Part XI: Reunions in Pewter

The Pokémon looked at the crater on the wall and cocked their heads at it. It was about head height for a human and a good few feet deep, almost through to the other side. That wasn't the most impressive thing about it. That was reserved for the clear indentation in the center of it. It showed the outline of a small figure with a round head, limps spread out.

"That is impressive." Pikachu said at last to the other Pokémon. "I don't think I have ever made a mark like that and I've made or seen many craters in my time."

With him was Piplup, Oshawott, Scraggy, Buneary and Pachirisu. The larger Pokémon were all already in their Poke Balls waiting to leave on the next leg of their journey. They had been out earlier for breakfast and in Mamoswine's case to meet Dawn but they were heading out in a bit so they had been put away. The rest of them were in the main area of the gym looking at the aftermath of the epic battle the day before.

In addition to the very Piplup shaped hole in the wall, the pool had been drained, much to Oshawott's annoyance as he wanted to swim with the gym leader who had fawned over him the day before. This was because at the center of it were several cracked tiles that had to be addressed before it could be refilled. There was also a large hole section of the glass ceiling that had been destroyed, apparently the attack had been meant for Togekiss.

"I am impressive aren't I." Piplup said pounding his chest with pride. "Went flipper to fin with a Gyarados. Got a few good hits in before I alas lost."

Pikachu just face palmed at that. Piplup's pride and ego knew no limits and so too did his delusions of grandeur apparently. He had already changed the narrative to make it sound less like he got his ass handed to him in seconds. Fortunately, Oshawott was around to bring him crashing down to earth.

"That's not how I saw it." Oshawott said shaking his head. "I recall that you just stood there pissing yourself as you took a Hyper Beam to the face. I don't think that Pokémon even registered you."

"Why you…" Piplup growled and he and Oshawott got in each other's faces, their rivalry was not going to end anytime soon.

"It must have hurt." Scraggy said shaking his head. "How can any of us beat a monster like that."

"Pikachu can." Buneary said hearts in her eyes as she snuggled up to her crush. "He is so brave and skilled he can do it. I have seen it."

"I, er, have an advantage though." Pikachu said sheepishly, embarrassed by the attention. "Two in fact as both flying and water types are weak against me."

Thankfully the scene was broken by their trainers who came into the room at that moment to find them. It was time to leave this place. Pikachu couldn't wait to get home.

-break-

Ash and Misty walked into the gym to find their small Pokémon admiring the imprint of Piplup in the wall. Well most were, Piplup and Oshawott were busy growling at each other as to be expected and Buneary was shamelessly flirting with Pikachu.

"Come on guys, time to leave." Ash said as he returned Oshawott and Scraggy to their Poke Balls. "Rest now, you can come out when we reach Pewter City."

"You too." Misty said recalling Pachirisu and a still fawning Buneary. "You can hit on Pikachu later Buneary."

It was the day after Misty's victory over Dawn and they were ready to head out to Pewter City. After the battle, Misty had found Ash in his boxers, a sight she thoroughly enjoyed, in a sauna in the men's changing room chilling with Scraggy and Pikachu, was basking in the heat in the heat and oblivious to the world. She had wanted to join them but didn't, Dawn was waiting for them and they were very dry by this point.

Ash had wanted to stay but as soon as Misty had then shown Ash her new Gym badge he instantly came to her side to praise her for winning it. As he was putting his clothes on he asked her what Dawn had wanted while he was drying off.

He had realized, after longer than he probably should have, exactly why they were fighting. Misty had instantly gotten worried as it meant Ash now knew Dawn had feelings for him, though a quick kiss from him had told Misty that she was still his regardless of Ash finally learning an old truth. That was all Misty needed to ease her remaining insecurities.

After that she told him about the conversation with Dawn afterwards when Dawn gave her the badge. Ash was nervous about them chatting after the battle they had had but Misty reassured him that her and Dawn had patched things up, beating her in a gym battle had helped a lot in resolving their dispute. Dawn had even apologized for her earlier behavior. She couldn't promise that Dawn would give up on her jealousy but Misty was sure that she had proven to Dawn that she was Ash's girlfriend and that Dawn just had to accept that fact.

She also talked about Togekiss and that part of the battle. Ash apologized for not telling her but Misty cut him off. Not telling her had been the right thing in the end or else her calling Togekiss might have caused Dawn to level the gym, and possibly part of the city, in her rage, something that Ash did not doubt would have happened.

The only that Misty did not tell Ash about was Dawn's proposition and the kiss she had stolen from Misty. It wasn't that Misty was embarrassed about it or anything, she just needed to understand it first herself seeing as with Dawn it could mean any number of things. She was either testing Misty's commitment to Ash, serious about her proposal, fucking with Misty, or some combination of all 3. Regardless, Ash didn't need to know about it.

