Hey Everybody! Three posts published three weeks in a row! I honestly don't know the last time that happened, but it had to be back in 2010 at the earliest! I won't spoil anything up here, but I want to again thank everyone for the reviews. Every chapter, my review number increases a little, and it continues to keep me going during this busy time of my life. No matter how exhausted I am, your words of encouragement motivate me to pull up to my desk and get to work on the next chapter (mostly editing, now). Remember, I am publishing weekly, every Sunday, until the story is complete!

Anyway, read and REVIEW PLEASE!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or any of its affiliated companies including, but not limited to, 4Kids, The Pokémon Company, Game Freaks, or Cartoon Network. The characters written within this story are solely based upon the fictional characters created by these companies, and the story is not meant to, nor will it, receive any monetary funding.

Characters' Ages:

Ash: 18

Misty: 19

The sun set behind them, bathing the sky in a magenta that contrasted well with the twinkling lights of the campus below.

"Let's get something to eat before we go back."

"Good idea."

After more burgers and fries, they retrieved her Pokémon and returned to the hotel.

"You think your mom will know?"

"Nah, she doesn't know what room I'm staying in, and she probably thinks we're still out."

"Okay. If she knocks, though, go hide in the bathroom."

Ash snickered, but agreed.

"Ugh, I look like a tomato!"

"Yeah, it's pretty bad."

"Thanks, honey."

"No problem, sweetie."

She lifted the workout tank over her head, and peeled the sports bra and leggings off, cringing at the farmer's tan already visible.

"Don't you dare peek! I look awful!"

"Of course not!" She was suspicious of the wide gap between his fingers, but decided not to fight it. "I'm gonna take a nice, cold shower, then bath, and try to forget this day happened."

"Okay. Do you need anything from the vending machine?"

"Ash, we ate like an hour ago."

"And?"

She sighed. "No, I don't."

"I'm gonna get some cookies. I'll be back!"

The cold water was a shock, but soon felt like heaven as it cascaded down her back. She left the knob alone for fear of her sunburn. Soaping down and washing her hair, she replayed the battles over and over in her mind.

"How could I have won?"

Raichu would have made quick work of Gyarados, she was sure, so between him and Dragonair, she made the right call. However, were there any other options?

Politoed would have suffered a type disadvantage, though not as bad as Gyarados. Same went for Seaking. Corsola was already out, as was Psyduck.

She stepped out of the shower with conditioner still in her hair and began drawing the bath.

As a water trainer, she was obviously prepared to deal with electric and grass types, but Dragonair had been a big part of that strategy. Starmie's psychic abilities were another part, and Gyarados' flying-type was a third.

"Maybe if Dragonair was fully-evolved."

But there was no knowing, now. She turned off the faucet and slowly sank into the tub.

"Ah!" She had forgotten the sizable bruise on her tailbone from the ice field. Soon, though, the cool water relieved all the aches and burns, and surrounded her in a bubble of comfort.

"Mist?"

"Hm?" She blinked.

"Were you asleep?"

She chuckled. "Yeah, I guess I'm a little more tired than I thought – Wait a minute! Get out of here! I told you I didn't want you seeing me like this!"

He quickly covered his eyes again, and promptly walked into the side of the bathroom door. "Ow! My nose!"

"You deserve it for sneaking in here!"

"You didn't answer when I knocked!"

"So you barge in and start ogling me?!"

"I don't think anyone could ogle you right now with those burns."

"What?!"

"Leaving! I'm leaving!" He narrowly avoided the shampoo bottle she threw at his head and closed the door behind him. "Can you hear me?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Let me dry off, and I'll come out there and teach you some manners!"

"That might have to wait. I was taking so long because I ran into Ma and the Prof down in the lobby. They went and got dinner too, and when I saw them, he said he wanted to talk to you."

"Who? Professor Oak?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"I dunno. I think he wanted to congratulate you."

"Okay, well give me a few minutes and I'll get dressed."

"Um, he said he didn't want me there. He said it was something he needed to discuss with just you."

She couldn't describe it, but a sinking feeling hit her stomach at the words. She felt like a child being asked to "take a seat" by their parent after doing something wrong. But what was it?

Professor Oak had been a storied trainer back in his day. Was he going to critique her performance? While she tried to be open to improvement, this soon after a loss like that was too early for her to think about it rationally, and much too soon for her to take criticism on it very well.

Still, he was a renowned Professor, and she couldn't decline.

"Let me just get ready, then."

"Just put on some sweats. I don't think he'll care."

"Yeah, but I have to at least find a decent top."

"Just use one of my t-shirts. It's not like you don't steal them all the time, anyway."

"Fine. Turn around. I have to get to my suitcase."

"Fine."

"What were you guys talking about when he said he wanted to see me?" She went back in the bathroom.

"Ma was asking how you were handling the loss, and I was telling them you were just a little sad since you were excited for college. Then we were talking about where they ate, and after she left for the elevator, the Professor stayed behind and asked if you could come see him."

"That's weird. He never talks to me."

"Well, I mean, yeah he does."

"Not alone. You and Gary are the only reason I know the guy."

