By the time Serena, Dawn, May, Max, Brock, Pikachu, and Piplup make it to the front entrance to the Cerulean City gym, Ash and Max are panting and claiming who won. Serena shakes her head, amused by Ash's childish behavior while Brock calms the two boys down, and the entire group enters together. They make their way through the entrance hall, where they see a giant swimming pool with a set of platforms floating on it.

"Hey, Misty, are you here?" Ash calls out.

Nothing is heard but an echo from Ash's call. Everyone starts to think that no one is here when a door opens on the other side to reveal a girl with orange hair entering the arena and looking around in confusion until she sees the group and smiles.

"Ash! Pikachu! Brock! May! Max!" She shouts as she runs over to the group. Pikachu jumps high off from Ash's shoulder, and the girl catches it and spins Pikachu around in a tight hug. Ash, Brock, May, and Max smile warmly at the moment as they walk over to greet the girl. Dawn, Piplup, and Serena wait patiently, glad to see the happy reunion until the orange-haired girl notices them.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she says politely as she walks over to them. "I didn't notice you two were there. My name is Misty."

"My name is Dawn, and this is my partner, Piplup," Dawn introduces.

"Piplup," Piplup chirps.

"And I'm Serena. Nice to meet you," Serena greets warmly. "I've heard a lot about you from Ash and Brock, Misty."

"Oh, you have, have you?" Misty asks with a suspicious look. "Anything bad I should know about?"

"Uh...no?" Serena answers nervously.

"Good," Misty says with her smile returning. "Otherwise, I'd have to teach these two a lesson about trying to mess with me. Anyway, how do you guys know everyone else?"

"I went through the Sinnoh region with Ash and Brock, and I met May at the Wallace Cup," Dawn says.

"And I've known Ash since we met each other in summer camp when we were little," Serena says.

Misty looks at Serena, confused.

"You've known him that long?" She asks. "Funny, I don't think he's ever mentioned you."

Serena winces slightly before she chuckles nervously.

"Yeah, he seemed to have forgotten all about me until we saw each other again in the Kalos region," she admits.

Misty smirks and says, "Well, Ash has always had a knack for thinking more about Pokemon or going on a journey."

"I agree," Serena says. "It would explain why I never heard about you when we were in Kalos."

Misty glares at Serena, and the honey blonde becomes uneasy. After a moment, Misty suddenly laughs, making Serena awkwardly laugh with her.

"Well played," Misty says. "And you're right. That would explain why Mr. Forgetful wouldn't mention you to his most loyal companion."

"Hey!" Ash says with a mouthful face.

Everyone else laughs at his reaction until Misty turns to the rest of the group and asks, "So what are you guys doing here?"

"Well, Dawn, Serena, and I just registered for the Pokemon contest here," May says.

"And now that I'm a Pokemon trainer, I want to have a gym battle with you," Max says.

"Hey, I want to have a battle first," Ash says, childishly.

"But, Ash, you already have your gym badge here," Misty says, confused.

"That's right, but I'm going to reenter the Indigo League, and I want to show how much I've grown since then by battling every gym where I didn't earn my badge by winning an official battle," Ash says.

Misty stares at Ash for a moment before she smiles and puts her hands on her hips.

"That sounds like a good reason, Ash," she says, sincerely. "But, I think Max should go first since he's a legitimate challenger."

"Yes," Max shouts, excitedly.

Ash groans sadly, and Serena walks over to him and pats him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, Ash. You have more than enough time to battle her before the contest," she says, assuredly.

Ash sighs and gives Serna a thankful look. Serena smiles brightly with her eyes closed, making Misty look at her quizzingly while Brock and Dawn smirk.

"So what are we waiting for? Let's battle!" Max says, excitedly.

Misty chuckles at Max's enthusiasm before she gives him a determined face and nods in agreement. The two of them run over to opposite sides of the arena while everyone else takes seats on the bleachers. Max and Misty look at each other with battle-ready faces until Misty realizes something.