After that they had found Dawn still in the gym fawning over a very happy Oshawott, promising him that as soon as they could they would swim together. Both teens couldn't help but smile at the sight. If there was one thing that could calm Dawn down and show who she really was it was meeting a new water type and falling for it. This was the same girl after all who, when told she looked like a Tentacruel, took it as a sweet compliment.

The rest of the day had been a lot better than the start of it. Nothing was destroyed, no one lost their temper, and they were able to catch up with Dawn properly, though there was still a hint of awkwardness between the three of them that Misty had a feeling would take a while to go away. After all, it would be hard for anyone to hang out with the love of their life and his girlfriend.

For Ash it was that he now knew how Dawn felt about him and while he loved Misty and would never leave her, part of him would now always wonder what would have happened had he known about her feelings back when they traveled together. It would always be a big what if but it was in the past and Ash had moved on.

For Misty it was the whole kiss and the fact that she was hanging out with a rival who had just tried to destroy her own gym to beat Misty. Despite their post battle talk, Dawn was still a rival to Misty and vice versa and both girls knew it. Misty would just have to repeatedly make it clear to Dawn who Ash belonged to.

For Dawn the awkwardness was seeing Ash with a girlfriend and it not being her, though she at least accepted Misty as an equal unlike the other pretenders to Ash. Misty had proven herself and Dawn just had to deal with the reality of the situation no matter how much it hurt. On the plus side, she could continue to mess with Misty by flirting with her and while it was a little petty it was fun.

Still, after a while they managed to get through it and hang out like old friends, at least for Ash and Dawn. Dawn got to meet the rest of Misty's team, finding Buneary the cutest by far, and thought her crush on Pikachu was sweet, even if Pikachu didn't understand it. They then met Dawn's other Pokémon, a Politoad, a Psyduck and a Corsola.

It had been a nice, relaxing afternoon with only the occasional jealous glances from Dawn whenever Misty got a little too cute with Ash. It was better end to the day then it had started and Misty hoped that in time her and Dawn could truly put all of this behind them and be friends.

They had also taken their Pokémon to the Pokémon Center so that all who had battled, including Togekiss, could get healed up. Piplup especially needed attention and of all of them he would be spending the night in the center. They would all be fully healed come morning, though Nurse Joy did chide Dawn for being reckless against Piplup.

Dawn had personally apologized to Piplup for the battle and took full blame for it. She also promised that she would make it up to him, which he clearly was going to hold her too. Piplup was still pissed with Misty and for good reason. That night would be the last decent sleep Misty got for a while and she knew it. She accepted her fate, for a little bit at least.

They ended up spending the night at Dawn's place next to the Gym. Dawn had a few spare rooms and insisted on them staying the night. It had been hard to say no to her and Misty knew that it was as much about Dawn as about them. It was hard for Dawn to ask them to stay but it showed that she was willing to accept them as a couple.

The one thing Dawn had done though that Misty didn't agree with was putting them in separate rooms and making sure that they were not next to each other. Misty had tried during the night to sneak into Ash's room, only to be stopped by Dawn's Politoad. Dawn was clearly not taking any chances. It was petty but Misty respected it and conceded defeat, this time.

Now they were ready to go on to Pewter City. It would take them about 2 days to reach at a normal pace and Misty was looking forward to seeing it. They were going to see Brock again, see his home, family and the Pewter Gym where Ash had won his first gym badge. Her stomach was also ready, she had not had cooking as good as his since Brock had left. Not even Cilan had matched it though Misty would never admit that to the eccentric Pokémon Connoisseur.

"I noticed that your Buneary likes Pikachu." Dawn said as she approached them. "It is sweet to see, even if Pikachu doesn't fully get it."

Ash and Misty turned to look at Dawn. She had arrived from a different entrance but it wasn't her sudden arrival that surprised them, it was what she was wearing. Dawn was dressed in stained overalls with a toolbelt around her waist and a hard hat under her arm. Behind her, her Corsola, Psyduck and Politoad carried supplies to repair the gym as was her duty as the leader.

"Yeah she is a huge fan." Misty said with a smile. "I am in complete support of her choice."

"Well some people believe that Pokémon reflect their trainers when it comes down to affection." Dawn said. "So, I can see it."

"Oh, Buneary liked Pikachu before I caught her." Misty said remembering the day she caught her first Pokémon fondly. "It was actually part of why I think she let me catch her, after I battled her of course. She was the first Pokémon I caught on my journey and great in contests."

