I've FINALLY taken the time to anylise, rewrite, correct and (hopefully) improve this chapter. I feel like crying of happiness! :')

If you know me, you'll know I take my time to upload chapters, especially when something big's coming up, which is the competition I told you about some weeks ago.

Just a note of the ages (yes, I changed this too, but not the protagonists'):

Ash – 20

Misty – 19 (almost 20)

Brock – 25

Daisy – 30

Violet – 27

Lily – 26

Delia – 39 (on her way to 40)

Prof. Oak – 60

Disclaimer: A very realistic, saddening, and painful fact is that I do NOT own either Pokémon or the lyrics of the song in this fanfic - or the song itself. Besides, I earn nothing but mine and your enjoyment; reviews, favs and follows - which, let's be honest, is a great payment ;)

Painful memories

Misty was sitting in her bed, both arms holding her knees. Her chin was resting on them and she had her beautiful aqua-blue eyes closed while enjoying the sound of some romantic old music from the 80's – she didn't like actual music very much.

It was a great day outside. Summer was at its peak, the sun was shining enthusiastically though it was just 9 a.m. The window was fully opened, allowing a small breeze to come in and play with Misty's now longer, wavy, red-orange hair. She had woken up half an hour ago, but she didn't want to go down and face the unavoidable truth: she was all alone in that enormous gym of hers. Her sisters were on yet another trip around Europe and she was left in charge of the gym again.

She would not admit it, but she felt lonely every time they went on these trips and Misty was left behind to "take care of the gym", because she was "the best trainer out of the four". Okay, she had her powerful water pokémon with her, but that wasn't the same. And it was true that the Sensational Sisters weren't the best sisters she could wish for, but deep inside Misty loved them and knew they loved her as well. And one thing was for sure – they treated her a lot better than before.

Suddenly, the music changed. She frowned, her eyes opening briskly, and wondered why the bloody hell that song was in the middle of the CD - she didn't remember putting it there. Lily has done it good this time! she thought sarcastically, a small drop falling down her forehead. Thank Mew for my sisters' ability to actually organize CDs!

She was so focused on the fact that Lily and Violet had probably been messing around with her CDs again that she almost missed on what song was playing, and its meaning. When realization hit her though, she grasped abruptly, and while trying to remain lucid and calm, she shook her head to try and keep the memory away. However, it insisted on showing itself and she remembered everything, almost 4 years ago.

Misty woke up later than usual that morning. After stretching and yawning in a way that would make her sisters' eyes jump off, she headed right to the shower. The gym leader allowed herself to bathe slowly and relax for a bit.

When she came out with a pale blue towel wrapping her hair and another around her body, Azumarill happily ran to her, a board containing her breakfast in its paws– a glass of milk, two toasts, orange juice and a bowl with strawberries. She smiled when she saw her poképal struggling to land it on her unmade bed.

"Is it all for me?" she asked, the smile still on her lips. The blue pokémon nodded and ran to her, pushing Misty to the bed. "Alright, alright, I'll eat!" she giggled. The water-type nodded again and rushed out of the room.

Misty smiled at her cute pal as she sat on the bed and started eating the strawberries. This is well suited for an army! Besides, I doubt Azumarill made all this, she thought, a bit suspicious, glancing at her food and wondering if it was okay to eat it. Shrugging, she kept feeding herself.

After eating most of it, Misty chose her clothes for the day. She never did it, and it was so unlike her, but that day she chose a simple blue dress that almost reached her knees. She let her wavy hair free - it was a bit longer than her shoulder – and put a blue hairpin on it to keep her bangs from getting on her eyes. She put on some sandals and a silver necklace with a little heart shape her sisters had given her on her previous birthday. Misty looked at herself in the mirror.

"Not bad…" she murmured to herself, sliding her eyes down the figure on the mirror.

"I'd say it's like, not bad at all, little sis!"

Misty turned around and saw her blonde sister at the door with a great smile on her face.

"Daisy!" Misty cried out, running to her sister's open arms.

"Happy birthday, little sis!" Daisy giggled, hugging back.