"Wait a minute, I forgot that my judge isn't here today," she says.

Max stares at her dumbfounded while everyone else falls down. Then Brock gets up and says, "Then why don't I be the referee?"

"That would be great. Thanks, Brock," Misty says.

"Yeah, you're a real lifesaver, Brock," Max says.

Brock nods and gets down from the bleachers and walks to the sideline, asking, "What kind of battle do you want?"

"Two on two is the standard battle here," Misty answers before running to Max. "Is that alright with you, Max?"

"That's perfect," Max says with a grin.

"Alright then," Brock says before raising his left hand high. "This will be a two-on-two battle between Misty, the gym leader, and Max, the challenger! The battle will be over when both Pokemon from either side is unable to battle. Furthermore, only the challenger can substitute Pokemon. Are the contestants ready?"

"Ready," Misty and Max say simultaneously.

"Alright, battle begin!" Brick announces.

"Okay, Staryu, let's go!" Missy calls out as she throws a Pokeball into the air, and it opens to reveal Starmie.

"Ralts, I chose you!" Max says, throwing a Pokeball to reveal Ralts.

"Staryu, use Tackle!" Misty orders.

Staryu jumps and charges at Ralts, spinning.

"I don't think so," Max says confidently. "Ralts, use Confusion!"

Ralts' unseen eyes turn blue, and Staryu stops charging and hangs high in the air with a blue glow surrounding it. Max grins as Ralts lifts its hands in the air, and Staryu floats straight up and crashes into the ceiling. Misty's eyes widen as Staryu plummets to water and floats back up with its gem blinking.

"Starmie is unable to battle! Ralts is the winner!" Brock declares.

"Alright!" Max shouts, joyously.

"Wow, that was a powerful Confusion," Serena says, amazed.

"Of course. Max and Ralts have been working hard," May says. "In fact, it turns out Ralts was training by itself the entire time it was waiting for Max to grow old enough to be a trainer and catch it."

"You mean he met Ralts years before he ever caught it?" Serena asks, confused.

"Yeah, Max was about Bonnie's age when we went through the Hoenn region," Ash explains. "We had a little adventure with Ralts, whom Max formed a close bond with, and so he promised that he would come back for Ralts once he was old enough to be a trainer."

"Wow, and here they are together on their first gym battle," Serena says, amazed.

"That's right," May says before turning to Ash and Serena in confusion. "But who is Bonnie?"

"Bonnie is one of our friends who journeyed with us in Kalos," Serena answers.

"Yeah, she takes care of a Dedenne that belongs to her brother, Clemont, who will give it to her when she's of age," Ash adds. "She loves taking care of Pokemon and really looks forward to becoming old enough to become a trainer."

"Aw, sounds like she and Max would be great friends," May comments while Misty returns Staryu back into its Pokeball and takes out another one.

"I must admit you took me off guard, Max. But this time I'm ready for you," she says as she throws the ball into the air. "Go, my stead!"

The Pokeball opens, and a large Gyarados lands in the water.

"Whoa, Misty caught a Gyarados?" Dawn, says surprised.

Gyarados looks down and glares at Ralts. The psychic Pokemon takes a step back and becomes uneasy, which Max notices.

"Be brave, Ralts. We got this," he encourages.

"Gyarados, use Crunch!" Misty shouts.

"Dodge it, Ralts!" Max orders.

But Ralts is too intimidated to listen. It only has a moment to realize what is happening before Gyarados already swims toward the little Pokemon and bites it hard. Max stands there shocked as Gyarados releases his Pokemon from its mouth, and Ralts falls into the platform with swirls in its eyes.

"Ralts is unable to battle! Gyarados wins!" Brock declares.

Max frowns sadly and returns Ralts back into its Pokeball. He takes a deep breath to regain his determined face and throws another Pokeball, shouting, "Go Treecko!"

