A/N: Truthfully writing out this chapter was emotionally fraught for me, learning that on August 10, 2023 Rachel Lillis the original English Dub voice actress for Misty, and Jessie lost her battle with cancer. It made rewatching the goodbye scene in Gotta Catch Ya Later to help write this one bittersweet moment that already felt that way when I was 12 years old watching this episode for the first time back in October of 2003, all the more heartfelt. The only other moment that makes me tear up for what it could mean is listening to Genie from Aladdin say, "I am free." And reflecting on that moment I truly hope Rachel is truly free from pain. Whether you believe in some sort of afterlife or not I want to thank her. Misty as a character has made it clear to me from the start that women can achieve and be just as strong as any man, and thankfully has helped shape me into a better man, confident enough to not be ashamed of losing to any girl no matter the sport, your talent and your heartfelt connections with fans will be missed. Hope you enjoy this chapter let me know how you feel about it by either reviewing or favoriting if you feel so inclined.
Ash found himself standing in the middle of a vast desert, the heat of the sun bearing down on him, but this time, something was different. In the distance, he saw an oasis—a lush, green patch of land surrounded by tall palm trees, the clear blue water shimmering invitingly. It was a stark contrast to the endless dunes he had been wandering through. Pikachu stood beside him, the little Electric-type as alert as ever.
As they cautiously approached the oasis, Ash felt a strange sense of unease. The closer they got, the more he realized something was wrong. The air around them grew heavier, darker, and the once-clear sky above began to cloud over with ominous shadows.
Then, out of the swirling darkness, a figure emerged—Zephyr, but not as Ash had seen him before. Zephyr was mounted atop a monstrous creature, its shape vaguely resembling a Tyranitar, but it was wrong, twisted. The creature's body was shrouded in dark shadows, its eyes glowing a menacing red, and crackling arcs of electricity pulsed through its form. It was as if the darkness itself had taken on a monstrous life, coalescing into this terrifying being.
Ash felt his heart race, fear clawing at him as the monstrosity loomed closer. Pikachu let out a fierce cry, "Pika!" ready to defend his trainer, but Ash knew instinctively that this creature was beyond anything they had faced before.
"Pikachu, stay close!" Ash called out, his voice tense as they began to back away from the approaching beast. The ground beneath their feet seemed to tremble with each step the creature took.
Without warning, the shadowy Tyranitar-like monster unleashed a bolt of electric energy, the crackling arc of power slicing through the air with terrifying speed. Ash and Pikachu barely managed to dodge the attack, the ground where they had just been standing exploding in a shower of sand and debris.
"We have to move!" Ash shouted, grabbing Pikachu and sprinting towards the oasis, hoping the water might somehow protect them. But the shadowy creature was relentless, its electric attacks raining down around them, each strike narrowly missing them by inches.
In the midst of the chaos, Ash suddenly noticed a figure near the water's edge—Misty. She stood there, unaware of the danger, her back turned as she seemed to be reaching out towards the oasis. Panic surged through Ash's veins.
"Misty!" he screamed, but his voice was drowned out by the roar of the monstrous creature.
Before he could reach her, the creature reared back, its shadowy form crackling with electricity as it prepared to unleash a devastating attack. Ash knew there was no time—no way Misty could react in time.
With every ounce of strength he had, Ash threw himself towards Misty, shoving her aside just as the creature launched its attack. The searing bolt of electric energy struck him squarely in the chest, the pain unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was as if his entire body was being torn apart by the sheer force of the energy coursing through him.
Ash screamed, the sound lost in the whirlwind of chaos around him. The world seemed to spin out of control, the desert, the oasis, and the monstrous creature all blurring together in a cacophony of light and shadow. And then, just as suddenly as it began, everything went black.
Ash bolted upright, gasping for breath, his body drenched in sweat. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked around frantically, trying to make sense of where he was. The familiar surroundings of the aldea slowly came into focus, the quiet of the night a stark contrast to the nightmare he had just experienced.