"Thank you!" Misty said and let go of the hug. "This is a wonderful surprise!"

"Oh, it's nothing really. Like, your true surprise is down there!" Daisy said as she picked the board and winked at a confused Misty.

"Surprise? What surprise?" Misty asked, her eyes now brighter than usual.

"If I tell you, then it's not, like, a surprise!" Daisy shouted over her shoulder as she left Misty's room.

The redhead followed her to the kitchen and waited, about to burst from curiosity, for her sister to develop.

"So, where is it?" she asked impatiently.

"Come here," Daisy said as she put the board on the table and walked towards Misty, removing the white scarf around her neck. Misty walked to her and finally noticed that she was wearing a golden dress as long as Misty's, and white sandals that matched the white scarf. "Turn around now," Daisy ordered and tied it around Misty's eyes, so she wouldn't be able to see.

Then Daisy walked along the house's corridor that led to the biggest pool, all the way holding Misty's hands and telling her where to step. Finally, they arrived near the door and Daisy opened it, telling Misty she could remove the piece of cloth from her eyes. The youngest did so in time to hear:

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

She grasped in surprise, bringing both her hands to her mouth, eyes agape. Most of her friends, if not all, were there, as well as her pokémon and, of course, her sisters Violet and Lily, who came to hug her at the same time.

"Happy birthday, lil'sis!" Both said in unison.

"Thank you!" Misty cried out, holding them both.

She pulled out of the hug and saw Brock - with whom she had planned to spend the day with, because he had insisted for her to do so, and had told her that he had a birthday surprise for her, - May, Dawn, Drew, Tracey, Max, Delia, Prof. Oak, and some more people behind. Then, by out the corner of her eye, she thought she had spotted yellow fur on the floor. It can't be, she thought, Pikachu? But if Pikachu is over there, then…

"Happy birthday, Mist!" a familiar husky voice said behind her.

She turned around slowly, still not believing in her ears. But there he was, with a great, goofy smile on his face, looking good, finally taller than her, with his chocolate brown eyes and the same clothes as always. Not containing herself, she hugged him tightly as she called out his name. He went noticeably rigid all of a sudden, but then he did wrap his arms around her. She felt his warmth, closing her eyes for a moment. Then she stepped back, knowing everyone was staring.

"Ash Ketchum!" she started, pulling away from their embrace. He just smiled at her while she stormed at him. "How could you possibly miss my 14th and 15th birthdays? I haven't seen you in ages! Do you think you come here and that's it?"

"I've missed you too, Mist!" He sighed and held her again.

"Hey! I'm not fi-!" she started to protest, but was interrupted by his hug.

Everybody laughed hard at them.

The party was going great – everyone was having a great time, even Brock was seemingly having a nice talk with one of Misty's girl friends. When the redhead saw them talking and the girl smiling at him, she thought the girl was probably a kind of saint, and then giggled to herself.

Misty supposed the decorations had been her sisters' handiwork, because there would be no way anyone else would have thought of decorating a gym so elegantly. Even the pool had some sort of flower petals floating around - which reminded her that she would have to clean that after. That and the big "16" neatly written on a giant piece of pink paper and held up on the ceiling by more fluffy decorations were the high signs of feminism showed there. Not to mention the big chocolate cake at her right, on the desserts table, which she supposed was either Brock's or Mrs. Ketchum's doing.

Meanwhile, the now sixteen year-old girl was walking around, thanking everyone for coming, hugging and kissing, having a small chat with some of her friends, receiving and unwrapping some presents, and keeping an eye on Gyarados. The water type seemed to be having fun as well, so there was no reason for alarm.

Daisy was scanning through her CDs when Misty walked up to her with two drinks, all the while trying to not run into anyone and ruin both her dress and the victims'.

"Here," she said, handing Daisy one of the glasses. Her sister raised her head from the CDs and thanked Misty with a smile. "The party looks great, Daisy, thank you," Misty said honestly.

"Oh, but it wasn't my idea," Daisy smirked, as she changed the music.