Treecko comes out of its Pokeball and takes a defensive stance. Misty smirks, amused with Max's decision before her opponent shouts, "Treecko, use Bullet Seed!"

Treecko jumps high into the air and starts firing several speed at Gyarados. The large water Pokemon grunts in pain as the attack hits but doesn't appear to have been very effective.

"But how?" Max asks, confused. "Treecko has the type advantage."

"Nice try, Max, but Gyarados is trained to handle more than a simple Bullet Seed," Misty says proudly. "Gyarados, use Crunch again!"

Gyarados charges at Treecko, who grows uneasy until Max shouts, "Dodge and use Mega Drain!"

Treecko jumps high in the air, avoiding the Crunch attack and then fires a dark green beam from its mouth. The attack hits Gyarados, and it roars in pain, making Max and Treecko feel hopeful.

"Now, use Quick Attack!" Max orders.

Treecko nods at its trainer and then charges at Gyarados with great speed.

"Gyarados, use Hurricane!" Misty shouts.

Gyarados roars and summons a powerful cyclone of wind. Treecko runs right into the attack, and it sends it flying high into the air.

"Treecko!" Max cries out.

Treecko cries in fear as it's sent flying higher and higher into the air. Finally, it reaches to the top of the ceiling and flies down, slamming into one of the platforms with swirly eyes.

"Treecko, no!" Max says, crushed.

"Treecko is unable to battle!" Brock announces. "Gyarados is the winner, and so the victory goes to Misty, the gym leader!"

"Alright!" Misty says happily while Gyarados lets out a victorious roar.

"Aw, Max lost," May says sadly.

"Yeah, and just when he started so well," Serena adds.

Misty gives Gyarados a berry before returning it in its Pokeball and turns to Max, who picks up Treecko devastated.

"That was a good battle for your first time challenging a gym leader, Max," she says sincerely. "You took me off guard with that Confusion and using grass attacks like Bullet Seed, and Giga Impact are good ideas. I think you just need a little more training on Treecko's moves and help Ralts not to be so intimidated."

Max looks at Treecko sadly before turning to Misty with a sad smile.

"Yeah, you're right," he admits. "We'll train a little more, and then I'll rechallenge you. Misty."

"Good," Misty says with a warm smile. "Come back any time, Max."

Max nods, satisfied with Misty's words. He stands up and carries Treecko to the stands while Misty looks up at Ash.

"Well, Ash, looks like it's your turn," she admits.

"Alright! Come on, Pikachu," Ash says.

"Pika!" Pikachu says excitedly as the two of them run down the stands and head to the platform where Max just off of.

"Ash, Pikachu, you got this!" Serna calls out, supportively.

"You got that right, Serena!" Ash says, determinedly.

The honey blonde girl smiles sweetly at his response, which Misty notices for a moment before she shakes her head and turns to Brock.

"Same deal as before, Brock. Two on two and only the challenger can substitute," she says.

"Right," Brock says understandably before raising his hand. "Battle begin!"

Misty takes out a different Pokeball and throws it shouting, "Go, Politoed!"

The ball opens to reveal Politoed happily clapping on one of the floating platforms.

"Poli...toad?" Serena asked quizzingly while taking out her Pokedex.

"Politoad, the frog Pokemon," the Pokedex says. "It gathers groups of others as its leader. Its cries make Poliwag obey."

"Its cries make Poliwag obey?" Serena asks.

"That's right," Max says as he sprays potions on Ralts and Treecko. "Politoed is one of Poliwag's final evolved forms. Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl, and a Poliwhirl evolves into either a Politoed or a Poliwrath."

"Oh, I see," Serena answers while thinking about her Poliwag and wondering which Pokemon it could fully evolve into.

"Politoed, huh?" Ash says as he takes out a Pokeball and throws it. "Servine, I choose you!"

The ball opens to reveal Servine ready for battle. Misty smirks again before turning to Politoed.

