Now that we've seen how Ash is feeling, let's see what's going on in the world of everyone's favorite gym leader: Misty Waterflower! Thanks for the reviews so far, I didn't think I'd get any to be honest, so they make me feel proud! Enjoy this chapter! I own nothing except the story.

Chapter 2

Normal POV

"I hate being a Gym Leader!" That was the sound that was heard almost every day at the Cerulean City Gym, and it always came from the mouth of Misty Waterflower. Two years ago she had been forced to come back to Cerulean and take over the gym that her three "sensational" sisters were going to abandon in order to take a yearlong cruise around the world.

And now, a year after they finally returned, Misty was still trapped inside the gym, forced to be away from the boy she loved. With each passing day, she would wake up and think to herself how much she missed him. "Oh, Ash…I wish I was out there with you…instead of being stuck here because of my loser sisters!" Her internal cries echoed in her mind on the daily. She had no idea that somewhere in the Sinnoh Region, a certain jet-black haired boy was missing her almost as much as she missed him.

She didn't always feel this way. For the first few months, she actually enjoyed being a Gym Leader. The thrill of beginning to build her own legacy, the challenge of rebuilding the Cerulean City Gym from a Kanto-wide joke into an honest-to-goodness challenge for beginning trainers...or a final test for trainers who thought they would simply save her for last based on the gym's previous reputation. It was something she found to be exhilarating.

At first.

After visiting with Ash a couple of times during his journey in Hoenn, she was given a reminder of what it felt like to travel with him, the warm feeling that came with being with her best friend. The adventure, the excitement...somehow it dimmed the bright future she'd started to envision for herself.

Then as the months continued, and her sisters returned to their normal routine, it became more and more evident to Misty that being a Gym Leader wasn't going to be as glorious as she'd led herself to believe. Her sisters were all but completely useless, the constant pressure to perform...and of course, the constant absence of the one person she cared for more than anyone else...it began breeding resentment in her, and on this day, it would come to a head.

Misty's POV

As much as I normally enjoyed battling, the excitement and thrill that usually came with it was quickly losing its luster. This was my third challenger of the day, and not only was I frustrated over the fact that I'd lost two straight matches with incredibly dumb mistakes on my part, but even my hair was starting to get in my way. I had let it grow much longer in the time I was stuck in the gym, but it was proving to be a minor irritation since it kept swishing into my face. "I'll have to remember to put my hair back up before I start a battle."

The decision to grow my hair out didn't come lightly. I was looking to make a change in my life; one that I hoped would help take my mind off of...other things. But frankly, all it really did was cause the opposite. All I could think about was how he would react if he saw my new look. Would he like it? Would he hate it? The only thing that kept me from cutting it back was the morbid curiosity inside me that demanded I get an answer someday.

Even if sometimes it threw off my battle rhythm more than it already had been.

My current challenger was a young boy with a Weepinbell, who in spite of his obvious inexperience had already commanded his Pokémon to a victory over my Staryu and my Starmie. The only thing that kept me from completely losing my cool was the fact I'd gotten in my fair share of hits too. Staryu managed to take out his Sandshrew with a powerful Water Gun attack, but so far that was all I'd managed to accomplish somehow. Seriously, who brings a ground-type Pokémon to a water-type gym and manages to win?

I flinched, and I felt my eyes starting to water as my chest started hurting. I couldn't let myself go down that path, not right now.

I squeezed my hands into tight fists as I steeled my nerves, pushing away the emotional pain and focusing on the task at hand. I'd already lost too many battles and I wasn't about to lose this one too. "Misty calls Gyarados!" This was my ace, my last chance to claim victory over a trainer who I honestly should have never reached this point against. But if there was anyone who could save me from my own mistakes at this point, it was Gyarados.

With a mighty roar, Gyarados glared down at the grass/poison-type Pokémon on the platform below, his Intimidate ability cutting the attack power of my opponent's Weepinbell. At least now I would be off to a good start.

"Weepinbell, use Razor Leaf!"

"Dive underwater to dodge it!" Gyarados was easily able to dodge the razor sharp leaves by diving inside the pool. Finally I was able to crack a smile, Gyarados and I had worked on this combination so many times it was like riding a bike. "Now Gyarados, use Flamethrower!" My giant Pokémon practically exploded out of the water, as a burning flame shot out of his gaping maw and knocked out the boy's Weepinbell almost instantly. "Good job, Gyarados."

We spent so much time perfecting that move, and I was so excited to show it off to Ash when I visited him in the Hoenn Region a while back...I just wish the circumstances hadn't been so dire. The amount of effort and determination it took to get a water-type Pokémon to learn a fire-type attack, it's nearly impossible if you aren't completely dedicated to your craft. But if I was going to become the world's greatest water-Pokémon Master, that sort of thing just needs to be par for the course.

Again I had to suppress a sigh. All thoughts led back to him somehow. If I were back on the road, traveling with him and learning about new techniques and new Pokémon, I can only imagine how much better I'd be by now.