Pikachu, who had been sleeping beside him, was immediately awake, his large eyes filled with concern as he looked up at Ash. "Pi-ka-chu-pi?" he murmured softly, nuzzling against Ash's side in an attempt to comfort him.
Ash wiped the sweat from his brow, his breathing still ragged. The dream had felt so real, so vivid. The image of Zephyr atop that shadowy monstrosity, the electric attacks, and the moment he had pushed Misty aside—it all lingered in his mind, refusing to fade like most dreams did.
He glanced over at Misty and Brock, who were still asleep, oblivious to the turmoil he had just gone through. Ash took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "It was just a dream," he whispered to himself, though the words felt hollow. The fear, the pain—it had all been too real.
Pikachu continued to watch him closely, his concern evident. Ash reached out and gently patted Pikachu's head. "I'm okay, buddy," he said, forcing a small smile. "Just a bad dream, that's all."
But deep down, Ash couldn't shake the feeling that the dream had been more than just a nightmare. It felt like a warning, a glimpse into something darker lurking on the horizon. And the thought of it terrified him.
As the morning sun climbed higher, Rashid, Tariq, and Samir approached Ash, Misty, and Brock with their usual quiet confidence, their steps barely disturbing the sand beneath their feet. The three brothers exchanged a brief glance before Rashid stepped forward, his gaze settling on Misty.
"We've come to teach her," Rashid announced, his tone casual yet laced with something more, "how to walk properly through the desert and help us scout."
Tariq smirked, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "Besides, how often do we get to teach such a beautiful woman the ways of the desert?"
Ash felt a sweat drop form on the back of his head at the comment, his eyes darting nervously to Misty. He expected her to retort sharply, but instead, she surprised him.
Misty laughed lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, please, I'm not some great beauty. My sisters are the real beauties of Cerulean City."
Samir raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her humility. "That doesn't seem likely," he said, a playful skepticism in his voice.
Misty, clearly amused by the brothers' disbelief, reached into her bag and pulled out her Rotom phone. "Well, if you don't believe me, I have a picture right here," she said, quickly navigating through her photos until she found the one she was looking for.
She held up the phone, displaying a photo of her and her sisters—Daisy, Lily, and Violet—all dressed up for an event at the Cerulean Gym. The image showed the three sisters in their element, their beauty undeniable as they posed together.
Rashid, Tariq, and Samir leaned in to get a better look at the screen. Their eyes widened slightly in genuine surprise as they took in the sight of Misty's sisters.
"They are… stunning," Rashid admitted, clearly impressed. His tone, however, quickly shifted back to a playful one as he added, "But that won't stop us from flirting with you, Misty, as we instruct you in the ways of the desert."
Tariq nodded in agreement, his usual seriousness giving way to a more lighthearted demeanor. "There's no harm in a little desert charm," he added with a wink.
Ash sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he watched the interaction. While he was slightly annoyed by how smoothly the brothers were laying on the charm, he couldn't help but be impressed by how Misty handled it with grace and humor.
The lesson began with the brothers demonstrating how to walk lightly on the sand, distributing their weight to avoid making noise or leaving deep footprints. Misty watched closely, her expression focused as she tried to mimic their movements. Rashid stepped closer, guiding her steps with a gentle hand on her shoulder, his voice low and instructive.
"You need to feel the sand beneath your feet," he explained. "Move with it, not against it. The desert can be your ally if you learn to respect it."
Misty nodded, trying to internalize the advice. She took a few more steps, this time with more confidence, and the difference was noticeable. Her movements became smoother, more fluid, as she adapted to the terrain.
Tariq then showed her how to use the natural contours of the dunes to her advantage, demonstrating how to keep low and blend in with the environment. "If you stay close to the sand and move with the wind, you'll be nearly invisible," he said, his tone serious now. "The Tsika Army won't see you coming until it's too late."
Samir, meanwhile, provided tips on how to stay cool in the desert heat, explaining the importance of staying hydrated and keeping her gear light. "The desert can be unforgiving," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "But if you know how to move and how to conserve your energy, you'll survive."