"Politoed, use Double Slap!" she orders.

"Counter it with Leaf Blade!" Ash calls out.

Politoed starts hopping toward Servine, whose leaf at the end of its tail turns green. Servine slashes at Politoed as its opponent begins to strike, and the two attacks collide. Politoed and Servine struggle to overpower the other with Servine pushing with its tail and Politoed pushing back with its yellow hands. Finally, the two of them jump back to their respective platforms, knowing they won't hit the other.

"Politoed, use Double Slap again!" Misty says.

"I don't think so!" Ash says. "Servine, use Attract!"

Servine smirks and winks at Politoed, releasing several pink hearts that circle around the frog Pokemon and shrink into its body. Just like before with Steelix, Politoed's eyes turn into hearts, and it starts staring at Servine with a goofy smile on its face. Brock chuckles, amused that Ash just pulled the same move he used against his Steelix. Serena, May, and Dawn smirk at the display while Max laughs out loud.

"Look at the way Politoed is staring at Servine!" He chuckles.

"Oh, no!" Misty says in fear. "Politoed, shake it off!"

Once again, it is no use as Politoed has its heart-shaped eyes fixed on Servine.

"Looks like a perfect opportunity to try a new move," Ash says with a grin. "Servine, use Leaf Tornado!"

Servine also grins as it jumps high in the air and starts spinning. A massive tornado of green-glowing leaves appears from its tail and spins around with it. Servine releases the attack, which captures an idle Politoed with ease. The tornado separates from the air, moves back into an upward position, and then crashes down onto the ground, crushing Politoed against another platform. Everyone stares for a moment until they see Politoed lying down with swirly eyes.

"Politoed is unable to battle! Servine wins!" Brock announces.

"Alright!" Ash says triumphantly.

"Way to go, Ash!" Serena calls out.

"Great job, Servine!" Dawn shouts.

"Piplup," Piplup chirps.

Misty sighs and puts Politoed back in its Pokeball.

"That was a shorter battle than I expected," she admits. "You appear to have learned a lot since I last saw you, Ash."

"You bet, Misty," Ash replies. "I didn't make it to the finals of the Kalos League for nothing."

Misty's eyes widen again, taken aback by the information.

"You made it to the finals?" She asks.

"He sure did," Serena answers from her seat. "I was there watching him give it his all at the final match."

"Yep, and that's why I'm going to compete in the Indigo League and win this time for sure," Ash says confidently.

Misty blinks in surprise for a moment before her smirk returns.

"Well, if you're so sure that you're going to win this time, then I'm taking off the kid gloves," she says as she takes out a Pokeball and throws it. "Gyarados, let's do this!"

The ball opens to show Gyarados again, looking just as determined before. Then Misty reaches into her ponytail to reveal a key ring attached to her headband.

"Oh boy, does that mean what I think it means?" Ash asks excitedly.

"You bet it does," Misty says with a grin. "My sweet blue heart, mega evolve!"

The keyring and the Gyaradosite attached to Gyarados' forehead glow, and they shoot several beams that connect. Gyarados glows brightly for a few seconds before the glowing fades to reveal that it has mega evolved.

"So that's mega evolution," Dawn says as she, May, and Max stare at Mega Gyarados with awe.

"Alright, now we're talking," Ash says excitedly. "Now, Servine, let's get going with another Attract!"

"I don't think so!" Misty says with a determined look in her eye as Servine releases another wave of pink hearts. "Gyarados, crush those hearts with Crunch, then use it again on Servine!"

Gyarados swims toward Servine's hearts and crushes them into tiny, sparkling pieces with one bite from its jaw. Then it charges at Servine with its mouth ready to bite again.

"Dodge and use Leaf Blade," Ash commands.

Servine jumps up, dodging Gyarados's mouth and hits it hard on the head with Leaf Blade.

"Gyarados, use Flamethrower, quick!" Misty shouts.