This needed to stop, my opponent was expecting a legitimate challenge and I was spacing out. Again I steeled myself as I looked my young opponent in the eyes. "You've done well so far, but can you get past my Gyarados?"

"Alright, this is my last Pokémon, I'm getting that badge…go Pikachu!"

Instantly my heart lurched inside my chest. I practically felt my heart skip a beat when that Pikachu came onto the battlefield. It reminded me of the boy that I was forced to leave behind two years ago. "Oh, Ash…" My eyes widened as I realized it was happening again. "I've got to snap out of this, I still have a match to win!" I shook my head, mentally berating myself for my utter lack of focus. "Gyarados, use Flamethrower again!"

"Dodge it with Quick Attack, Pikachu!"

Gyarados launched Flamethrower attacks all over the battlefield, but the speedy electric mouse dodged his attacks every time. I could see that Gyarados was getting tired from blasting so much, and that I had to do something or the battle would be over before I could do anything.

"Pikachu, finish it with Thundershock!"

"Piiikaaa chuuuu!"

My mind went blank as I watched the relatively small jolt of electricity knock out my Gyarados. My third loss in a row, all because I just couldn't find the inner strength to get my head in the game. "You did a good job, Gyarados." I whispered as I returned him back to his Pokéball. "And I'm sorry." The shame I felt in myself, it was unbearable. What would Ash think if he saw me now? "Stop thinking about Ash, darn it! He isn't here! Do your job!"

Taking a deep breath, I walked to the side of the gym to meet my young opponent. I could only hope that the smile I forced onto my face looked like I was trying to sincerely congratulate him as I handed him the third Cascade Badge of the day. "You did a good job, and now you've earned your reward."

"Alright! I got the Cascade Badge!" The boy and his three Pokémon cheered. "Thanks so much, Misty! You'll see me again when I get to the Indigo League! Seeya!"

And there it was again, invading my mind and heart with no hope of blocking it out. Seeing the young boy's victory dance only reminded me even more of my best friend and secret love, his passion and love for Pokémon was reflected back at me through this trainer. Once he was finally out of sight, my eyes started watering again, and I ran towards my room as fast as I could, not even stopping when Daisy appeared to see how the battle had gone.

"Hey Misty, how was..."

I didn't answer, I couldn't. I couldn't let Daisy see the tears streaming down my face. It hurt so bad. Each beat of my heart felt like a new adventure in suffering. Was this what it was like to have your heart broken? The feeling that existence was a chore? All I knew was it was just getting worse and worse, and I couldn't take it anymore.

As soon as I reached my room, I slammed the door behind me and collapsed against it, crumbling to the floor as I curled my legs up to my knees...and screamed.

The release was just the tiniest bit cathartic, even at the cost of my throat. Tired, frustrated, lonely, a girl could only take so much before she breaks down. And I knew that was where I was now. I sat there on the floor, quietly sobbing as memories of past adventures zoomed through my mind over and over again, reminding me of the one person who I wanted to be with more than anyone else in the world. "Why?" I whispered to myself as I lifted my head just enough to see the picture frame on my nightstand...even without seeing the actual photo, my memory recreated every minute detail in full definition, and all it did was make me yearn even more.

I was so exhausted from my emotional breakdown; I could feel my whole body going numb. With the last of my strength, I pushed myself back onto my feet, and stumbled onto my bed with no tears left to cry. "Why does everything I see have to remind me of Ash?"

Normal POV

As airheaded as the three Sensational Sisters of Cerulean City had a reputation for being, they weren't completely brainless. Daisy in particular had become much wiser since spending more time with her youngest sister, and it was plainly obvious that something was very wrong with Misty.

But it wasn't just Daisy. Lily and Violet also heard the commotion, and it wasn't long before they walked up to their oldest sister trying to see what was going on. "Like, what's wrong with baby sis?" Lily asked.

Violet nodded. "Yeah, she's like, totally off her game."

Daisy sighed and slumped her shoulders a bit. "I guess, I should like, go talk to her, huh?" After receiving a nod from her two younger sisters, Daisy braced herself as she walked up the steps to Misty's room, gently knocking on the door once she got there. "Misty, can I come in?" When she didn't hear a response, she slowly opened the door, and saw her little sister asleep on her bed with tear stains on her face. Seeing her there, Daisy sighed again and shook her head. "There's nothing I can do while she's asleep." She stepped out of the room and quietly closed the door behind her, leaning against it for a moment before she made her way back down the stairs. "Like, I feel so bad...I wish there was something I could do." She pondered that for a few moments, but it wasn't long before she was ambushed by her two other sisters again.

"Did you like, talk to her?" Lily asked.

The eldest sister shook her head sympathetically. "She actually like, cried herself to sleep. I wish I knew what was wrong."

"I'll tell you what's wrong!" Violet gestured wildly. "She's like, lost three straight matches today, and she's only won one in the past three days!"

"Like, calm down Vi!" Daisy scowled at the middle sister. "It's not like she lost on purpose, and she's still better than all of us put together when it comes to battling."

"But not fashion!" Lily exclaimed randomly.