"Well she was just predicting the future." Dawn said with a sad smile as she approached the wall. "Do you mind if I take a picture of this before I fix it? I have never managed to create such an imprint before. It will help remind me not to lose control again."

"Not at all." Misty said and Dawn pulled out an old camera from her belt and snapped a picture. "It will be a good reminder of what not to do."

"Thanks, I have never seen damage like this." Dawn admitted. "I am going to be repairing this all day, and probably tomorrow as well. I did it to myself though."

"Gym battles are never clean." Ash said shaking his head. "Back in Veilstone, I blew the roof off the gym, literally."

"Damn." Dawn said in surprise. "That must have been a sight."

"It was." Misty agreed. "It was a great match and the destruction proved it. Though it didn't stop me. I kept shaking my pom poms in the pouring rain that resulted from the attack."

"Pom Poms?" Dawn asked surprised.

"Yeah, I, er, kinda dressed as a cheerleader for some of Ash's gym battles." Misty admitted with a blush. "As did my Pokémon, well the ones who could dress up at least."

"And you didn't notice this girl was totally into you?" Dawn asked Ash. "Not every girl dresses as a cheerleader for a guy they've only known for a few months. Not even I did that though you would never see me with Pom Poms in my hands."

"I think we have established that I do not understand women at all." Ash said sheepishly. "No need to constantly remind me."

"I didn't think anything of it at first either." Misty said coming to Ash's defense. "But it became clear that it wasn't normal after a while. By then I definitely had a crush but I hadn't acknowledged it to myself."

"Well you did what others couldn't in the end." Dawn sad sadly. "But enough of that, I have manual labor to do and I need to do it alone. Psyduck watching and judging is enough for me."

"Alright, shame you can't come see Brock with us." Ash said. "But I understand, this is more important as it is an official duty. We will see you soon though Dawn."

"Definitely." Dawn said with nod. "And I promise that next time I won't try to drive your girlfriend's starter through a wall or well push her into battling me."

"Deal." Ash said as he pulled Dawn into a hug.

She held him for a moment, enjoying it but sad in the knowing that he didn't feel the same way she did about it. Dawn knew she would never truly move on from Ash, yesterday proved that to her, so she would settle for this and enjoy it.

After a slightly longer than should be appropriate hug, and a clear cough from Misty, Dawn broke the contact with a light blush. She then turned to Misty and surprised the coordinator by pulling her into a hug as well.

"Cherish him with all your heart." Dawn whispered into Misty's ear as she held her, a single tear leaking out that Misty felt but that Ash couldn't see. "He is special, never lose the miracle you have managed to land."

"I will, forever and always." Misty admitted back to Dawn, whispering as well so that Ash couldn't hear. "I promise you that."

"Good." Dawn said before quirking a smile. "And don't forget my offer."

Dawn then pulled away, brushing her lips ever so slightly along Misty's cheek as she did. Ash couldn't see from his angle so all he thought was that Dawn and Misty had finally become friends after everything. Misty went rigid again and felt herself blush instinctively despite having no feelings for Dawn. Dawn just smirked; she may not have Ash but that didn't mean she couldn't have a little amusement with Misty whenever they met.

They all said bye one more time before Ash and Misty left hand in hand, Piplup and Pikachu on their usual perches despite Piplup still being unhappy with Misty and began to head to Pewter City. Dawn watched them go with a sad look on her face as she was watching the love of her life leave with a different girl holding his hand but she was still happy for them. At Ash had found love even if she hadn't.

"Psyduck." Psyduck called from behind her completely ruining the moment.

"Your timing is as impeccable as always." Dawn grumbled as she turned back to her annoying but loved Pokémon. "Alright let's get to work. There is a lot to fix so get busy guys."

He was right, she did have work to do. With a sigh, Dawn grabbed the plaster mix and began. It was going to take a while to clean up her mess but it had been for a good cause. All the while she couldn't stop thinking about Ash and wondering what life would have been like if it had been her and not Misty who had unlocked his heart.

-break-

2 days later Ash and Misty had arrived in Pewter City. They could have probably pushed it to get here a day earlier but Misty had convinced Ash to take their time and enjoy themselves. They were in no rush and Misty wanted to see as much of Kanto as she could while they walked. It was different from Sinnoh, Unova, and Johto so she was taking in all of the sights of Ash's home region.

They had slept in fields on the way and under the stars just like old times, only they were cuddling in the same sleeping bag this time. Of course, Piplup made it clear that they were not going to get any chance to sleep in. He was still pissed, his pride had been wounded after all, and he took it out on Misty, and by extension Ash.