"Huh, I guess you're right."

She stepped back out in a loose-fitting Sinnoh League t-shirt and grey sweatpants. Her wet hair hung loosely down her back.

"How do I look?"

"Perfect." He gave her a kiss, and told her the room number. "I'm gonna shower while you're gone, alright?"

"Yeah, that's fine. See you in a little bit."

As the elevator went up, she continued to wrack her brain over what this could be. There was always a chance it was about Ash? After all, that was the majority of what she and the Professor had in common.

The doors opened and she found the room. Hesitating, she knocked. Almost immediately, the Professor's smile greeted her.

"Misty! Good, good. I was afraid you'd be too tired after you're amazing performance to see me! Actually, though, it's a little cramped in my room," he opened the door fully. Inside, the small room was brimming with books, empty coffee cups, and a glowing laptop screen on the desk.

"Oh, wow, it looks like you brought your whole library!"

He rubbed the back of his neck embarrassedly. "I'm working on a new book, and there's really no time to waste. My publisher's not a very forgiving man." Clearing his throat, he took a more serious tone. "Could we move this down to the hotel restaurant? It's closed, so we should have ample privacy."

"Of course."

The two went back down the elevator and made their way past the "Closed" stand by the hostess podium into the restaurant. The wall lights were still on, giving the room a soft, yellow glow.

"Booth or table?"

"Table's fine."

Oak pulled out her seat, and then went into the kitchen. A moment later, he came back out with a glass of water and coffee. "I would have gotten you one too, but I think you need to hydrate."

"Oh, yeah, I'm really burned."

"Delia was asking all day about your sunblock."

"I actually put it on, but forgot to reapply. I'm gonna be feeling this for the next couple of days." She sighed. "At least I'll have a nice tan. Thank you for the water."

He waved his hand. "Misty, we don't talk very often, do we?"

"No, not really."

"But it feels like I know you very well. After all, Ash is my best trainer, and he's always talked about you so confidently. For instance, this morning he was expressing doubt over wanting to go to college at all. However, he mentioned how determined you were to get in."

"He did?"

"Yes, and I saw that for myself while you were on that field. Your strategies weren't only brilliant. They were well-researched."

She felt her burns redden.

"Like I said, Ash has certainly grown as a trainer in these last two years. Striving for the Master title has made him wiser in many ways, and he even quoted some of my old research to me when we were talking. He's not a child, depending on dumb luck to win his battles now, and that's something I never thought I'd see."

"You and me both."

He chuckled. "But, at the end of the day, he's not studying for knowledge's sake. He reads my papers and does that work so that he can fulfill his true passion – battling. He doesn't care for research itself, only how it can be used to give him an edge."

"You say that like it's a bad thing?"

"No! No, of course not. In fact, it's why people like me do what we do. I research Pokémon from a place of love. I've loved them all my life. You know, I'm sure, that I was once a trainer with my own championship-caliber dreams?"

"Yes, I was just thinking about that."

"My old friend, Agatha, and I set out on our journeys together. However, as time went on, I realized that my interests were slowly deviating from what they once were."

"Hm?"

"I found myself more interested in the study of the Pokémon I loved than the actual battling of them. Agatha, on the other hand, had no patience for research." He shook his head. "We were actually something of an item in our twenties, but when I told her I wanted to pursue a professorship, she ridiculed me and left me behind to continue chasing her dreams of mastery. In a lot of ways, she was like Ash, you see? She appreciated the work researchers did insofar that it made her a stronger trainer, but didn't hold any interest in the research itself. It was a shame," he paused and looked down at his coffee cup. "But I had my passion, and knew I wouldn't be happy if I didn't try. And now, here I am!"

"That's amazing, Professor. I didn't know you ever had a time in your life when you didn't wanna be a scholar."

"I think most of us do. It's not exactly exciting work to think about when you're ten – but it's necessary." He leaned in. "And I'm sure you're wondering why I'm saying all this, and why you're here at all."

"Um, yeah, a little."

"Misty, I want to know honestly, are you like I was at that age?"

"What?"

"Like I said, I've heard Ash talk about you and your research in preparation for these battles. More importantly, I saw it myself. The way you used your Pokémon, like Politoed's Damp ability, in new and exciting ways. You have the makings of an amazing Pokémon researcher."

She blushed again, beneath the already reddened skin. "That means a lot, Professor. The truth is, I don't know if that's what I wanna do. I've told Ash for years that I want to go to college and study marine biology, but I don't know if being a full-time researcher is my path, exactly."

"Ah! But you are academically inclined?"

"Oh, yes. That was the whole reason I did this competition – so I could afford college."

"Didn't wanna let Ash pay your way?"

"Huh? Did he talk to you?"

"Not at all!" Oak waved away the thought. "I may not look it, but I'm an older man, Misty. One who's seen quite a lot in my time. Agatha, my old love, was a lot like you, and I can't imagine she would have ever consented to my 'caring for' her in that way. You're proud, and want to do this on your own, out of Ash's noticeable shadow."

"Exactly! You really do know everything!"

