Hello again everyone, this chapter may feel like not much happens, but I promise everything will be related to the future of the story.

Chapter 4

"Everybody, I'm home," Misty yelled when she jogged through the automatic doors of the gym. Although it had only been a week she was still happy to be back. On the other hand she wished she was still free to explore, it was an odd mix of emotions, but she decided to focus on the positive feelings.

"Misty, you're back," Daisy had been by the front desk so she hopped up and brought her into a hug.

"Hi Daisy, how have things been here without me?" Misty asked trying to trust her sisters had kept things in order.

"Like, great," Daisy smiled, giving Misty a bit of relief.

"Really?" Misty wasn't necessarily surprised, but she was happy.

"Yeah, we had another water show which was a big hit," Misty smiled at her excitement rather than roll her eyes but Daisy continued, "and we won like most of the battles when people challenged us."

"You did?" Once again Misty tried not to be surprised.

"Most of them were like really weak and our Pokemon beat them easily. There were a few tougher trainers who beat us, but only a few," Daisy looked pretty excited with herself. It really was much better than back when they would lose multiple matches in a day.

"I'm glad you guys are making an effort," Misty gave a genuine smile. Her sisters were very good at what they did and what they were meant to do, it just wasn't working in the gym. She should probably look into getting some help, it would be worth it and the gym could afford it now. Misty had been on a hot streak recently, but once in a while she lost to experienced trainers who challenged her so she couldn't blame her sisters for losing a few times over the course of the week if there were some tough trainers.

She knew the gym would be better off in her hands, but losing a few times wasn't going to ruin the gym's reputation. She could live with that because she knew her sisters were making an effort and if she continued to do well on her own it wouldn't have a huge impact. Besides even her sisters were able to beat the inexperienced trainers, so their record was slightly inflated. It was infuriating, but the stronger the gym got the less young trainers would be challenging them. Misty had already begun to see the change.

Most gyms faced the problem of weak trainers who just started challenging them because they were the closest to where they got their first Pokemon. Smarter trainers spent more time training and catching Pokemon before going to the gyms they thought would be easier for them to start with. Cerulean used to be one of those weak gyms while her sisters were in charge, they were bad leaders and before turning ten she couldn't fight for the Gym. So on and off for her first year of Pokemon training she had to be the gym leader, while she was able to beat weaker trainers she didn't have enough fighting experience to fight stronger trainers.

Although her sisters were actually a large part of why she originally left, she did have a plan. Like she had just done, she left to train and catch Pokemon. Instead of Pokemon she hooked Ash and decided to stay with him. In the beginning it was out of anger about her bike and not wanting to be alone in the forest. However it quickly progressed into something more and she found herself traveling with him longer than either of them expected. They became best friends and she developed a little crush on him, but she didn't act on it. She wasn't sure how he felt and she didn't want to ruin their friendship or make travelling awkward.

When she returned after traveling with Ash she had far more experience and more Pokemon to use she was able to fight on the level she believed she should as a leader. It had taken a while, but over the last two years she had managed to improve the standing of Cerulean and her own skills facing different types of opponents. It was both good and bad she was happy Cerulean wasn't a joke, but it also meant stronger trainers looked at it as a challenge and started to approach it.

She relished the challenge and was happy to do it, but if too many of them came in a row she had to turn away challengers to let her Pokemon rest. That's why she wanted more Pokemon, she wanted to use her newer Pokemon to take on weaker trainers and save her stronger Pokemon for real challenges to conserve their energy.

"Misty are you like in there?" Daisy asked waving a hand in front her face looking slightly concerned at Misty's long silence.

"What, of course. Anyway I want to drop off the Pokemon I caught while I was away," Misty walked by her.

"Ooh, what did you get?" Daisy asked making it sound like she bought groceries or clothes.

"You already know I sent back Tentacool, but I also caught a Shellder and she already evolved into a Cloyster. I also caught an affectionate Krabby and a Slowpoke, I'm taking them back to the tanks so we can talk a bit more later," Misty had already started walking by her so she had to call the last half of her statement over her shoulder.

"OK, talk to you later," Daisy yelled back as Misty moved further away and out of earshot.

Cerulean had been getting more money from the Pokemon league for improving its standing so when she said tanks she was referring to a few large tanks and what was basically an indoor lake. The indoor lake linked to a few smaller pool and an underwater tunnel leading to a smaller outdoor lake which had a shallow end and a beach.