Throughout the lesson, the brothers continued to flirt with Misty in their own subtle ways—Rashid with his soft, guiding touch, Tariq with his intense gaze, and Samir with his playful remarks. Misty, for her part, took it all in stride, smiling at their compliments but staying focused on learning the techniques they were teaching her.
Ash watched the whole exchange with a mixture of amusement and mild annoyance. He couldn't help but be impressed by how quickly Misty was picking up the skills, but the constant flirting from the brothers was starting to get under his skin. Still, he knew Misty could handle herself, and seeing her so immersed in the lesson made him feel a bit more at ease.
As the lesson continued, Misty found herself growing more comfortable with the desert's demands. The brothers' instructions, while occasionally laced with flirtation, were practical and effective. She moved with more confidence, her steps lighter, her posture more attuned to the shifting sands.
When the lesson finally came to an end, Rashid gave Misty an approving nod. "You're a quick learner," he said, his tone genuinely impressed. "With more practice, you'll move like one of us in no time."
Misty smiled, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow. "Thanks. I appreciate you all taking the time to teach me."
Tariq gave a small, almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment, while Samir grinned, clearly pleased with how the lesson had gone. Ash, standing a little off to the side, let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Despite the teasing and flirting, he was glad to see that Misty had gained valuable skills that would help them all in the days to come.
Pikachu, always attuned to Ash's emotions, noticed the slight change in his mood as the lesson wrapped up. The little Electric-type's ears twitched, and he let out a small sigh, almost as if to say, *Here we go again.* It was clear Pikachu knew exactly what was bothering Ash, but he also knew better than to expect his trainer to admit his feelings for Misty anytime soon.
As the group prepared to head out into the desert to trail a Tsika Army unit, Tariq sidled up to Misty, his expression half-serious, half-playful. "So, Misty," he began, his tone casual but with a hint of genuine interest, "any chance I could get your blonde sister's name and number? You know, the really stunning one from the picture?"
Misty chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "That would be Daisy," she replied, her tone light. "But I wouldn't hold your breath. Daisy has a serious boyfriend."
Tariq grinned, undeterred. "Worth a shot," he said with a wink before turning his attention back to the task at hand.
The group moved out, their bodies low to the ground as they slipped silently across the dunes. The desert was vast and unforgiving, its sands shifting with every gust of wind, but the Qadir brothers navigated it with the ease of those who had spent their entire lives mastering its terrain. Every movement was deliberate, every footfall carefully placed to avoid drawing attention to themselves.
Misty, now armed with the knowledge she had gained from the brothers, moved with surprising grace. Her steps were light, her posture low as she mirrored their movements. Pikachu, riding on Ash's shoulder, observed her with approval, noting how quickly she had adapted to the desert environment.
They were trailing a Tsika Army unit that was moving slowly through the sands, their massive machines grinding against the earth as they searched for the elusive Stellar Tera shards. The unit was well-equipped and heavily armed, their presence a menacing reminder of the threat they posed to the Solarans and their land.
The group moved in unison, keeping to the shadows of the dunes, using the natural contours of the landscape to stay out of sight. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long, deep shadows that helped to conceal their approach. The only sound was the faint crunch of sand beneath their feet, barely audible against the background hum of the Tsika machines.
As they neared the unit, Rashid, who was leading the group, paused and raised his hand, signaling for them to stop. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon, assessing the situation before turning his gaze to Misty. He nodded toward her, his expression serious but expectant. It was clear what he wanted—he was giving Misty the signal to take the first move, to prove what she had learned from them.
Ash, crouched nearby, felt a twinge of annoyance flare up inside him. *They're letting her take point?* he thought to himself, incredulous. He couldn't help but feel slightly miffed. When he had first started learning from the Qadir brothers, they had given him a hard time, insisting that he needed to prove himself before taking the lead. Now, here they were, handing Misty the opportunity with barely any hesitation.
But as much as it irked him, Ash knew this was part of the process. Misty had earned their respect in her own way, and now it was her turn to show what she could do. He pushed down his irritation, focusing instead on supporting her in whatever way he could.
