Chapter 1: Out of the Blue.

Misty was drying her hair with a towel, gazing at herself in the mirror when her cell phone rang. She slung the towel on her shoulder and running her hand to ensure her bath-robe was knotted firmly, she answered the call. "Misty here."

A familiar voice greeted her. "Hey Mist!"

Misty's eyes widened in surprise. "Brock?"

"Who else?" Brock's cheerful voice laughed.

Misty found herself grinning. "Long time no see," she said. "So, how are you?"

"Great," he replied back. "You doing good? Not over working yourself, I suppose?"

Misty was really grinning now. "I'm having a great time, Brock," she answered truthfully. "I'm enjoying work here."

"That's great to know." He paused. "So… you heard about Ash?"

Misty's smile dulled a little. "Who hasn't?" she shot back, keeping her voice light. "Great work, huh?"

"You okay?" Brock's voice sounded concerned.

Stupid! He's knows you well enough to guess you're not all that cheerful! Misty chided herself.

"Of course!" she said, forcing enthusiasm in her voice. "So, he's back home then?"

Thankfully, Brock seemed to believe her. "Yeah, he's back," he said. "And, Professor Oak's throwing a party by the beach to celebrate his success. We're inviting a lot of people, but you're the first one on the guest list."

"…" Misty's heart sank further. So she was a guest now… Misty sighed inwardly. Guest list. The words hit her like daggers. So she was a guest now, no longer family. She couldn't barge in uninvited.

"The party's tomorrow at six in the evening," Brock told her when she didn't reply. "Delia especially wants to see you. She emphasized that she wouldn't take no for an answer."

Misty's spirits dulled even more. "You aren't playing me up, are you, Brock?" she asked disguising the dullness in her voice with suspicion. "Because Delia always calls me up and she hasn't done that yet."

"Idiot," Brock muttered. "She's busy. Handling guests isn't the easiest thing, you know; especially when there's a new one paying a visit every next hour. I'm helping her out today. As a matter of fact, I'm calling you from her place right now."

Misty felt bad at once. "Sorry, I didn't mean to accuse or something. Do you want me to come over and help?"

"Oh no, we're fine, here," he replied chuckling. "With May and Dana helping us out, its working just fine."

"May's there as well?" Misty asked cautiously keeping her voice level.

"Yeah, and she's really matured you know, all grown up," he said. "And Delia is really happy with her helping her out with chores and all."

Misty's spirits dulled further.

"She particularly insisted that you came, Mist," Brock replied firmly. "Stop behaving like you hardly know us."

"Okay, okay," Misty said hurriedly. "Your first guest won't disappoint you." Then realizing how that must have sounded, she chuckled. "Of course I'll come silly!" she added. "As if I wont be a part of Ash's big day. That dork owes me half his success."

"Don't I know that?" Brock's voice sounded cheerfully exasperated. "I'll be waiting for you, and get your sisters as well."

"I promise," Misty said truthfully. "I'll be there on time. Any dress code?"

"So long as you wear clothes…"

Misty laughed. "Don't worry about that. We'll all be well dressed."

"And Mist-"

"-yes?"

"-Ash said he's waiting to see you too."

Misty was silent for a moment. "I'll be there tomorrow, Brock. Thanks for inviting me."

Brock seemed somewhat confused by her reply. "What- oh – yeah. Okay. I'll see you tomorrow."

Misty ended the call and tossed her cell phone on her bed. She walked over to her study-desk and gazed at the large half-page photograph of Ash on the front page of the Newspaper that had come in earlier that morning. Ash looked as handsome as ever in his emerald turtleneck sweater and beige jacket. He held a trophy in his right hand and was beaming at the crowd. In his chest, he proudly wore the badge earned from the tournament. Behind him, the crowd was cheering with enthusiasm.

Her eyes followed his face, then shoulder and then his left arm which vanished behind the waist of a pretty looking young girl of sixteen. Misty sighed as she gazed at the girl's face. May. She was beaming as well, her cheek resting on Ash's upper arm and her right hand holding the trophy with him. Pikachu sat on her shoulder, beaming.

They look good together.

Beneath the photograph was an article about him:

'YOUNGEST CONTESTANT EVER WINS TRAVIA TOURNAMENT!'

'The Travia Tournament 2010 finally came to an end when the previous Winner of the Tournament, thrity-two year old, Jane Feather, was defeated in a seven on seven Pokemon Battle by none other than the nineteen year old, Ashton J. Ketchum.

'Ketchum is the youngest contestant to have ever competed in the tournament and it is very surprising and amazing that he defeated the all time favorite Feather. He won the tournament by a large majority of a eight to four score-'

Misty tossed the paper back on the desk and returned to drying her hair.