"Flamethrower?!" Serena and Dawn say in alarm.

Gyarados lifts its head and shoots a giant ball of fire at Servine right as it's about to land back on the platform it was on. The grass Pokemon screams in pain as it's sent crashing into the wall behind Ash and Pikachu and lands right behind them with swirly eyes.

"Servine is unable to battle! Gyarados wins!" Brock says.

"Oh my, I didn't know Gyarados can learn Flamethrower," Serena says, shocked.

"Me neither," Dawn says.

"Piplup," Piplups chirps.

"Yeah, I admit I forgot that Misty's Gyarados could do that," May admits.

"I guess I should be thankful that Treecko or Ralts didn't get hit by that," Max says with an edgy look.

Ash returns Servine to its Pokeball and turns to Pikachu.

"Looks like it's all you, buddy," he says.

"Pika!" Pikachu says, nodding before he jumps into a platform.

"Using Pikachu, eh?" Misty says. "Smart choice, but that's not going to help you. Gyarados, use Flamethrower once more."

"Oh yeah? Pikachu, use Thunderbolt to counter it!" Ash shouts.

Gyarados shoots a giant battle of fire whole Pikachu fires a large beam of electricity. The two attacks collide, causing an explosion.

"Use Quick Attack!" Ash orders.

Pikachu leaps from platform to platform at great speed, and before Misty realizes what is happening, Pikachu rams right into Gyarados's face, causing it to swim backward in pain.

"Follow up with Electro Ball," Ash orders.

"I don't think so," Misty says. "Gyarados, use Rain Dance."

As Pikachu prepares a ball of electricity from its tail, Gyarados roars at the ceiling, and it suddenly starts to rain heavily all over the arena. Serena, May, Max, Dawn, and Piplup try to cover their heads to no avail.

"Why is it raining inside?" Serena asks.

"Because Rain Dance works no matter where Gyarados is," Max answers. "And now its water attacks will be even more powerful."

Pikachu hesitates, concerned with the rain until he hears Ash say, "Pikachu, don't worry about it and fire Electro Ball!"

Pikachu nods and jumps into the air before firing the ball of electricity straight at Gyarados.

"Gyarados, use Hurricane!" Misty shouts.

Gyarados roars and summons a powerful cyclone of wind again. The wind hits the Electro Ball, and the ball bursts upon impact.

"Wow, now Hurricane is even stronger than before," Max says, amazed.

Serena looks at Pikachu with a concerned look, realizing that Max is right. She puts her hand on her ribbon again, worried about what will happen next.

"Gyarados, use Flamethrower again!" Misty shouts.

"Dodge it, Pikachu!" Ash shouts.

Pikachu starts hopping from platform to platform as fast as it can, but Gyarados fires an even bigger Flamethrower than before, hitting the mouse Pokemon hard.

"Pikachu!" Ash shouts.

May, Max, Dawn, and Piplup become worried about Pikachu while Serena tightens her grip on her ribbon. Pikachu groans in pain as it lies down on a platform with scorch marks on its fur.

"Don't let up, Gyarados! Use Crunch!" Misty yells.

Gyarados charges at Pikachu with its mouth ready to bite.

"Pikachu, quickly get up and jump into Gyarados's head!" Ash shouts.

Pikachu barely manages to get up just in time to make a big jump right before Gyarados's mouth reaches it and lands right on its opponent's head.

"Now use Iron Tail!" Ash orders.

Pikachu's tail turns into iron, and it jumps up and slams its tail right on top of Gyarados's head. Gyarados slams into the water while Pikachu jumps into another platform for safety. Misty blinks for a moment before she smirks, amused.

"You two don't disappoint me," she says. "I'm starting to believe you made it as far as you say you did at the Kalos League."

"What? Still not convinced?" Ash challenges while smirking back.