Misty caught Rashid's signal and nodded, her expression determined. She adjusted her stance, positioning herself so that she had a clear view of the Tsika unit without exposing herself. Slowly, she began to move, her steps light and deliberate as she circled around the unit, looking for an opening.
The Tsika soldiers were focused on their machines, their attention diverted as they worked to unearth whatever treasures they believed were buried beneath the sands. Misty kept low, using the terrain to her advantage, just as the brothers had taught her. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she kept her breathing steady, her focus sharp.
Pikachu watched with keen interest, his eyes following Misty's every move. He knew this was a critical moment, not just for her, but for the entire group. If they could disrupt the Tsika unit without being detected, it would be a significant victory.
Ash, still feeling the sting of being sidelined, couldn't help but admire how far Misty had come. She moved with confidence, her body language conveying a sense of calm and control. Even as the Tsika soldiers worked just a short distance away, she remained focused, her movements precise and calculated.
Finally, Misty found her opening. A section of the Tsika machinery was slightly exposed, its controls vulnerable to sabotage. She signaled back to the group, indicating her target. Rashid, Tariq, and Samir nodded in approval, their expressions filled with a mix of pride and anticipation.
Ash, despite his earlier annoyance, felt a surge of respect for Misty. She had earned this moment, and he knew she was more than capable of pulling it off.
With one final breath, Misty made her move, her body a blur as she darted forward. She reached the machinery in seconds, her hands moving swiftly as she began to disable the controls. The brothers watched closely, ready to back her up at a moment's notice.
Ash held his breath, his eyes locked on Misty as she worked. Pikachu, sensing the tension, remained perfectly still, his attention unwavering.
Misty's hands moved deftly over the machinery, and within moments, she had successfully disabled it. The Tsika soldiers, still unaware of her presence, continued their work, oblivious to the sabotage that had just occurred.
Rashid signaled to the group, and they began to retreat, slipping away just as quietly as they had approached. As they moved back to safety, Ash couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in Misty's accomplishment. Despite his initial frustration, he knew she had proven herself in a way that even he hadn't anticipated.
As they regrouped at a safe distance, Rashid gave Misty an approving nod. "You did well," he said, his tone genuinely impressed. "You're learning quickly."
Tariq grinned, clearly pleased with the outcome. "Not bad for a 'great beauty'," he teased, his earlier compliment now carrying a hint of respect.
Samir chuckled, giving Misty a playful nudge. "We might just turn you into a desert warrior yet."
Misty smiled, her confidence bolstered by their praise. "Thanks, but I still have a lot to learn."
Ash, despite his earlier irritation, couldn't help but smile at Misty's humility. She had done an incredible job, and he was proud of her. But he also knew that the challenges they faced were only going to get more intense from here on out.
As they began to make their way back to the aldea, Ash felt a renewed sense of determination. They were in this together, and they would continue to support each other, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
As the group made their way back to the aldea, the Qadir brothers continued their playful banter with Misty. Rashid, ever the charmer, offered to carry some of Misty's gear, a small but gallant gesture. Tariq pointed out interesting features of the desert landscape, always with a touch of flattery, while Samir kept up a steady stream of lighthearted jokes, all seemingly designed to draw Misty's attention.
Ash walked alongside them, his mood growing increasingly perturbed with each passing comment. He clenched his jaw, trying to keep his irritation in check, but it was hard not to feel a little miffed at how easily the brothers seemed to be winning Misty over. It wasn't that he didn't trust Misty—of course he did—but there was something about the way the brothers interacted with her that gnawed at him.
As the conversation continued, Ash found himself glancing over at Misty more often, really looking at her in a way he hadn't before. The way she moved with such confidence now, her fiery hair catching the light as she walked, the determined set of her jaw—everything about her seemed to radiate strength and capability. And she had been incredible back there, flawlessly disabling the Tsika machinery with the skills she'd learned in such a short time.
Before he realized it, Ash felt a strong urge to tell her just how great she'd been. Maybe it was the tension of the situation, or maybe it was something he had been holding back for a long time. Gathering his courage, he finally spoke up.