The first time it had been a Hydro Pump that had filled the sleeping bag and taken ages to dry. Piplup showed no remorse in his actions, only pride and they had to accept it given his reasoning. The second morning had been worse. Somehow Piplup had persuaded Charizard to help him so they woke up to a charming flamethrower that did not help Misty's hair that day.

Misty had apologized to Piplup and given him several Poffins but he was still upset. She couldn't blame him really. He was a strong Pokémon but he was still only a Piplup. Dawn had used a Gyarados and it had been at least partially Misty's fault she had. Piplup was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He would forgive her in the end but it would take a while.

However, that would have to wait, they were here to see Brock and it was almost lunchtime which meant they would be in for Brock's cooking if he was home. They were now walking down the path to the Gym on the outskirts of the city. Misty was looking at it, the first Gym Ash had ever challenge, and admiring it.

The path to the gym was lined with stones, as was a small area in front of it. The gym itself seemed to be carved from large, square boulders with a frame of girders around it. A steel door in the center under the large boulder of the gym with its name carved into it. Misty already knew that it was a rock type gym but if there had been any doubts, the appearance was clear enough of its type preference.

"I can show you the gym later." Ash said with a smile as he led her to the side of the gym and around it. "It's a little minimalistic but it fits with the type. Brock's house is behind it and I am hungry so we're going there first."

Misty just smiled, not complaining at all as they walked around it. Behind it was a quaint, two story, white house that was an odd shape. It looked homey and Misty was excited to see Brock again, hoping he was home. Ash had on the way explained about Brock's large family and his slightly wayward dad and colorful mom who were likely not present. Misty was bracing herself for it.

Ash reached the front door and pressed the buzzer. It was set into ta rock, going with the theme of the gym. They waited for a good minute and Ash was about to hit the buzzer again when he heard a commotion in side and smiled.

"Who is there?" Brock called as he threw open the door wearing a pink apron and holding a spatula. "It is almost lunchtime; the gym is closed for…"

Brock trailed off as he saw who was on his doorstep. Standing there was his best friend and old traveling companion Ash wearing new threads and hat that signified he had probably just returned from visiting and conquering another new region. Next to him of all people was Misty looking just the same as ever, if a little older.

"Guys!" Brock said exclaimed happily as he pulled them into a tight hug that they returned. "I wasn't expecting both of you today, Ash at some point but not Misty. What a great surprise!"

"Brock it is so good to see you." Ash said in the crushing embrace patting the older man's back. "We were worried that you wouldn't be here."

"I got back a few days ago from my first year of training." Brock said as he broke the hug and took a step back to look at them. "I am back for a month and then it is off to Fuchsia City, well a small village nearby it at least, to spend a year in the field there as part of the course."

"That is great." Misty said with a wide smile. "You are chasing your dreams and making them happen. I can't wait to hear more, over your cooking of course."

"Of course, I was just making lunch for my brothers and sisters." Brock said indicating his spatula. "I can make more of course and you can meet my siblings Misty."

"Can't wait." Misty said still smiling, this time she meant as she already knew Brock.

Brock was about to take a step back and let them in when his 6th sense detected that there was something different about his friends. It had to do with romance. Brock could always detect it, even if it never found him, usually because someone was preventing him from finding it, but he could tell now that there was love in the air.

Looking around confused for a moment still trying to figure it out, he looked back to Ash and Misty and then down. They were holding hands, fingers interlocked, and standing a lot closer than normal. Brock's jaw hit the floor at the sight.

"Er Brock, you ok?" Ash asked a little concerned by Brock's sudden reaction.

"Ahhh!" Brock screamed as he recovered, tears flowing profusely as he pulled them into another hug. "You two are together! I can't believe it actually happened! I am so jealous! Why can't I find someone!"

"Yeah, it happened recently." Ash said with a little embarrassment as Brock pulled away. "Neither of us were really expecting it, it just sorta all fell together perfectly."

"How? Tell me everything!" Brock said as he final let them in.

"Over lunch." Misty promised as Ash's stomach almost roared as if it knew it was near Brock's cooking. "I don't think Ash can last much longer."

"Of course." Brock said as they entered and took their shoes off.

"Hey Brock, who was that, we are all starving." A young boy who looked like a younger Brock stuck his head out of a room further down the corridor. "Oh hey, its Ash!"

"Hey Forrest." Ash said with a smile at Brock's oldest siblings. "How is it going?"

"Great, you staying for lunch?" Forrest asked.

"We can't say no to Brock's cooking." Ash admitted over another stomach growl.