He chuckled again. "Well, not everything, unfortunately. But enough to understand young love and all that. Regardless, I think it's admirable that you came out here to pay your own way."

"Well, thanks, even though I embarrassed myself in front of a hundred people by failing."

"Come now, Misty." He took a serious tone. "I know the girlfriend of Ash Ketchum isn't that dour after one loss? Your boyfriend is the most enthusiastic young man I've ever met – certainly that's rubbed off on you?"

She smiled. "It has. He was just telling me to get over it before I came down here. I'm still embarrassed, though, and sorry you made the trip for nothing while working on another book."

"Are you kidding? I love Vermillion, and any chance to get out of that stuffy lab is a chance I jump at! In fact, that lab is why I asked you down here, and why I didn't want Ash within earshot."

"Hm?"

"Let's cut to the chase. You lost your scholarship today. As I see it, you have three choices ahead of you." He held up three wrinkled, arthritis-bent fingers before her. "You can take out loans and go in severe debt to continue your education. You can wait another year and try to get on the team then. Or…"

"Or?"

"Or, you can come work and study with me at the lab."

Her mouth fell open.

"I know it's not a traditional pathway to a degree, but I am tenured at Southern Kanto University, and could set up satellite courses for any classes you would need outside my expertise – which would not be many."

"Wait, like what Tracey does?"

"Did. Tracey has just defended his thesis at SKU and is officially holds a Master's Degree in his own right. It wouldn't be good for either of us for him to continue working under me with his level of knowledge. He's moving on to work at a larger lab in Johto."

"Tracey's leaving? Wow, this is a lot to take in."

"I understand it is, and that's why I'm not going to ask for an answer right this second. I want you to take your time, and really think it through. Here's my card. Think of what you need to know, and give me a call anytime with your questions."

"Um, thank you, Professor."

"Did you have any for me now?"

"Well, why didn't you want Ash down here?"

"Like I said, he's not the same as you. I do think he's just as talented and intelligent, but in a different way. This offer wouldn't appeal to him even if I thought I could handle two apprentices. Also, you said it yourself, this is a decision you need to make. I didn't want him hearing about this opportunity from me. Now you can think about it, and share it at your own leisure."

"Honestly, I don't think I can hold something this big back, but thank you for thinking of me."

"Anything else?"

"Well, I mean, I was talking earlier about marine biology. Would I be able to, well-"

"I'm sure you know that Vermillion is one of the few schools that awards a marine biology undergraduate degree. Most, like Southern Kanto, only hold it for higher degrees. So you would actually study zoology with me, and then, if your interest in water Pokémon persisted, you could focus on it at the Master's level."

"A Master's degree?" Misty laughed, despite herself. "I'm just worried about paying for college, to be honest."

"But Misty," Oak smiled. "That's just it! You won't pay a dime."

"What?"

"You'd work for me at the lab in Pallet as my assistant. In return, you get free room, board, and tuition!"

Her eyes went wide. "You're kidding!"

"I don't kid when it comes to education, dear. If you're going to be my apprentice, you must understand that first. Did you really think Tracey was paying to work with me?"

"I guess I never thought about it."

"So you would study zoology, and you can specialize within it to focus on water Pokémon, but then the real intensive work would come afterward when you wrote your thesis."

"How many years would a degree take to get?"

"Ask Tracey. In seven years, he went from high school to a Master's! Working with me will certainly enhance your timeline – with a work ethic like yours, and a lab as busy as mine, I have no doubt you'll have your Bachelor's in under three years. Much shorter than the normal four to five at Vermillion."

"Wow, that would be amazing."

"Don't get me wrong – we still have to do this officially, which means sending your transcripts and records to SKU for admission. But, assuming you get in, which you likely will since Vermillion is just as credible an institution, you could start with me this fall!"

"This is an amazing opportunity – I think I keep saying that, but it's true! Thank you so much, Professor!" Jumping up, she ran around the table and hugged him excitedly. "I'll need to think about it, like you said, but I really think this could work. This is amazing! Thank you!"

He laughed as she gripped him. "Of course, dear. You must understand; this isn't a gift. I'm not handing you an opportunity for nothing. I see talent in you, and I want you on my team because I think that together, we can do some real good for the world of Pokémon."

"I think so, too. Thank you again! I keep saying that, but I don't really care. Thank you!"

Author's Notes: Subverting expectations is a big deal in modern media. The problem is that many writers put themselves into a corner because they don't plan ahead well enough, and thus have to create a deus ex machina or macguffin to fulfill their subversion. The hero gets a power they never had before, or a new ally appears of out nowhere to save the day – stuff like that.

In this case, I've worked very hard to subvert the expectations many of you had for Misty's plans, but to do so within the framework of the story that I've created. That's what I'm doing here with the professor's offer.

Without giving anything away, though, I will say that this offer doesn't mean her decision is made, or that the drama is quite over. So, what do you think? Do you think she'll take the lab position? What about Ash? Will he be okay with it? And do you feel like this offer is organic to the story I've written thus far?

Let me know in the reviews, and come back next Sunday at midnight (Eastern Time) for the next chapter, "Date Night!"