But it was too late, Ash already left the pokemon center.

:-:

"There he goes again, rushing into things without thinking."Brock bent low and gestured Pikachu to climb on his arms. The yellow-colored rat did as it was told and hanged on his arms.

"He'd just get himself lost." May reminded the group.Brock, Max, and Mayexchanged weary glances and soon scurried to the exit of the building.

"Hey, like wait!" Daisy called out as she, Lily, and Violet followed suit.

:-:

Ash's heartbeat was racing as he ran passed surprised townsfolk. For a reason he cannot explain, he feel that she's in danger. Misty's disappearance made him scared, more scared than he had ever been in his whole entire life.

He tried his communicator many times, but there was no signal.

Misty, where are you?

Ash stopped by the townsquare.There were plenty of people so Ash had to squeeze himself to pass. He looked everywhere, his neck craning as his gaze shifted to one corner to another. There was still no Misty.

His eyes fell instead on an uncanny sight. As he had noticed, people were murmuring, admiring the majestic view of the glowing cherry blossom tree from afar.

Ash was mesmerized by it. It was as if the tree itself was singing an invisible melody, luring people…

"Ash!"

Ash heard Misty's voice from the clearing.

"Misty!" He cried out as he followed the sound of her voice, deep into the heart of Zeldin's forest, where the cherry blossoms were shrouded in mystery.


Haha. I feel evil. XD You guys have to wait for the next chapter to see what happens when Ash meets Misty under the cherry grove!

Lol. I'm sorry if I seem cruel to Brock. I mean, he keeps on being rejected by girls. I am wondering about those poetic pick-up lines…. Did I make him sound cheesy?

Regarding the sensational sisters, I know I've potrayed them as vain and shallow. But, that is part of the whole story. They do care about Misty, don't worry.

I finally incorporated Drew! I had to find the right time to write him in. It was hard to find the perfect timing. Tell me, is he OOC? I am wondering whether I presented him right. What about May? Did I make her..ummm..too hostile with Drew? I mean, I know they are cordial with one another, but I also know they bicker too.

Oh and, what's pokemon without Team Rocket? They'll be written in soon, no worries. -

Comments? Feedbacks? Violent reactions?

07/16/06- Edited and proofread! Added bits.

07/27/06- I added a few sentences in the Drew/May scene. I'm sorry you guys if I'm giving you a hard time. I'm working on chapter 4... Not finished yet, because I'm still figuring out some stuff...