"Great!" Forrest said before he shouted over his shoulder. "Guys, Ash is here and he brought that girl who traveled Sinnoh with Brock and him a few years back. You know, the coordinator that Brock told us had a massive crush on Ash."

"You knew?" Misty said going bright red. "Not even I knew at first."

"When it comes to love I know these things." Brock admitted. "Though with you it was harder than usual as you weren't as obvious as others. I thought you did but I wasn't sure, especially after Kenny showed an interest in you. When you turned him down to watch Ash in the Sinnoh League I knew for certain that you liked Ash."

"Why does everyone always know before me." Ash grumbled and Misty just pecked his cheek for his cuteness.

"Because your denser than the rocks that make up the Pewter Gym." Brock said helpfully as they entered the kitchen while Ash and his stomach grumbled for different reasons.

Before any of them could say anything they were mobbed by Brock's many siblings. They were all eager to see Ash again, though the younger ones took Pikachu and Piplup to play with, fawning over them the way kids could. They were still careful not to be overly aggressive with their affection.

Ash and Misty laughed as they answered questions and chatted with the large amount of kids present. Brock just smiled and went back to his cooking, adding more for his friends. Forrest laid out 2 more plates and helped him out, while Ash and Misty were distracted.

"You are very pretty." One of the older girls said to Misty causing her to blush a little at the compliment. "Are you Ash's girlfriend?"

"I am." Misty said with a warm smile to the girl.

"Cute." The girls said while the guys gagged. "How did you fall for each other?"

"Yes, I do want to hear that story." Brock agreed as he began to serve the food. "Why don't we let Ash and Misty regale us with the tale over lunch."

"Yay!" The girls screamed and they all sat while Ash just looked shell shocked and Misty laughed.

Brock then poured out his special Pokémon food for Pikachu and Piplup and set them up in the corner, adding a few more bowls. Ash and Misty saw the extra bowls and released their other small Pokémon, causing the girls to fawn over Buneary and Pachirisu, while promising to take the larger ones to the gyn later for food and exercise. Croagunk and Marshtomp were also present and joining in with the meal while the former caught up with his old friends.

"Brock, where is Chansy and your other Pokémon?" Ash asked as he took a seat at one of the heads of the table, at Forrest's insistence, while Brock sat at the other end.

"They are in the gym." Forrest said before Brock could. "We had a challenger from Unova this morning, some dude called Stephan, and he and his Sawk ran me ragged. Never seen one before so it had me on the back foot for a while before I got back into the battle. Chansey is there tending to Steelix, Crobat, and Geodude after the battle. I am going back there after lunch to help out, tend to them and clean up the mess."

"Wait, Forrest, does that mean that you are the official Gym Leader?" Ash asked. "Last time I saw you, you were still waiting to take over."

"Yup, been so for about a year." Forrest said proudly. "Course Dad messed up by not filing the right paperwork, well he didn't file anything at all, before he and mom went on their world cruise with Ludicolo that they are still on. Caused a bit of an issue with the Pokémon League here but thanks to Brock we sorted it out in the end. This recent year was the first season I have been the fulltime, official, Pewter Gym Leader. I am learning a lot but loving it."

"Congrats." Ash said knowing that it had been Forrest's dream to be the gym leader of his family's gym, something that Brock had not really wanted but been forced to undertake because of his father. "And I know Stephan, he's a friend of mine from Unova. I faced him a bunch of times, most recently in the Vertress Conference where I beat him again. He is tough and that Sawk of his is not joke."

"Yeah he won in the end with it and two Pokémon he had caught in Kanto." Forrest said. "A Weepinbell and a Fearow. It was a good battle; the first official challenge of the new season and a wakeup call for me to learn more about far off Pokémon as you never know when one might walk in your front door."

"So, he decided to head to Kanto." Ash said thinking. "I am going to have to find him and battle him again while I am here, he was always a good challenge. Intense guy, my kinda rival."

"So, you were in Unova recently." Brock said as he sat down at the head of the table ant they began to eat. "How was it?"

"Great." Ash said with a smile as he dove into Brock's cooking for the first time in a year. "I made a bunch of friends, won 8 badges in tough battles, and saw Misty again briefly. That last part was what triggered my realization that I liked her."

"3 months after seeing me and Iris bluntly telling you that you had a crush on me." Misty chided with a smile as she remembered Ash's story of how he finally understood feelings. "And even then it almost failed. I owe that girl a lot, she finally got through to you when no one else could."

"Ah about time." Brock said while Ash helped himself to seconds already. "So, tell me the story of how Ash landed a girlfriend before me? I want to hear all of it and don't leave anything out."