"Well, yeah, obviously." Daisy threw her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "But that doesn't explain why she seems so off lately."

"Well, when she wakes up you have to like, pry it out of her." Violet said.

"I'll try, ok?" Daisy huffed and screwed on a determined expression. "Now, let's get ready for the show tonight."

Misty woke up the next day still mentally exhausted from the stress. She had even dreamed of being on the road again with Ash and Brock, which had given her a touch of happiness since she felt like she was really there, if only for a short while. Misty even found the strength to smile as she gave thanks for being able to get a taste of what it was like to be with Ash again.

Fortunately, she didn't have time to go back into a downward spiral, as her Azurill came into her room, happily bouncing on her tail as she came up to her for a hug. "Azu azu!" (Hi Mommy!)

Seeing her baby Pokémon down on the ground next to her bed, Misty's smiled widened as she bent down to pick up her Azurill and give her a loving embrace. "Good morning, Azurill. How are you feeling today?"

"Azu azu!" (I feel good!)

Misty giggled and nuzzled Azurill's face with her nose. She could actually feel the weight being slowly lifted from her shoulders as the love of her precious Pokémon comforted her fragile heart. "Glad to hear it. Let's go get some breakfast, okay?" As Misty made her way down to the kitchen, she reached into the cupboard to pour Azurill a special blend of Pokémon food that Brock had given her a recipe for. She was no expert in the kitchen by any stretch, but she knew how to follow instructions, and Azurill always seemed to really enjoy it. "Here you go, Azurill. Eat up, okay?" Misty smiled as she watched Azurill dig in to her meal, but she blushed and placed a hand on her belly when she felt and heard her stomach growl in protest. "Well, that's what happens when you don't eat for a whole day."

Shaking her head, Misty made her way back to the cupboard to pull out a bowl and a box of cereal...a box that had her sister's pictures plastered all over it. "Great, another one of their brand deals." She muttered to herself. "Can't even eat without them invading my personal space."

It was times like these when she actually missed Brock more than Ash. She never went hungry when she was traveling with him, and it was always delicious. With much reluctance, Misty finally gave in and poured the cereal into the bowl and poured milk over it. "I guess it doesn't taste so bad, at least not as bad as I thought it would."

Meanwhile, Daisy had woken up to get her own breakfast, and once she got to the kitchen, her heart jumped when she saw Misty in there already eating. "I guess now is a good a time as ever." Daisy took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen as casually as she could, giving her baby sister a smile as she started bustling around the room, prepping some coffee. "Morning!"

"Morning..." Misty raised an eyebrow, instantly catching on that Daisy was acting just a little too cheerful this early in the morning. "Alright, what does she want?"

After pouring herself a cup of coffee that was actually more milk and sugar than anything else, Daisy sat herself down in front of Misty with that same smile still plastered on her face. "How'd you sleep?"

The redhead hesitated before answering. "Good." she finally said without meeting her sister's gaze.

Seeing as her first question got a rather apathetic response, she tried again. "How'd the battle go yesterday?"

At that, Misty snapped as she dropped her spoon back into the bowl and glared up at her sister. "What do you want, Daisy?"

"Zu?" (Huh?) Misty's sudden outburst caught the attention of Azurill.

Misty took a deep breath and looked back down at her stunned Pokémon. "Keep eating sweetie." she said as she tried to reign in her temper. Satisfied with that, Azurill smiled and went back to eating. As for Misty, she waited until her baby Pokémon was fully engaged in enjoying her breakfast before crossing her arms over her chest and glaring back up at her sister, her foot tapping impatiently. "Well?"

The tall blonde sighed and gave her youngest sister an earnest look. "Is there something wrong with you, Misty?"

"No, Daisy, there is not. Why?"

Daisy gulped silently before she answered. "Because your battling...it like...looks like it's gotten a bit...sloppy lately."

That was all it took to flare up Misty's temper. "I knew this would have something to do with me losing those battles!" she snarled. "If you're going to torture me because of it, then I don't wanna hear it!" Without another word, Misty grabbed her bowl of cereal, and stomped back up to her room, slamming the door behind her. She then placed her breakfast on the nightstand next to her bed and lied down on her bed face up. "I hate this place...I just want out already." She whispered to herself.

Misty heard Daisy come up and knock on the door again. "Misty, please, I just wanna help!" Daisy said from behind the door.

"If you wanna help, then let me go!" She waited a few minutes, and eventually heard the footfalls of Daisy walking back down the steps. "I miss you Ash." She squeezed her eyes shut for several moments, then her eyes wandered over to the picture frame on her nightstand, as she reached over and picked it up, tears welling up as she saw the image of her and Ash back when they were traveling together.

The picture showed two people who were so close, anyone would assume they knew each other all their lives. That was far from the truth. But even with all the arguments, all the pointless bickering and teasing, it was clear from the picture inside the frame of her riding on Ash's back that she and Ash were always happy to be in each other's company, even when they got on each other's last nerve.

And so once again, she was back where she started. Her thoughts drifted off to Ash, the boy who was the source of her emotional struggles...and the boy she loved.