Brock called me up… Ash didn't…

"I'm proud of you, Ash," she whispered out aloud. "Like always, you're the best." Her mind reflected back to the photograph on the newspaper. Would it make that much a difference if I didn't go tomorrow?

She thought of Ash's mother and how kind and caring she had been to Misty. She didn't want to disappoint the person she respected and admired so much.

I guess I will go.

Chapter 2: Old friends, New Relations.

Misty jumped off her Gyarados' head onto the smooth white sand and then called her pokemon back into its pokeball. She took a moment to study herself before turning to face the guests. I guess I look okay… She was wearing a flowing white dress with pale blue flower imprints and a cerulean blue scarf around her neck. She was relieved to see that her dress hadn't wrinkled and that her stilettos hadn't broken when she'd jumped. Sure that her windblown hair didn't look messy, she lifted her gaze and swept through the assembled crowd and sure enough most people were staring at her.

Not everyone comes to a party riding a Pokemon… Misty smiled.

She spotted Delia standing near the entrance talking to a beautiful looking guest. Misty headed off in her direction smiling at everyone she saw on the way.

After all, I came here for you, Delia… Misty thought as she approached her. She respected Ash's mother a lot and to disappoint Delia just because misty wasn't her son's best friend now was something she couldn't dream of doing. She thought it was very ungrateful to even think about it.

"Delia…" Misty beamed at her. "I missed you."

Delia's joy seeing Misty made Misty suddenly return to the old times. Delia threw her arms around her and pulled her into a warm, crushing, motherly embrace. "I missed you too, sweetheart!" said Delia, her other guest apparently forgotten. After few long moments, she let go of Misty, but held her at arm's length, studying her from head to toe. "Oh my gosh, Misty!" she gasped. "You look so – lovely!" Delia looked more than surprised. "And you've grown your hair!"

Misty unconsciously ran her finger down her open hair. "Does it suit me?" she asked nervously. "I was going to cut it any way."

Delia looked seriously mortified. "Don't even think of doing that!" she said firmly. "it looks really lovely on you, Mist. Don't waste all that lovely hair." She shook her head in disbelief. "I know people who would die to have such hair."

Misty rolled her eyes. That's just like Delia, making such a fuss out of a simple thing like a haircut. "okay, okay," she said hastily. "I'll let it grow as long as you want."

"I'm glad," said Delia smiling. "Its makes you look even beautiful than you did before."

Misty blushed. "Thanks, Delia. It's a lot coming from you."

"its nice to see how well you've grown into a woman over the past year."

"At least you look more like a girl now."

Misty whirled, hearing the familiar voice sounding from behind her. She saw Ash standing there, wearing same old jeans and a black t-shirt, his fists dug deep into his pocket. She noticed he'd grown taller to her. But she bit the compliments down and let her instinctive temper take over.

"You mean to say I didn't look like a girl before?" she asked, frowning.

"you looked more like a guy save for that weird orange hair of yours," Ash shot back, grinning, clearly happy at pulling her leg.

"At least I know I looked better than you did," Misty snapped, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Says who?"

"Says me!"

"Missy-boy!"

"Ashy-girl!" Misty snorted. "Did you forget how you dressed like a girl once, so you could get into Erika's gym?"

Ash colored instantly, suddenly looking like he was ten years old again. "I won that gym battle."

In their own row, they seemed to be lost in their own world, oblivious to the other onlookers. It felt like their past catching up.

"Yeah, dressed up like a girl," Misty teased now, enjoying herself thoroughly. Feels like we're back in time again. "And I must admit you looked rather cute." She added thoughtfully.

Ash scowled. "That was just because Erika wouldn't let me in." he crossed his hands over his chest.

"Because you wouldn't agree to try out a perfume." Misty chuckled, recollecting the incident, loving the row they were having. It seems we're going back to normal again. "You didn't mind putting on a girl dress but refused to accept trying out a perfume! Whoa, the memory brings tears to my eyes even now!"

Ash reddened "BROCK!" he groaned out of pure habit. "Misty's picking on me again!"

Misty giggled and was soon joined by several others who were watching them. She and Ash were still oblivious to the world.

"that's enough, Misty."

The familiar voice brought both her and Ash jolting back to the present. They turned towards the voice at the same time. But the voice hadn't been Brock's. the person who had spoken was May.