Beyond that there was enough grassy areas for Pokemon to walk around. She knew that's where she would be putting Slowpoke and Krabby who could live on land as long as it was near water. She knew Cloyster would prefer to stay in the water with most of her other Pokemon including Tentacool.

She released Staryu, Cloyster, and Gyrados into the saltwater lake, after saying goodbye to them and hello to the Pokemon that came up to greet her, she walked down the path to the outdoor lake. Psyduck preferred to stay on dry land so when he wasn't bothering her he stayed outside. She let Krabby and Slowpoke out to explore their new home with Psyduck waddling after them. Politoad greeted her by clapping, it preferred to stay outside as well near the smallest lake left unconnected to the others because it was freshwater.

The moment she walked back inside she was greeted by her other two sisters who wanted to know how her trip went and then promptly complained about her going to Seafoam islands. She calmly reminded them of the various trips they went on leaving her alone. They had the decency not to say anything else on the subject, but still welcomed her back and Misty despite herself was glad to see them.

Misty prepared a simple lunch for herself and while eating she was interrupted by a call. She answered the phone expecting something from work or a friend, but it was Ash's mother, "Mrs. Ketchum?"

"First, I've told you a million times please call me Delia," Ash's mother looked at Misty with mock sternness and continued in her normal tone, "Anyway Misty, I know Ash already told you he was coming back, but I'm planning on throwing him a tiny get together to celebrate him coming home. It's really just some of the people from in town who haven't seen him, and then me and professor Oak."

"Oh, that's nice," Misty commented not sure why Mrs. Ketchum telling her. Although they did talk sometimes with Misty not having a mother figure in her life, Mrs. Ketchum told her whenever she needed advice. So sometimes Misty called her or Mrs. Ketchum called to check up on her, but she didn't really know why Mrs. Ketchum was calling.

"I wanted to invite you, over to greet him with everyone," Delia looked at her smiling.

"Are you sure? I thought you just said it was for the people in town who wanted to see him again," Misty was quite surprised that she was being invited to something that was supposed to be for just the Pallet town residents. Now the call made sense, but she hadn't expected the invite.

"I know, but when Ash called to tell me he was coming home the kept mentioning how he wanted to see you. It was so cute and I figured it would be a nice surprise to have you there with everyone else," Delia laughed lightly and Misty blushed slightly cursing herself over her warming face.

Without too much thought Misty replied, "OK, sure when should I come?"

"Just stop by tomorrow afternoon, he said that's when he'd be getting back, but if I know my boy he's probably going to get distracted and won't get back until the evening," Delia laughed and Misty joined her remembering how often they got lost or had to stop for something random.

Before they could get any deeper into the conversation Misty was interrupted by one of her sisters yelling that she had another challenger. "I'll be there I'll see you soon Delia," she made sure not to call her Mrs. Ketchum.

When Misty greeted her challenger it was like she never left, despite having been home for less than an hour she fell right back into the routine. The only main difference was that she made sure to let her newer Pokemon get some battling experience before bringing out her usual fighters.

The rest of the day passed quickly and she went to the office to check to see if she received any bills or mail from the Pokemon League. She knew she'd completed everything before she left, but random paperwork came in all the time. She found a few forms, but to her surprise they were already filled out with Daisy's signature at the bottom. They were actually all filled out correctly and the right orders for food were placed. She made a mental note to thank Daisy the next day.

She knew she acted like a jerk to her sisters sometimes and didn't have enough faith in them, but sometimes it was hard to overcome how they treated her when she was younger. As a child they largely ignored her or made fun of her because she was the youngest and she was a hand-me-down child.

By the time she was eight her parents were gone and she had to take care of herself in a lot of ways. The Cerulean gym fell from a great gym down to what her sisters turned it into, a water ballet stadium. Misty was doing her best to restore is prestige.

Still Misty couldn't blame them too much, she knew none of her sisters were really made to take care of the gym. They weren't really trainers and they hadn't known enough to have a gym thrown to them. Misty respected that they kept it open, but the only reason it didn't fall apart was that they relied on friends of the family for help with running it and they could only do so much.

They were too free spirited and cared too much about their shows, traveling, and especially themselves. Misty admitted she too had left for a period of time, but she was eleven and thought that together her sisters would be able to hold things together.

