Hello Fanfiction Readers! How have you fared? Well? Good. Instead of the usual edits to an episode of Pokémon Black and White, guess what this chapter is? ...Too late...It's a chapter written by yours truly out of my own imaginative imagination. Here we join Misty as she feels most contemplative today. What is she thinking of? Read and find out!

Disclaimer: A Disclaimer for something that I wrote completely by myself with my own imagination? Okay I guess. Pokémon is not owned by me. It is owned by some people over...there...or there. I don't remember.

Pokémon Black and White

Chapter Three

Another day, another bright-eyed challenger to battle.

That was the thought that ran through Misty Waterflower's mind everyday she woke up. When she first took over the Cerulean Gym from her three Sensational Sisters; Daisy, Violet, and Lily, she was genuinely excited to be battling challengers for the Cascade Badge...at the very least for some time anyway. Of course, she did miss travelling with Ash and Brock when they went through Kanto and Johto and Ash and Tracey went they explored the Orange Islands, but she supposed it was time to actually rest for a while. But then, approximately a year or two after she took over the gym, she realized how boring taking challengers on day after day was. She supposed it helped a little that she could talk with Tracey every once in a while when he was tending to the Pokémon at Professor Oak's Laboratory. It also got easier to take when it seemed that Misty and her sister Daisy - as crazy as she thought it sounded - were actually becoming friends. Every once it awhile she would call Brock and see what her old friend/big brother figure was up to, seeing his progress with becoming a full-fledged Pokémon Doctor. He said that, while it was slow going at first, his training was almost to the point of completion. Sometimes though, and she would tend to do it discreetly, Misty would call Delia Ketchum to see if Ash had called her to inform her about anything about his travels.

More often than not - and disappointedly - Delia informed that she hadn't gotten any recent calls from her son. She was surprised though to hear about some of his adventures which he had informed his mother of though. Honestly she couldn't believe the trouble he had gotten himself and his travelling companions into when he was in Hoenn after she had left him again after taking a short trip there and dangers that had also appeared in Sinnoh. Misty was then confused as to why - after telling her of this - Delia had an amused expression on her face...and felt herself blush when she said the reason for it.

"Why Misty," She had said knowingly. "if I didn't know any better I'd say you actually might care for my dear Ash."

"What, that's ridiculous, Ash is my friend!" Misty had practically shouted, crossing her arms indignantly, but she couldn't ignore the blush on her face. "And even if I did care about that moron of a Pokémon Trainer, it would only be because we had been through so much together through our adventures. Nothing more and nothing less than that."

"Right," Delia had said, waving her hand dismissively. "are you sure your feelings for Ash don't run deeper than mere friendship?"

"Yes I am sure!" Misty had replied insistently, her signature Misty temper showing forth. "Ash is nothing more than a friend to me, which is why I would be so angry at him for risking his life and the lives of his other friends while he travelled through the regions."

"Whatever you say Misty," Delia had responded, a faint smile on her face. "I wonder what Ash would say if he heard about how much you cared for him."

"He would probably either laugh it off or get embarrassed about it," Misty said, her temper simmering down a little. "I don't know if you've noticed it Mrs. Ketchum, but your son is about as dense as a Magikarp's skin." Misty had thought, as she was reminded of the time that they were shipwrecked with the Team Rocket Trio after a debacle aboard the St. Anne in which they were left hungry on a raft and Meowth had so foolishly chopped down on Magikarp in hunger, despite the fact that it was all skin and bones.

"Now Misty," Delia had said, taking on a more serious tone. "when you last travelled with Ash how old were you two?"

"Well, I think we were about ten and eleven," Misty had began, the blush increasing a little, but this time out of embarrassment than any supposed feelings she might have for the aspiring Pokémon Master. "but what does that have to do with anything?"

"To be perfectly honest Misty," Delia had started. "you and my son were both quite young at that time. What that also means though, is that you both have matured over the years."

"Are you sure about that?" Misty had asked, a wry smile now on her face. "All Ash cares about is Pokémon and - to a lesser extent - food to fill his seemingly endless stomach. Honestly I think he could've put a Snorlax to shame."

The two females then couldn't help but laugh at that statement.

"Yes, that is true," Delia said, chuckling lightly after composing herself. "But that was years ago and, who knows, perhaps he has gained the capacity to actually care about something else and he just doesn't know it."

Misty then found the Cerulean Gym floor to be extremely fascinating. She was sure glad that her sisters weren't there to ask her about what was wrong. Where do they run off to anyway? She had thought to herself before speaking. "I doubt it."