May stood there, wearing a stunning, body hugging black shoulder-less dress, looking pissed with her hands crossed over her chest. Even Misty thought she looked stunning for a sixteen year old. May gave Misty a hard look. "Do you wanna insult him on the day everyone's celebrating his success?" she asked bluntly. "its bad enough that you're picking him instead of congratulating him, but doing that in front of other great trainers and gym leaders is worse. Did you just come here to damage his image?"

Misty was too shocked to even protest or offer an explanation. I was just pulling his leg… even Ash knows that!

Even Ash felt the hardness in her voice. "Hey, May," he said, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear, "you know us. We're always like this! And we're always pulling each other's legs all the time. There's nothing insulting about it." He turned to the guests. "Guess there's a misunderstanding," he said grinning sheepishly. "Everyone, she's Misty Williams," he introduced her. "And she's my old friend. She was just teasing me, guys. Its nothing but a usual part of my life, okay. Enjoy the party, folks."

He glanced at Misty who just stood with her lips slightly parted, still in shock. May turned and stormed away from them, still looking cross. Ash gave one helpless glance at Misty and followed May.

Misty's spirits died away. It was more insulting to her than it had been to Ash. May, her friend May had insulted her so badly in public, accusing her of spoiling Ash's image. Angry tears welled up in her eyes.

"Tell Ash I'm really sorry," she said quietly to no one in particular. Choking down her tears, she started walking towards the shore again.

"misty, dear," Delia's kind voice stopped her. "we all know you meant well, dear. Don't leave because of this. It would break my heart if my son's best friend left his party feeling insulted."

Misty's heart drowned. She blinked her furious tears away and fought to keep a control on her emotions. I fought with him again and I didn't even have a chance to have a proper conversation…

"Its okay, Mist," Brock said, putting his arm around her. "She gets a little worked up when any girl picks on him," he said carelessly. "Don't take it to heart."

Don't take it to heart… Misty thought bitterly. She just insulted me in front of everyone and he tells me not to take it to heart.

"She's changed a lot," Misty murmured.

"Yeah, more than you'd imagine," Brock agreed. "She's been like this – overly possessive – ever since she and Ash started dating."

Misty's eyes flew open. "She and Ash are dating?"

"yeah." Brock looked kind of uncomfortable talking about it. "Surprising, isn't it?"

Misty just nodded, lost for words.

"And he's changed as well."

Misty stared in the direction Ash had gone. "I feel like I barely know him at all."

"Give it a few hours," Brock advised. "Trust me, you'll learn to get used to it."

Misty glanced at Delia.

Delia shrugged helplessly. "There's nothing I can do about it, is there?" she said. "You know what I'm trying to say, don't you Misty?"

"I think I do, Delia," said Misty, braving a faint smile. "I guess I just got a little carried away."

"no one thought it was insulting until she spoke up," said Gary joining in the conversation. "Trust me, people will have already forgotten it. They were having a great time, actually."

Misty looked doubtful.

"Honestly, Misty. Your conversation with Ash was quite amusing," Gary insisted. "People found it entertaining. They enjoyed it." He smiled kindly at her.

At least Ash wont think I insulted him on purpose…

Professor Oak placed his hands on her shoulders. "I hope you don't disappoint me, Misty," he said smiling at her, the past moment immediately forgotten "I have already promised the guests you'll be singing for them. And I cant take no for an answer."

"Come on, cheer up," said Brock and Gary grinning at her. "You can handle this, Mist. I know you can." Brock gave her hand a squeeze. "Come on, I'm sure you're going to steal the limelight."

Misty almost smiled. "okay… you guys don't really leave me a chance, do you?" she faced them. "Before I can sing, I just need some time to compose myself, okay. So leave me alone for some time."

The others shrugged indifferently. "Suit yourself."

"Will you be okay, dear?" Delia asked, a motherly concern on her anxious face. "Are you sure you don't need me?"

Misty shook her head and smiled. "Thanks, Delia. but I'll be fine, don't worry about me."

Delia still looked unconvinced.

Before anyone else could say anything, Misty quickly walked away.

As she walked, she eyed the guests around her. Complete Strangers… and they recognized her.

"She's the fourth Sensational Sister…"

"…the lovely Daisy's youngest sister?"

"…winner of the Tournament held for all Gym Leaders…"

"…saw her face on the screens…"

Misty smiled at those who saw her and walked briskly, not in the mood to talk to anyone.

"She's cool…" Misty heard some guy whisper

"Oh man, she totally rocks!"

"That's a fiery one for sure…"

"yeah, a fiery beauty…"

"Is she dating someone? Or do I have a chance there?"