The next morning she did remembered to thank Daisy who shrugged her off saying she shouldn't need to be thanked for doing something that really was partly their responsibility. Misty wrapped her in an impromptu hug which surprised both of them, but Daisy returned it. Like usual Misty was called out for a battle and again it was a young trainer who she defeated, but tried to encourage. She never wanted to discourage young trainers so after the battle she usually gave them advice.

Before she had even finished saying goodbye another young girl popped up and was grinning widely.

"Hi," Misty tried to return the girls smile, but couldn't compete with the bright expression on the younger girls face.

"It's really you," she girl stared at her with an intensity that surprised her.

"Yeah, I'm really me," Misty replied somewhat weakly.

"I'm Taylor and I just wanted to meet you, I want to be a water Pokemon trainer too," Taylor was practically bouncing.

"You do?" Misty was as happy that a young trainer wanted to focus on water Pokemon as she was surprised that she popped up out of the blue.

"Yeah and I heard all about you so I wanted to meet you and maybe learn from you," Taylor hadn't dropped her excitement level.

"Well if you want I can show you around a bit and introduce you to some of my Pokemon. I have to leave in a few hours, but we can hang out for a bit," Misty wasn't sure why she decided to indulge the girl, but it did pump up her pride to have a little fan.

The girl was almost hyperventilating, her excitement almost palpable and Misty actually backed up a step. "Really?" Taylor almost whispered.

"Sure, it's no trouble," Misty shrugged.

Taylor almost jumped for joy, "OK, where do we go first."

"Follow me," Misty walked away Taylor on her heels, "This is the stadium where challengers battle me for the Cascade badge."

"Cool," Taylor looked into the water, but quickly chased after Misty as she continued walking.

"Most people only see the stadium pool, but this is where I keep most of the Pokemon," Misty walked into the other room which contained the huge saltwater lake. The younger girl just gaped at the large space.

"Staryu, Starmie I want you guys to come up and say hello," she yelled to the water. Pokemon could hear voices from underwater and her two Pokemon were on land in only a few seconds.

"Hyah," Staryu greeted followed by a mellow 'haah' from Starmie.

"They're so beautiful, I've seen pictures in books, but I never actually met any Staryu or Starmie," Taylor looked at them almost reverently reaching out to touch their jewels which they allowed.

Misty spent a while showing Taylor around and meeting her Pokemon. "So Taylor, you want to be a water trainer. Are there any specific Pokemon you want to raise?"

"Well I have two now and I really like them," Taylor said slightly surprising Misty who didn't realize the girl had already begun training.

"You already have Pokemon? I thought you wanted to be a water trainer I didn't realize you already started."

"Yeah, my older sister's Pokemon had an egg and she gave it to me, it hatched into a Squirtle. I also caught a Poliwag while I was near a river playing with Squirtle," Taylor let them both out and squirmed slightly under Misty's scrutiny. "I haven't really trained them at all," she admitted as Misty continued to stare at them.

"I had a friend who had a Squirtle and an acquaintance who has a Blastiose, it's a very reliable Pokemon you're lucky to have it. I had a Poliwag too, but it's evolved twice so it's a Politoad now. Poliwags can be a little clumsy, but they're worth training for sure," Misty squatted down to look at Taylor's Pokemon. "They both look healthy and happy, you seem to be doing fine so far in taking care of them," Misty said patting the Squirtle on the head who grinned.

Misty glanced at the clock and realized it was about time for her to get ready to go to Pallet. "I've got to run, but if you come back in a few days I should be back and I can teach you about Pokemon battles and help you train a little bit." One look at Taylor's face told her the younger girl would be back, she fondly remembered when she had to help Ash and give him advice when he started, of course he often ignored her.

After showering and getting dressed she grabbed a few of the Pokemon that knew Ash so they could see him again. She ran down to say goodbye to her sisters and immediately they commented on her attire, "Are you like, trying to impress someone Misty?" Lily looked her over critically. Misty was wearing a dress she had picked up a few months ago, it was a simple dress that was ended a few inches above her knees. It was royal blue at the bottom, but became progressively lighter as it went up leaving it completely white where the straps reached her shoulders. She thought it highlighted her figure pretty well without being too tight, so despite not knowing as much about clothing as her sisters she thought it was a good choice. It was only the beginning of spring, but it was a warm day so the dress suited the temperature decently.