"Misty," Delia said, trying to get the water-trainer's attention. "if there is one thing I know about my son, it is that he has the biggest heart in the world, especially for the friends he has made over the years; Pokémon and humans alike."

This had gotten Misty's attention as she had a small smile on her face. "Yeah, you do have a point there. You raised him well."

"Oh Misty, you're embarrassing me," Delia had began, waving her hand dismissively as a faint blush appeared on her face. "As much as I could take all the praise for the person Ash is today, I believe that he already had that capacity for goodness in him all along and just needed a little prodding."

"Well anyway," Misty had said as she heard someone knocking on the Cerulean Gym door. "I think I have a challenger is here, so see you later Mrs. Ketchum."

"Wait Misty!" Delia had exclaimed before Misty could end the call. "Don't forget to think about what we discussed."

"Don't worry," Misty had said reassuringly. "I'll be sure to think about it."

After she turned off the videophone, Misty sat forward in her chair after turning in around and ending the call, proceeding to put her face in her hands.

I wonder if Mrs. Ketchum is right. Could Ash really have matured since last we met?

"Ma rill Marill?" ("Misty, are you okay?")

Misty's attention was then diverted when she found that her Marill was looking up at her with concern in its blue eyes.

"Yeah Marill," Misty said, attempting to reassure her Marill which was once her baby Azurill. Guess it's not only people that are maturing these days. "I'll be fine."

"Ma rill Marill?" ("Misty, are you sure?")

Deciding that Marill wouldn't be convinced, she tried a different approach.

"Yeah, I'm great!" Misty had replied determinedly, jumping off from her seat and point to the Cerulean Gym door. "There's a challenger here to request a gym badge, so why don't we go and oblige him with a battle?"

"Ma rill Ma rill Marill Ma rill!" ("Now that's the Misty I know and love.") The Aqua Mouse Pokémon said before jumping happily into Misty's arms.

The knocking on the Cerulean Gym door then increased in forcefulness.

"Well, we better go see that challenger before he actually breaks down the door to get in here," Misty had said with a sweat-drop.

"Ma rill." ("Agreed.") Marill said, a sweat-drop also on its head.

"Okay," Misty shouted. "I'm coming!"

After having that discussion with Mrs. Ketchum, Misty had begun to wonder if she actually did have feelings for Ash Ketchum of all people that went deeper than mere feelings of camaraderie. She did have to admit it though, while it sounded like Ash went on much more death-defying adventures after their paths diverged, she also had to admit how they did go through a lot together. As she began to wonder more and more about it, she actually did believe there could be a very real possibility that she at the very least had a crush on the aspiring Pokémon Master. However, as she tried to get into contact with him, he was either training his Pokémon, sleeping or eating, or not even remotely close to a videophone.

In order to get her mind off the complicated mess, she decided to channel all the feelings into her temper and her job as a gym leader. Her strategy worked well...for the most part anyway. A couple days before Ash's journey had ended in Sinnoh, her heart, as strongly as she had put it into her battling, couldn't help but feel like something was missing from her life. She thought it was ridiculous though, after all, she was the tomboy of the family, quite unlike her more fashion-forward and well, if she was being honest, more feminine, older sisters. She couldn't believe that there was even a slim possibility that she could go crazy over a guy. But then again, she did sometimes express some enthusiasm over romantic scenarios when they would present themselves.

Misty sincerely had no idea what to do about it, but after the day Ash left for Unova, the first challenger she would see of the present day after it would be the deciding factor.

Another day, another tedious day of battling challengers and seeing rather or not they could claim the Cascade Badge. Misty thought somewhat bitterly. Time to see what my first challenger would be today.

As she went downstairs after dressing up in her signature outfit, she found that there was already a trainer in the gym. She also noticed that he was dozing off on one of the bleachers. Some trainers are too enthusiastically for their own good sometimes. She thought dryly, but then a small sad smile was on her face. Like a certain raven-haired trainer that I used to travel with.

Misty then clasped her hands determinedly. No time for that now though, I've got a challenger to battle.

"Hey you!" She shouted, cupping her hands like a megaphone. "Are you here to battle or are you here to sleep!"

That got attention of the boy as he quickly ran down the bleachers to the front area of the gym, mimicking her by cupping his hands. "That depends," He yelled, all traces of previously dozing off disappeared. "are you ready to hand out a Cascade Badge?"