Ash just smiled at his friend and began, after swallowing his food this time. He told them of how he and Misty had met in Unova, how after she left for the Wallace Cup in Johto Ash had missed her more than he had ever missed someone before and didn't know why. Misty added her own realization of love at the same time and how she was planning to track Ash down when she was done in Johto.

They both talked about how they knew that they had to follow their paths at the time and did so with Ash training for the Unova League and Misty sweeping contests in Johto. Ash then spoke of how he found out that Misty was in the Grand Festival after his loss in the Vertress Conference and knew that he had to go see her in it.

This caused all the girls and Brock to swoon at the romantic nature of it. They loved how Ash had booked it across half the world for Misty and then decided to not tell her until after the final. It was as if out of a fairy tale to them though Ash didn't agree with that assessment.

"So romantic!" Brock cried. "The women I would do that for. So many who I would move heaven and earth to see again."

"Croa." Croagunk said looking up at Brock from his bowl.

"What? I am just saying not doing, I am allowed to say aren't I?" Brock asked and Croagunk stared at him for a moment as if contemplating a Poison Jab before returning to his food.

"I see Croagunk hasn't changed a bit." Misty said with a chuckle as she finished her meal.

"Not at all." Brock grumbled. "I tried to leave him hear so that Forrest could use him in gym battles while I was away but he followed me, jabbed me at the end of the driveway when I ran into a pretty woman there and then dragged me back here. He then handed me his poke Ball and I gave in and took him with me. They love him at school."

Ash and Misty just laughed at that. Croagunk was certainly a character and he cared deeply for Brock; he just had an interesting way of showing it. Someone had to keep Brock in check at least and Croagunk had decided that he was the one for the job.

"You haven't said what happened at the Grand Festival." Yolanda, Brock's oldest sister, said bringing the conversation back to Ash and Misty. "On a related note, can you show me some coordinator combinations? I am thinking of going down that route when I start my own adventure soon."

"Of course, I am always willing to help an aspiring coordinator and pass on what I know." Misty said with a smile. "Do you know what your first Pokémon will be? It helps if I know what Pokémon you are going to use as the different types have different uses in contests."

"Well I prefer rock types." Yolanda admitted. "So, it will either be a Geodude or an Onix given the family tradition. That will be my starter but I may branch out a bit when I set off."

"Ah, I think I can help." Misty said a little lost as she didn't actually have any rock type Pokémon. "I think Mamoswine is the best, he's part ground type and as such the closest I have. He's also a large and strong Pokémon so that will help if you end up with an Onix."

"Yah!" Yolanda said happily. "You two are staying for a bit?"

"If Brock will have us we can stay a night or two." Ash said looking at his old friend. "Then it is home to Pallet Town."

"Of course, you can stay." Brock said with a nod. "You two are always welcome."

"So long as we battle tomorrow Ash." Forrest said with a grin. "I have wanted to test myself against you for a while. After hearing all of Brock's stories I have to see if they are true."

"You're on." Ash said with a gleam in his eye. "It will be good practice for me and my Pokémon."

"Well that is settled then." Brock said. "Ash and Forrest will battle and Misty will teach Yolanda a few things about being a coordinator. Back to the story, Misty, what did happen at the Grand Festival?"

"Well I, er, lost." Misty said a little sadly. "In the final, by a point, to Ursula and her Plusle and Minun."

"That hurts, I am sorry to hear that." Brock said wincing knowing that there wasn't a worse way for Misty to lose.

"Yeah it was bad but something happened afterwards that made up for it and allowed me to move on." Misty said with a smile. "Ash."

"Huh?" Brock asked confused.

"Ash had come to comfort me." Misty said taking Ash's hand, though it was as much to stop him going after fourths as it was affectionate. "I didn't know he was there at all. He had come to see me and after I lost, he came to the backstage corridor where the dressing room was. I didn't see him at first but Piplup did and alerted me to his presence. I couldn't believe it at first. I thought I was hallucinating but it was Ash. I ran to him and well, after a little crying and opening up we admitted our feelings for each other and kissed. It was beautiful, until Pikachu zapped us back to reality. Literally."

"Pikachu." Pikachu called out proudly, still remorseless for his actions.

"So beautiful, so romantic!" Brock cried. "I wish I could have that! I am so jealous!"

"At least your jealousy isn't the same as the one I just had to deal with." Misty said with a laugh. "I can handle yours without a problem."

"What do you mean?" Brock asked confused.

"Show him." Ash said with a smile at Misty. "Brock will understand what it means."

"Well since the Grand Festival we have been traveling to Pallet Town and Ash has been showing me a little bit of Kanto along the way after we arrived in Saffron City." Misty said as she fished in her bag for her ribbon case where she now kept one of most valuable awards until she found somewhere better for it. "And let's just say we had a little incident the other day."