"You've have improved since last I've seen you battle, Ash, but you have to do better than that to stop Gyarados and me," Misty says boastfully. "Gyarados, Hurricane, full power!"

Gyarados roars and another powerful cyclone of wind appears right around where Pikachu is standing. The Hurricane grows until it reaches the ceiling, making Ash uneasy.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt again!" He shouts.

Pikachu fires another Thunderbolt, but the electricity doesn't reach even half the length of the Hurricane.

"Nice try, Ash, but there's no escape when Gyarados uses Hurricane with Rain Dance," Misty says. "No challenger who has ended up in this position has ever gotten out of it. You and Pikachu don't stand a chance."

But instead of growing worried, Ash smirks excitedly.

"Glad to hear that, Misty," he says. "That kind of challenge just makes this all the more fun."

Misty looks at Ash in confusion while he turns to the Hurricane.

"Pikachu, if you can hear me, climb up the Hurricane!" He calls out.

Misty looks at Ash in confusion. Max, Dawn, and Piplup tilt their heads while Serena smiles. Max notices the honey blonde girl's reaction and stares at her.

"Why are you smiling, Serena?" He asks.

Serena's smile grows, and without looking at Max, she replies, "Because Ash and Pikachu are going to pull off something incredible."

"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to run on the electricity!" Ash shouts confidently.

Pikachu nods and jumps right into the Hurricane, using the electricity in it to climb up the wall higher and higher until he leaps out of the cyclone completely.

"Now use Thunderbolt, full power!" Ash shouts.

"Piiiiikkkkkaaaaaaaaacccchhhhhhuuuuuuuuuuu!" Pikachu screams as it fires a large bolt of lightning straight at Gyarados.

Everyone stares in awe as the attack fiercely strikes Gyarados, causing a loud explosion. Everyone covers their faces until the smoke clears to reveal Gyarados lying on the water back in its normal form unconscious.

"Gyarados is unable to battle! Pikachu wins, which makes Ash the challenger the winner!" Brock announces.

"Alright!" Ash shouts, jumping in the air.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu says as it runs over to Ash for a big hug.

"Yay! Alright, Ash and Pikachu!" Serena cheers loudly.

"Well done, Ash!" Dawn calls out.

"Pip, Piplup!" Piplup cheers.

"What a battle," May says.

"Yeah, I honestly didn't stand a chance if Gyarados can mega evolve," Max admits while nervously chuckling with a recovered Ralts and Treecko. "Obviously, I got a long way to go."

Misty, on the other hand, stares at her defeated Pokemon in disbelief. Then she smiles sadly and return Gyarados into its Pokeball.

"You were great," she whispers before she puts the ball away and turns to Ash and Pikachu with an admiring look on her face. "Well, Ash, it looks like you've proven that you've gotten much stronger and have truly earned your badge from my gym. Congratulations."

"Thanks, Misty," Ash says from the other side of the field.

Misty nods before turning to the rest of the group.

"Say, do you guys know where you're staying before the contest?" She asks.

"Well, we were planning to go to the Pokemon Center right after this," Brock answers.

"So were we," May says with Max nodding.

"Same here," Dawn says.

"Oh, then why don't you stay at my house tonight?" Misty suggests.

"Are you sure? We don't want to impose," Serena says politely.

"Oh, you wouldn't be imposing at all," Misty assures. "We're all good friends here, and even though I've never met you or Dawn, I know you're both very friendly. Besides, it's been just me and the Pokemon at home, so there's room for all of you."

"Alright then, your place it is," Ash says with a toothy grin.

"And I can make dinner for everyone too," Brock adds.

"Oh, that would be wonderful, Brock," Misty says with stars in her eyes. "It's been far too long since I've had your cooking."

"Now that you mention it, I miss your cooking too, Brock," May admits, placing her hands on her stomach.

"Me too," Max says.

"Me three," Dawn says.

"Then what are we waiting for, everyone? Let's go!" Ash shouts excitedly.