"You were really great back there, Misty," Ash said, his voice a bit softer than usual, filled with genuine admiration.
Misty looked at him, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. For a brief moment, there was a flicker of something in her eyes, but then she shook her head, her smile turning into a playful smirk. "Save the sweet talk, Ash," she teased lightly, brushing off the compliment with a hint of affection.
Samir, who had been watching the exchange out of the corner of his eye, couldn't help but wonder. *Are they flirting?* he thought, glancing between the two of them. There was definitely something there—some kind of chemistry—but it was hard to tell if it was mutual or if one of them was more oblivious than the other.
Ash, for his part, felt a little flustered by Misty's response, unsure if he'd said the right thing or not. He was about to say something else, but then he caught sight of Pikachu on his shoulder, who was now facepalming itself in what could only be described as exasperation.
*I didn't even say anything that great,* Ash thought, his own inner voice a mix of confusion and frustration. He wasn't exactly sure why his comment had come out the way it did, but Misty's playful dismissal left him feeling both relieved and slightly embarrassed.
Samir, still mulling over the brief exchange, continued to chat with Misty, but now with a subtle curiosity as he tried to gauge the dynamic between her and Ash. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but there was no denying that something was simmering just beneath the surface.
As the group pressed on, the desert sands shifting beneath their feet, Ash found himself increasingly aware of Misty's presence beside him. The teasing from the brothers didn't help, and though he tried to focus on the task at hand, his mind kept drifting back to that fleeting moment—the way Misty had smiled at him, and the way he'd felt when he'd tried to compliment her.
*Maybe there's more to this than I thought,* Ash mused, though he wasn't quite ready to admit what that might mean. For now, they had a mission to complete, and that was where his focus needed to be. But the feelings that had surfaced today weren't going to be easily dismissed.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the aldea, Misty, Ash, and Pikachu made their way back to the small home they shared with Brock. The familiar scent of Brock's cooking wafted through the air, and Pikachu's nose twitched in anticipation as they neared the entrance.
Brock stood just inside the doorway, a broad smile on his face as he waved them in. "Hey, you two! You're just in time. I've just finished cooking up some of my no-chew stew," he announced, his voice filled with the same warm enthusiasm that had always made their travels together feel like home.
Misty returned Brock's smile, her stomach rumbling at the thought of a warm meal after a long day. "That sounds perfect, Brock. I'm starving!"
Ash followed her inside, his expression a little less enthusiastic. He was still replaying the events of the day in his mind, trying to sort through his mixed feelings about the way things had gone.
As they all sat down to eat, Brock dished out generous portions of the stew, the rich aroma filling the small space. Pikachu eagerly dug into its own small bowl, its tail wagging happily.
"So, what did you two get up to out there in the desert?" Brock asked casually as he took a seat across from them. There was a hint of nostalgia in his voice, as if he was recalling the countless meals they'd shared together over the years, recounting their adventures.
Misty, still feeling the high from the day's successes, didn't miss a beat. "The Qadir brothers are amazing teachers, Brock," she began, her voice animated. "They showed me how to move through the sand without leaving a trace, how to blend into the landscape—it's incredible how much they know."
Ash, spoon halfway to his mouth, paused as he heard Misty's praise. He felt a familiar twinge of annoyance flare up, his earlier frustration from the desert returning. "Yeah, well, they were pretty easy on you," he muttered, almost under his breath.
Misty's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, her tone defensive.
Ash set his spoon down, feeling the need to justify his comment. "I mean, they weren't exactly giving you the hard time they gave me when I started out," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "They were all over me for every little mistake, but with you, it's like they couldn't wait to help out."
Brock watched the exchange, his eyes flicking between Ash and Misty. The banter had a familiar rhythm to it, one that brought him back to the early days of their journey. Back then, Ash and Misty had often butted heads, but there had always been something beneath their arguments, a kind of unspoken connection that made their friendship so unique. *This feels like old times,* he thought with a small smile.