"I wouldn't call it little." Ash said but Misty just looked at him and he shut up.

"In the end it worked out and I got this after the incident." Misty said as she held up the Cascade Badge for Brock and his siblings to see. "A little reminder of what I might have to deal with as Ash's girlfriend."

Brock knew exactly what that badge was and who issued it. His jaw hit the table when Misty showed it to him, for many reasons. He should have known who Misty was refereeing to when she said she had to deal with jealousy in Kanto. Cerulean City was on the way from Saffron and Ash would have gone there to say hi to their old friend without realizing how she would react. Brock could easily guess what had happened.

"Let me guess, Ash took you to see Dawn in Cerulean City." Brock said and Misty nodded. "And he didn't realize that Dawn liked him and probably still does."

"Correct." Misty said.

"Seriously, does everyone but me know." Ash groaned.

"Yes." Misty and Brock said.

"Great." Ash just grumbled.

"Anyway, what happened?" Brock asked.

"Well Dawn ran into us, literally." Misty said remembering her very physical introduction to Dawn. "She sent us sprawling. She then saw Ash and got really close to him, uncomfortably close in my opinion. I knew at once that she liked him. I tried to be civil, I really did, but then she decided to take an interest in Piplup."

"Piplup is a water Pokémon, Dawn can never resist them." Brock said with a nod. "She would have fallen for him on first sight."

"Piplup." Piplup said proudly before glaring at Misty and returning to his food.

"I take it Piplup was involved somehow." Brock said noticing how Piplup was not happy with Misty.

"Yeah but that came a little later." Misty said with a wince at what she had put Piplup through. "I have said I am sorry and he knows it, he is just milking it for all its worth."

"I see." Brock said wondering just what happened to make Piplup pissed. "I can also see Dawn ignoring everything as soon as saw a water type she hadn't seen before."

"That she did." Misty said. "She picked him up and was cooing over him, feeding his ego and thinking he was Ash's. That was the final straw so when we finally introduced ourselves, I made it clear exactly who I was."

"You told Dawn, the Dawn, that you were Ash's girlfriend?" Brock asked a look of fear crossing his face. "To her face? And survived?"

"Yup." Misty said with a nod. "And she gave a Gyarados a run for its money when it came down to uncontrollable rage. She went off on Ash. I have never seen a temper like that."

"Dawn always did have a short fuse." Ash said helpfully, a fact that Misty had wished he had shared before they met. "Though it has mellowed over the years."

"Well it didn't when we met." Misty said. "Though I think even Dawn knows that it was the worst it's been in a while. Anyway, I got fed up with her ranting so I decided that I had to assert my dominance and I challenged her to a gym battle."

"Ah that explains the badge." Brock said with a nod. "And I take it you won."

"I did but it was a back and forth slugfest." Misty admitted. "Toughest battle I have ever been in but worth it. Pachirisu took out Staryu to start off though that was more because Dawn had never faced one before so I had the element of surprise. Once she knew what Pachirisu was, she used Starmie to take it out. Then Piplup stepped up and beat Starmie."

"It was a great battle; Misty used a combination I had never seen before." Ash said and Misty blushed a little. "One that will be great in future contests. Piplup was great as well, easily handled Starmie without taking any damage."

"Piplup." Piplup said proudly, he was being praised and rightfully so, he was great. "Pip, Piplup."

"That he did." Misty said, feeding Piplup's ego would help get him to forgive her. "But alas I got a little cocky and Dawn was in a full-blown jealous rage. She decided to use her best Pokémon."

"Oh yeah Dawn would do that against you." Brock said realizing who Dawn would have used. "Gyarados is not an easy foe even if you have a type advantage. Piplup does not have that."

"Yeah and he kinda took a direct Hyper Beam attack." Misty said causing the entire family to gasp and a few of the girls to coo over Piplup's plight that he basked in. "He was out immediately and left a very distinctive mark in the wall."

"I can see why Piplup is upset." Brock said looking at the starter Pokémon who was now being fawned over by several of his sisters for his bravery in standing up to a Gyarados. "But he should be proud, few could take such an attack."

"Piplup." Piplup said with a nod, he had at least taken it and could twist it to make himself look great to potential mates. "Pip, Piplup."

"But you beat that Gyarados." Forrest said, his attention fully on the battle story. "Otherwise you wouldn't have the Cascade Badge on you."

"I did, my Togekiss was able to pull it off." Misty said and she saw Brock wince a little and knew why. "I didn't know about Dawn and her Togetic until after, I may not have survived had I known. Something strange happened in the battle though."