Misty, after running to the other end of the gym, had a smile on her face. "Only if you can beat me in a gym battle will I give you a badge."

The boy just shrugged as he pulled out a Poké Ball. "Whatever, my name is Ethan and I'm from Viridian City and I challenge the Cerulean Gym for my second gym badge. Go Carter!" As he threw the Poké Ball, an energetic-looking Bulbasaur appeared from it.

So this challenger's go for type advantages huh? Misty thought bemusedly. Well we'll just see about that.

I suppose I could use Gyarados, but what would be the fun in that? Misty thought as she grabbed Goldeen's Poké Ball.

"Misty calls Goldeen!" She exclaimed as the Goldfish Pokémon appeared on the battlefield.

"Quick Carter, start this off with Leech Seed!

As the attack spread over Goldeen, enveloping it in vines, Goldeen showed that the attack had done damage to it as it grimaced.

"Goldeen use Agility then use Fury Attack!"

Goldeen's body then glowed as it showed the move take affect as it hit Bulbasaur repeatedly with its horn five times and the Seed Pokémon backed away in pain but recovered slightly from the Leech Seed attack it had made previously.

"Carter, finish this up with Vine Whip!"

"Goldeen use Agility then attack with Horn Drill!"

Spurred on by the effects of Agility, Goldeen's horn started to ready the attack as it got within mere inches of the Seed Pokémon, but not before taking at least one super-effective hit from the Vine Whip.

As the attacks finished, both trainers noticed that their Pokémon had fainted.

"Carter return!" Ethan said as he returned him to his Poké Ball before looking at it. "You did well Carter, get a good rest."

"Goldeen return!" Misty said as she returned her Pokémon. "That was awesome Goldeen, be sure to rest well."

"Go Poké Ball!" As Ethan threw the Poké Ball, a familiar looking Mouse Pokémon appeared.

A Pikachu huh? Misty said, remembering the last time she had seen someone else bring a Pikachu here. Although, I think this one will be more determined to battle.

"Misty calls Corsola!" Misty exclaimed as the Coral Pokémon appeared happily on the battlefield.

"Pikachu, use Thunder Shock!" Ethan said, then noticed a way to power the move up a little. "And aim straight for the water around Corsola."

As Pikachu's cheeks sparked a little before he unleashed the attack, Misty was prepared for that.

"Corsola use Mirror Coat, but only when the time is right!"

Right before the Thunder Shock could hit, and do a significant amount of damage to Corsola, a yellow-orange color outlined the Coral Pokémon and sent the Thunder Shock blasting back at the electric mouse, inflicting double the damage but not as effectively given Pikachu's resistance cuts the power in half.

"Pikachu use Quick Attack to get in close and then use Electro Ball!"

"Corsola use Spike Cannon!"

As Pikachu got in close with the Quick Attack and prepare to unleash his Electro Ball and Corsola glowed white as it prepared the spike cannon, the attacks hit, causing a small puff of smoke to appear on the battlefield and sent Pikachu flying back as Corsola was spun in the opposite direction. As the Pokémon stopped and panted with exhaustion, it was clear that Corsola had receive the blunt of the attack since it was super-effective.

"No Corsola!" Misty exclaimed as returned the fainted Coral Pokémon. "You battled hard and well Corsola, take a good rest."

"That was awesome!" Ethan exclaimed, shooting his Pikachu a thumbs-up as the Mouse Pokémon mimicked the gesture. "Now all we need to do is beat one more Pokémon and we'll win our second badge!"

"If you think it's going to be easy to beat my Pokémon, you've got another thing coming!" Misty shouted, reaching for Starmie's Poké Ball. "Misty calls Starmie!"

"Starmie use your Swift attack!" As the Mysterious Pokémon prepared the attack, it hit Pikachu directly, weakening it further. "Now use Rapid Spin!"

"Quick Pikachu!" Ethan exclaimed as Starmie hurtled towards the Mouse Pokémon. "Try to grab it then use Thunder Shock!"

Pikachu attempted to comply, but the spinning star was moving too fast and was too big for Pikachu to grab onto it so the end result was Pikachu fainting from the hit.

"No Pikachu!" Ethan exclaimed as he returned him to his Poké Ball. "I'm proud of you Pikachu, you fought well."

"Now Pidgeotto," Ethan said as the Bird Pokémon was released and chirped confidently. "show them the power of your Quick Attack!"

"Starmie, use Swift again!" As the stars flew and collided with the Bird Pokémon, Pidgeotto was able to hit it in turn with its Quick Attack.