Misty, however, wasn't smiling. She felt a pang of irritation at Ash's words, her earlier satisfaction with the day's events now tinged with doubt. "So, what? You're saying I didn't earn it?" she shot back, crossing her arms.
Ash felt his frustration rising again, but he struggled to find the right words to explain what he was feeling. "No, it's not that," he said, his tone softer now, almost apologetic. "It's just… it seemed different today, like they were treating you like—"
"Like what, Ash?" Misty interrupted, her voice sharp.
"Like they were more interested in impressing you than actually teaching you," Ash finished, the words finally out in the open.
Misty stared at him for a moment, the silence in the room growing heavy. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. After everything she had done, all the effort she had put in, Ash was implying that it didn't really matter because the Qadir brothers had gone easy on her?
"That's not fair, Ash," Misty said, her voice low and hurt. "You don't know what it was like for me out there. I worked hard today, and you even complimented me—" She paused, realizing how much that compliment had meant to her, and how hollow it now felt. "But I guess you didn't really mean it."
Ash felt a sharp pang of guilt at her words. He hadn't meant to undermine her achievements, but now he realized how his words must have sounded. "Misty, I did mean it," he said, his voice filled with regret. "You were great out there. I just… I don't know, maybe I was just frustrated because—"
"Because what? Because they didn't treat me like they treated you?" Misty's eyes flashed with frustration. "Maybe you should consider that they saw potential in me and wanted to help me grow."
Brock, sensing the tension rising between them, decided to step in, hoping to diffuse the situation. "Hey, come on, you two," he said, his tone calm and steady. "You both had a long day, and it sounds like you both did great in your own way. It's not a competition."
Ash and Misty both fell silent, Brock's words sinking in. The tension in the room began to dissipate, but there was still an awkwardness that lingered, a sense of something unresolved.
Pikachu, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, let out a small sigh, almost as if to say, *Why does it always come to this?* It facepalmed itself again, clearly frustrated with Ash's inability to communicate his feelings properly.
Misty finally looked away, focusing on her stew. The taste, which had been so comforting just moments before, now seemed bland. She couldn't shake the feeling that Ash's compliment hadn't been as genuine as she had thought, and that stung more than she wanted to admit.
Ash, for his part, couldn't help but feel like he had messed up, his own frustration and insecurities getting the better of him. He knew he should apologize, but the words seemed stuck in his throat.
Brock, sensing the need for a change in topic, quickly shifted the conversation to lighter subjects, talking about the unique plants and Pokémon he had observed while exploring the desert earlier. Ash and Misty joined in, but the earlier tension still hung in the air, a reminder that, despite all they had been through together, there were still things left unsaid.
As the evening wore on, the conversation eventually returned to their plans for the next day. They spoke of their continued efforts to resist the Tsika Army, of the training that still needed to be done, and of the challenges that lay ahead.
As the night deepened and the desert air grew cool, Ash lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling of their small shelter. The quiet sounds of the aldea outside had settled into a peaceful lull, and he could hear the soft, steady breathing of Misty and Brock as they began to drift off to sleep. Pikachu was curled up beside him, already lost in a dream of its own.
Ash turned his head slightly, his gaze resting on Misty. She lay on her side, her face relaxed and peaceful in sleep. The tension from their earlier conversation had faded, but the memory of their past was now swirling in Ash's mind. As he closed his eyes, he found himself slipping back into a vivid memory from years ago, one that had stayed with him all this time.
In his dream, Ash found himself standing at a familiar crossroads, the setting sun casting long shadows over the path. It was a moment he had replayed in his mind countless times—the day he, Misty, and Brock went their separate ways after so many adventures together. The golden light of the sunset bathed the scene in warmth, but there was an undeniable sadness in the air, a sense of something ending.
They had walked together from Viridian City, their steps heavy with the knowledge that this journey was coming to a close. The road ahead split into three directions: one leading to Pewter City, another to Cerulean City, and the last one back to Pallet Town. The crossroads marked the point where their paths would diverge. Misty had just finished saying it was a coincidence they had met.