"What?" Brock asked.

"Togekiss was hit by Dragon Pulse and nothing happened." Misty said causing everyone who understood to blink in surprise. "It was a direct hit to her back and she just flew off without a scratch."

"How is that possible?" Forrest asked amazed. "Dragon type attacks work well against all Pokémon except ice types."

"We don't know either." Ash said with a shrug. "But we plan on asking Professor Oak about it when we reach Pallet Town."

"If anyone will know, he will." Brock agreed. "That is one hell of a journey though."

"It was pretty uneventful until Cerulean." Misty said. "And I am looking forward to that continuing for the rest of the journey to Pallet Town. Dawn and I patched things up after I won, I think I earned her respect by beating her. She apologized to me and accepted me as Ash's girlfriend after the battle."

"Yeah that will do it." Brock said with a nod. "You beat her in her own gym, that will humble her and calm her down enough to be rational. I'm glad you two sorted it out in the end."

"Me too." Misty said though she wasn't sure that Dawn was fully done with her yet.

"Anyway, enough about us." Ash said changing the topic. "What about you Brock? How is it training to be a Pokémon Doctor?"

"Great, I am loving it." Brock said with a wide smile. "So much to learn, so many Pokémon to help, so many beautiful women with me all day while I study."

"Croa." Croagunk called out.

"So many poison jabs to go with all the women." Brock said with a shudder. "I aced my first year without a sweat, all those years traveling with Ash really helped me hone my skills. This next year is a field placement in a small rural area under the supervision of an actual Pokémon Doctor."

"You said that you would be near Fuchsia City." Ash said recalling what Brock had set when they arrived. "That is a great place to be. We have had a few good adventures there."

"That we did." Brock agreed.

"What is in Fuchsia City?" Misty asked.

"Well it has a poison type gym." Ash said remembering his battle there on his first adventure. "That was tough but I won. There is also a Pokémon zoo there."

"And the Safari Zone." Brock said and Ash shuddered. "Don't forget that place."

"What's so big about the Safari Zone?" Misty asked a little confused.

"Let's just say my one trip there ended up being interesting so to speak." Ash said recalling that little adventure. "You get 30 special balls and a time limit so as to preserve the wild Pokémon there. No battling, just 30 balls to try and catch as many Pokémon as possible. I managed to catch 30 Pokémon on my visit there."

"That's great!" Misty said confused as to why Ash didn't like the place. "Isn't it?"

"It would be, if it wasn't for the fact that all 30 were Tauros." Ash grumbled. "I only caught Tauros, a whole heard of Tauros."

"Ah I see." Misty said understanding why a trip like that might not be great.

"I love them and they love me but it was a damper to only catch one species of Pokémon." Ash said. "You will meet them when we get to Pallet Town."

"Seeing all your Pokémon at the same time is something I can't wait for." Misty said happily. "I have seen many back in Sinnoh but all at once is something else."

"Yeah I do miss them." Ash said before he remembered something else about Fuchsia City. "Brock, isn't the Battle Pike near there?"

"Yeah I think it is." Brock said thinking back to their trip to the Battle Frontier as he tried to remember who the Frontier Brain was there; he knew it was someone memorable.

"Battle Pike?" Misty asked.

"It is the 4th of the 7 facilities of the Kanto Battle Frontier." Ash said. "The Battle Pike specializes in offensive, serpentine, Pokémon and is run by…"

"Pike Queen Lucy!" Brock yelled, hearts filling his eyes as he recalled the stunning Frontier Brain of the Battle Pike. "A vision of pure loveliness and deadly, quiet, power. I remember her so well, one the best babes I ever met. I still think about her and me getting dinner and…"

Brock suddenly yelled and went stiff. Croagunk pulled his still glowing fingers from Brock's side, croaking calmly as everyone stared at Brock.

"I was just fantasizing." Brock groaned as he crumpled to the floor. "Why is that illegal now?"

"I think that is as good a time as any to end lunch." Ash said as they all laughed. "Forrest, Yolonda, Salvador, how about we head to the gym. I want to see how it is looking under your care and show Misty where I won my first ever gym badge. We can practice for our battle tomorrow."

"Sounds great." Forrest said getting up. "But first, I need to clean the table then we can head over."

Ash and Misty smiled as they both got up and helped while Croagunk dragged Brock's twitching body to wherever he dragged it when he incapacitated his trainer. They were happy to see Brock again and spend some time with him and his family in Pewter City. It would be fun and then either tomorrow or the day after they would head to Pallet Town and Misty would finally see her boyfriend's home. She couldn't be happier.