Misty blushed slightly, but stomped her foot quickly trying to put her sister in her place, "Shut up, Lily."

"Calm down, Misty. You actually look pretty," Daisy tried to talk her down.

"Yeah, not sensational, but not bad especially for you," Violet gave her a compliment mixed with an insult, but Misty could tell she meant in a positive way.

"So, where are you going?" Lily asked looking her over once last time.

"I'm going to Pallet town to see Ash when he gets back," Misty informed her and immediately regretted it when all three of her sisters widened their eyes in understanding and identical smiles made their way onto their faces.

"We were right, we knew you liked him," Violet teased and both Lily and Daisy nodded sagely.

"I'm just visiting it doesn't mean anything," Misty shot back anger and embarrassment both prevalent.

"And you're nice dress means nothing," Lily quirked a perfectly plucked eyebrow.

"Don't tease her too much," Daisy once again had to be the mediator which Misty appreciated immensely.

Misty walked away not wanting to deal with the torment, "I'll probably be back tonight, but I'll call if I stay the night."

"Oh my," Violet said giggling.

"Your first time seeing him in a while and your already spending the night with him, you're so forward with men," Lily laughed along with her.

"In the guest room, you freaks," Misty shrieked glad she was far enough away for them not to notice her bright red face. She hadn't considered the implication of what she said, Delia had just mentioned if it got too late she could stay overnight because she didn't want her out too late riding the bus and walking alone.

She stomped all the way to the bus stop and the other riders kept their distance from the fuming girl, an angry aura almost radiating off her. It was only a five minute walk to the Ketchum residence after Misty got off the bus. By the time she arrived her excitement to see Ash completely overpowered her anger at her sisters.

Misty got to Ash's home and after a single knock she was welcomed in by Delia, "Misty, it's wonderful to see you. Every time we meet you look older."

Misty liked Delia so she refrained from making a comment about adults always saying that. "It's great to see you to, Delia."

"Ash should be here soon he called Professor Oak's lab a little while ago and he was already nearby," Delia explained bringing Misty in to meet the other residents of the town. Misty was repeatedly embarrassed by being asked if she was Ash's boyfriend by multiple people. One man told her it made sense that Ash wouldn't be able land such a pretty girlfriend, she decided to avoid that man for a while. She did manage to find Tracey who was a welcome relief and she was happy to catch up with him, learning about his work with Professor Oak.

In the back of her mind she still wondered when Ash was going to arrive.

A/N

I'm sorry they didn't meet up this chapter, but the chapter was getting longer than I wanted and I wanted to work on the reunion part more. I'll post that tomorrow, I wasn't planning on doing two updates in a row, but I feel like they two chapters should be together. Also I know this chapter didn't do much and sometimes the things I write seem filler-ish, but they always have a purpose. Taylor will not become a major character in the story, but I do have a plan for her that won't come about for a while. Other than that I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are looking forward to the next.

Pokemon (On hand)

-Politoad

-Staryu

-Starmie

-Seadra

-Psyduck

-Corsola

(In the Gym)

-Seaking

-Gyrados

-Tentacool

-Slowpoke

-Krabby

-Cloyster

-Caserin

-Azumarill

-Dewgong

-Various Pokemon mainly used for shows

Trivia

-In 'Misty Mermaid' the first words Misty said when she returned to Cerulean was, "Everybody, I'm home."

-In the episode 'Misty Mermaid' she had to take Horsea back to Cerulean Gym because it was getting sick with no large bodies of water to swim in. She was forced to participate in an underwater ballet playing the beautiful mermaid. Of course Team Rocket showed up and were defeated, the crowd loved it thinking it was part of the show. It was also the episode Seel evolved into Dewgong, who actually finished off Team Rocket.

-The first time Misty went back to Cerulean with Ash, in episode 7 'The Water Flowers of Cerulean City' her sisters thought they were boyfriend and girlfriend. This actually prompted Misty to battle Ash to prove they weren't dating and to keep her sisters from giving away the Cascade Badge without a fight.

-The title also is why people think Misty's last name is Waterflower and although it's not necessarily true I like the ring of it so in my story she is indeed Misty Waterflower.

-The tanks in the Cerulean gym showed normal fish at a certain part, not Pokemon. Showing that animals exist in the Pokemon world, or at least certain types of fish do. Although normal animals are almost never shown.

Thanks for reading