Ash, ever confident, responded, "Ours wasn't coincidence. I don't believe it could be just a coincidence that I met you, out of all people."
Confused, Misty clarified, "What do you mean Ash?"
Ash closed his eyes before meeting Misty's eyes as they walked with Brock saying, "I am saying even though that happened.I think we were meant to meet and become friends."
Misty stopped at the center of the crossroads, her gaze lingering on the path that led to Cerulean City. Ash could see the uncertainty in her eyes, the way she hesitated as if she wasn't ready to say goodbye.
"Guess I'll be going this way." Misty said somewhat gesturing with her bike and Togepi.
Ash merely said, "Yeah."
Misty replied, "Take care Ash." Ash nodded calmly before Misty continued, "Will I see you again?"
Ash, barely taking a second, stated, "You will, I swear."
Ash looked at her, the setting sun casting a warm glow on her face. He could see the doubt in her eyes, the same doubt that had crept into his mind over the years. But he pushed it aside, knowing in his heart what he truly believed.
Ash watched them both go, his heart heavy with the weight of the moment. As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting the world in twilight, he turned and began walking the path back to Pallet Town. But even as he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the end of their story—just a new chapter waiting to be written.
As the memory faded, Ash's dream shifted, and he found himself standing on a grassy hill overlooking a peaceful town. The sunlight bathed the scene in a golden hue, and the air was filled with the sound of children playing in the distance. It took him a moment to realize where he was. Pallet Town? It felt like it, but there was something different about it, something older and more settled.
He looked around and saw, a short distance away, a woman standing with a little girl beside her. The woman had long, flowing red hair that now had hints of soft auburn, cascading down her back in gentle waves. Her figure was more mature, with the grace and strength that came from years of experience. The lines on her face were subtle but spoke of laughter, challenges, and the passage of time. It was Misty, but older, in her late 20s or early 30s.
She wore a light blue blouse that complemented her hair, and a simple but elegant skirt that reached just below her knees. Her eyes, the same vibrant shade of blue-green, were filled with warmth as she spoke to the little girl, who looked up at her with wide, curious eyes. The girl had soft pink hair, tied back in a ponytail, and she clung to Misty's hand as they both looked up at the clouds.
"Mom, when will Dad be back?" the little girl asked, her voice sweet and innocent.
Misty smiled, a mixture of tenderness and longing in her expression. "Soon, sweetie," she replied, her voice gentle. "He's out there, finishing what he started a long time ago. But he'll come back to us. He always does."
Ash's heart ached as he watched the scene unfold. The older woman with blue hair beside Misty stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She was slightly taller than Misty, with a kind face and a soft smile. The older woman looked familiar, yet Ash couldn't quite place her. Perhaps she was a future friend or a mentor.
"Don't worry, Misty," the older woman said, her voice full of wisdom. "He'll find his way back. He always does."
As the words echoed in Ash's mind, he felt a deep, bittersweet pang in his chest. He wanted to reach out to them, to call out to Misty, to reassure her that he would indeed come back. But before he could, the scene began to blur, fading away like mist in the morning sun.
He was suddenly back in the desert, surrounded by the familiar heat and shifting sands. He could still see the image of Misty and the little girl in his mind's eye, but the dream was slipping away, leaving him with a sense of longing and a faint echo of the future that might be.
Ash woke with a start, his body drenched in sweat, his heart racing. He looked around, disoriented for a moment, before realizing he was back in the small shelter with Misty, Brock, and Pikachu. The dream had felt so real, so vivid, that it took him a moment to shake off the lingering emotions.
He glanced over at Misty, who was still sleeping peacefully beside Brock. The sight of her brought a small measure of comfort, but the dream's impact lingered in the back of his mind. He wasn't sure what it meant, or why he had seen that particular future, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it was something important.
Taking a deep breath, Ash lay back down, trying to calm his racing thoughts. But sleep didn't come easily, and as he closed his eyes, the image of Misty and the little girl remained with him, a haunting reminder of the future that might be waiting for him.