"Yeah, that's the way Pidgeotto!" Ethan shouted. "Now use Gust!"

"Starmie, attack back with Power Gem!"

"Oh no you don't! Ethan exclaimed. "Pidgeotto, maximize power of your Gust!"

As Starmie readied an orange sphere to attack Pidgeotto, the Bird Pokémon began flapping its wings furiously.

When the Power Gem attack was fired, Pidgeotto was able to narrowly avoid getting hit by the super-effective rock-type attack before it went flying back down into the water, hitting Starmie.

"Starmie! Are you okay?" Misty exclaimed as the Mysterious Pokémon floated back up to the surface after being submerged by its own attack. However, Starmie wouldn't go down so easily or by being hit by its own attack. "Yeah, that's great Starmie!"

As Starmie was recovered, it wait for its orders. "Now Starmie, use Water Gun!"

The Mysterious Pokémon then readied its tip as a ball of water appeared.

"Pidgeotto, use Quick Attack!"

While the Water Gun was fired, the Bird Pokémon was able to push through it and connect its Quick Attack. When the Bird Pokémon flew back up, the Mysterious Pokémon revealed itself to have fainted as its jewel started to blink. Shortly afterwards, the Bird Pokémon, although it tried to remain strong, ultimately gave in and fell to the ground with swirls in its eyes.

"Return Starmie!" Misty exclaimed before walking down to the other side of the field.

"You were awesome out there Pidgeotto!" Ethan said as he cradled the fallen Bird Pokémon. "Now return."

"I have got to say kid," Misty began. "I've honestly never seen a Pidgeotto have such powerful wind strokes given the way it pulled off that Gust attack to deflect that Power Gem."

"Yeah, my Pidgeotto really is something else isn't it?" Ethan said modestly.

"Yes, yes it is, and for beating the Cerulean City Gym Leader," Misty started, pulling a familiar-looking object from her pocket. "I present to you the Cascade Badge."

"Gee thanks!" Ethan exclaimed excitedly. "Two down, six to go. Thanks Misty!"

Before Ethan could leave though, Misty called him back. "Hey kid!"

"What is it?" Ethan asked, walking away from the door.

"A word of advice," Misty said. "while type advantages might work out in the end, only through hard work and determination can your Pokémon really shine though."

"Thanks Misty!" Ethan exclaimed, opening the door again. "I'll be sure to remember that the next time I take on a gym leader."

You better. Misty thought to herself before walking back to her room, a small smile on her face.

"Ma rill Marill?" ("Misty, how did it go?")

"It went great Marill," Misty replied, picking up the Aqua Mouse Pokémon and giving it a small hug before setting in down on her bed. "but now I've got something else to do so why do you go with the other Pokémon and play in the pool?"

"Ma rill Marill, Ma rill." ("Okay Misty, Good Luck.")

"Thanks Marill." Misty said, releasing the Pokémon in the Poké Balls she had with her and picked up Marill to give it another hug when another thought crossed her mind. "Oh, and by the way Marill, make sure that Psyduck doesn't accidently drown down there."

"Ma rill Marill Ma rill rill." ("You can count on me Misty.") The Aqua Mouse Pokémon said before mimicking a salute and running to the pool.

Now, what to do with this. Misty thought as she sat at her desk. That battle kind of reminded me of him. I wonder how I can contact him though.

Misty's question was soon answered when she noticed something on her desk. A blue fountain pen and several pieces of parchment paper.

Well, since I don't want to talk to Daisy, Violet, Lily, or Mrs. Ketchum, I think I'll try this on my own. Misty thought as she pulled out a piece of parchment and readied the fountain pen. Since I can't seem to get to him through a videophone, I suppose I'll try the old-fashioned way of sending a letter. Misty then couldn't help but giggle a little. Sounds a bit more romantic that way anyway.

"Now," She said aloud, a sweat-drop on her head. "what do I write about? Oh well, I'll think of something."

Author's Notes: So, what do you guys think? How was the battling? Honestly, I'm not exactly good at writing up the scenes where Pokémon battle and use their moves. But really, you're using your imagination anyway. Although, that doesn't excuse me from trying to write the battles with authenticity. Anyway, about that challenger. Really I just needed a random challenger. And random he is. Well, see you next time! And always remember to review. Reviews are also welcome to help me improve the details of the tale.

After reading the last chapter over after I uploaded it - and reading a review comment - I noticed that there was something said that didn't quite make sense. But, I re-uploaded it again and it should be fine.