Everyone nods in agreement as they all run out to the gym, eager to head to Misty's house for the night.

***************************************************************************

While Brock is making dinner for everyone, Misty, Serena, Ash, May, Max, and Dawn exchange stories, talking about what has been going on since last they met. Despite knowing everyone the least, Serena had fun listening to everyone's stories and accomplishments since the last time they've seen Ash. But her favorite moments are whenever they told stories about their adventures with him. Each one made her feel like she got to know him more and more, and she is secretly thankful for it.

After everyone had dinner and May, Max, Misty, Dawn, and Piplup got to happily try Serena's macarons and Pokepuffs for the first time, May, Dawn, Piplup, and Serena decide to go outside to practice for the contest in separate sides of the house so that they can't see what the other is planning. Ash eventually decides to join Serena and help her practice more with her contest battling. After a couple of hours, May, Dawn, and Piplup go back inside, where they find Misty standing outside a window where she can see Ash and Serena battling with a friendly smile on her face.

"Serena looking ready for her contest?" May asks without looking at the window.

Misty snaps out of her concentration and turns to the girls.

"Uh? Oh, yeah, I think so," she says. "She doesn't look like she's as experienced as Ash, but it looks like training with him is helping."

"That's good," Dawn says with a smile. "I bet she adores spending time battling with Ash."

"Oh, she's probably in bliss," May says, making the two of them giggle.

"What are you girls talking about?" Misty asks.

May and Dawn stop giggling and look at Misty confused.

"You mean you haven't noticed her feelings for him?" Dawn asks.

"What?!" Misty shouts in alarm. "She likes him?!"

May and Dawn stare at Misty dumbfounded.

"Yeah, how did you not notice it?" May asks. "It's as clear as day that she's got it bad."

"Yeah, she cares about him a great deal," Dawn says. "Honestly, Misty, it's as clear as a Squirtle without its shell."

Misty looks at the two girls with her eyes wide open. She turns back to the view through her window where Serena and Ash just finished battling. Ash just complimented her with an encouraging grin, and Serena thanks him with a cheerful smile. They return their Pokemon into their Pokeballs and begin walking back to the house. As they do, Serena looks at Ash fondly as he is talking to Pikachu, who is on his shoulder. Misty's pupils shrink as she puts the pieces together, suddenly remembering how Serena was encouraging Ash so devotedly during his battle with Misty.

"Oh, that poor girl," she whispers.

"What was that, Misty?" May asks.

Misty snaps out her train of thought and turns to May and Dawn, laughing nervously.

"I meant...luckily girl," she lies. "Lucky to have someone like Ash as he practice partner before her big day."

May and Dawn blink for a moment before they smile and nod in agreement. The three of them then hear the door open to hear Ash yawning as he, Pikachu, and Serena enter the house.

"Well, that practice battle took away what's left of my energy," he says. "How about you, Pikachu?"

"Chhhaaaaa," Pikachu yawn cutely.

"We better get to bed," Serena says. "We got a big day ahead of us."

"That sounds like a good idea," Dawn says. "Got to save my energy before getting my new ribbon."

"I think you mean my ribbon," Serena says in a matter-of-factly tone with her hands on her hips.

The two girls stare at each other, menacingly for a moment before they all smile and laugh.

"Well, we'll just have to see who's going to get the ribbon soon enough, now won't we?" Dawn says.

"Sounds good to me," Serena agrees.

"Then let's head to bed already," Ash says.

"Right," Serena and Dawn say simultaneously before the three of them, and Ash turns to Misty and say, "Goodnight, Misty."

"Goodnight, guys," Misty says with a smile. "See you all in the morning.

Ash, Serena, Pikachu, Dawn, and May nod in agreement before they all head upstairs to go to bed in her respective guest rooms. Misty waits until they are completely gone before her smile turns into a crestfallen frown.

"What am I going to tell her?" She asks, devastated.