Misty sighed, rolling her eyes. Men will be men…

She reached the edge of the shore till the waves were lapping her feet. Her stilettos hung limply in her left hand. She came to the large smooth rock jutting out of the sand and positioned herself on its peak, staring out into the sea. With the wind blowing her hair and she dressed in white, she looked more like a mermaid watching the sea than a human girl.

It was a favorite spot and every time she came down to Ash's house, she made sure she spent long hours of the night watching the ocean, trying to be a part of the very nature that she loved. She didn't mind spoiling her dress. It isn't like I'm going to wear this again.

She was finally able to breathe freely in the ocean air. The sound of the waves filled her ears and soothed her sore heart. With the wind blowing her hair in the moonlight and the intoxicating fragrance of the ocean filling her lungs, Misty finally felt at home. the place where she belonged.

Chapter 4: People change with time…

Ash found May back in the living room of his house. "May," he said softly, approaching her carefully, "You okay?"

May whirled around, her eyes red with tears and rage. "No, I'm NOT OKAY Ash! How do you expect me to be?"

Ash cursed himself mentally. Okay, wrong question.

"How could you let her insult you like that, Ash?" she demanded.

Ash sighed. Girls.. why cant they just put up with teasing? "She wasn't insulting me, May," he said rolling his eyes. "For Heaven's sake, why don't you try to understand, May? She's my friend –we're old friends… and we've been this way from the first moment we met." She shook his head. "Old habits die hard…"

"But doing that in front of all the guests? Wouldn't they think you're wimpy?"

Ash shrugged. "I give a damn what they think. Who are they? By-the-way-friends?"

"Still!"

Ash took May's hand in his. Gosh! This feels ridiculous… "I care about my friends, May, and what my friends think of me. Do you think I'm wimpy?"

May glared at him. "Yes, I think you're wimpy for not standing up to yourself!"

Ash sighed. "I already told you, May, Mist and I are old friends… We cant just not be like that every time we meet," he tried to explain. "You have seen us before. You know we're like this."

"But that was old times, Ash. Honestly Ash, You're not a kid anymore!" May snapped. "Why wont you carry yourself with some dignity?"

Ash sighed as something struck him. I cant believe I'm saying this. "May… this is not about the fight we had. Its about Misty, right?"

May froze and Ash realized he'd found the thorn that was hurting her.

"So, what's wrong with Misty here?" he asked. "Weren't you two friends?"

May looked away. "Its not that…"

"You didn't answer my question."

May looked at him with a guilty expression in her eyes. "I'm just afraid she steal you away from me."

Ash wanted to laugh but for some weird reason, felt suddenly guilty. "Why do you say that?"

May threw her arms around his neck and sobbed into his chest. "Its just… I cant help but feel jealous when I see you two together!" the words came out in a rush. "you just fit in so well with her, like you two are two bodies of the same mind! With her, you're a completely different person… you make me feel I hardly know you at all! And you're so different when you're with me.

"even during all those times you took me out, you were nice, loving… but always not quite yourself. And then, when I saw you again with her back there, you seemed so different, so distant from me, I really couldn't calm myself!" May cried. "With her you're always a different person. Even when you two have rows, your feelings for each other glows bright enough for strangers to see and understand. Its like I feel I'm not needed anymore-"

"-ENOUGH." Ash patted her back, breathing the word softly. "Don't drag it any more, May. I understand what you're getting at."

May lifted her head to meet his guilty gaze.

"Okay, I admit what you're saying is true, but that doesn't mean I'm going to dump you or something." He pulled her into a warm embrace. "I need you, May. And I care for you as much as I care for her."

May turned away.

"Honestly, May." Ash didn't let go of her. "I really care for you. I like Misty a lot."

May turned to face him again.

"Yes, its true," said Ash taking a deep breath. "I like Misty a lot, May, for reasons you wont understand. Like you said, we're like parts of the same mind." He embraced her again. "But somehow, Misty doesn't seem to realize this… I don't think she'll ever realize this fact and probably… that's how its supposed to be."

"So I'm just a fill in for her?"

Ash was stung by the icyness in her voice. "Not exactly a fill in," he corrected her. "Because you're not the least like her. You're different, and that's why I like you. You have your own style, May, and that's why you're unique in your own way. And that's the reason I like you."

May still glared at him. "And if Misty tells you she loves you now, you'll dump me and walk away with her, wont you? I cant believe you're using me like this, Ash."

Ash was at a loss. "Idiot!' she said suddenly pulling her close to himself and before he himself realized what he was doing, his lips claimed hers.

May's eyes widened in shock but a moment later, passion took over and she surrendered herself.

What the hell did I just do? Ash cursed himself in disbelief and released her. His face hot with embarrassment, he awkwardly took a few steps back. I must going nuts...