Misty was confused now. "Well, who did this then? Brock?" Daisy shrugged and Misty rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Just tell me!" Receiving no response, she groaned, frustrated, and raised the glass to her lips.

Misty let her eyes wander along the room, happy that all of her friends seemed to be having a good time. Her smile increased when she spotted Brock with that girl again. They sort of looked good together. Well, it's about time, she thought.

She was in such a state of daydreaming she didn't notice one presence approaching her.

"Hey, Mist," Ash called sheepishly.

She 'woke up' with a startle and stared at his shy figure. He was staring right back at her with those big, brown eyes. Misty felt a shiver running down her spine, and she knew it wasn't because of the temperature.

"Hi, Ash," she managed to say, then taking her eyes off his to prevent herself from starting to feel those weird things again.

"Do you want to dance?"

Misry didn't know if she had listened well, so she glanced back at him, only to find Ash with a small blush, probably much alike hers now, and rubbing the back of his head, something he usually did when he was uncomfortable. He was starting to get fidgety, she noticed.

Come on, girl, it's not like he asked you out on a date, is it? It's just a dance, because it's your birthday! React, for Mew's sake!

After an uncomfortable silence, Misty was able to stutter, "Oh, sure, Ash, um… let's dance," and offer him a small smile. She put her drink down on the table and, somewhat astonished, accepted Ash's hand.

The raven haired trainer led the way to the improvised dance floor, still holding her hand, and in Misty's opinion, it was all a bit too formal to be just a 'normal' dance between two best friends.

Purposely or not, the song that was being currently played changed, and Misty's first thought was, Daisy, I'm so killing you. Then she noticed her hand was still on his, and another blush made its way to her pale face.

If she weren't so concerned about herself, her current problems in behaving normally, and twisting her head to verify that no one was staring, she would have said Ash was looking worse than herself. The boy had his eyes completely focused on her, and it seemed he was in some sort of trance.

"You know you don't have to do this if you don't-"

"I want to!" he said, his words coming out in catapult, causing Misty to slightly jump. "Sorry," he said more shyly. Misty lightly shook her head and smiled warmly at him, encouraging him to go on. "So, do you want to dance with me or what?" he half-teased.

That's more like it, Ash, that's more like you, she thought, promptly accepting his almost 'formal' invitation.

I can't fight this feeling any longer,

And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow

What started out as friendship has grown stronger,

I only wish I had the strength to let it show

Ash, very slowly and indecisively, reached over to Misty, embracing her waist with his arm, gently pulling her to him. As their bodies touched, Misty's blush increased – if that was possible - and so did her nervousness. Her arms though, they ended up around his neck, which made Ash noticeably stiff.

The pokémon trainer tentatively placed his other hand on her middle back, then letting his fingers climb up to her hair, getting under it. Misty shivered, or purred, after feeling his rough fingertips against her skin.

I tell myself that I can't hold out forever

I say there is no reason for my fear

'Cause I feel so secure when we're together

You give my life direction, you make everything so clear

Misty was having an inner debate revolving around whether mentally kicking Daisy for putting her in such uncomfortable situation, or thanking her from the bottom of her heart for this lifetime chance. Dancing with Ash felt so right. And his eyes… Oh, his eyes… She sighed dreamily. They seemed to be gleaming just for her.

Ash pulled Misty a little closer, to the point her hands had to lower themselves down to his shoulders, making her stomach clench tightly. She breathed in his scent, and it was like inhaling the outdoors all over again - Nature ecloded inside of him, it ran alongside his blood. Misty didn't know how to describe it; it was just wonderful and um… attractive? She completed mentally. Perfect, she decided with a timid smile.

And even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight

You're a candle in the window on a cold dark winter's night

And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might

Gravity - that was the excuse she found for her head to be resting on his chest, her forehead right on his collarbone. Please, if this is a dream, don't let me wake up yet. Misty let her hands slide down a bit more, the right one gently clutching his blue coat, his accelerated heart pulsing right against her fingers. It seemed she wasn't the only one nervous.

Misty's face was hot, her cheeks red, and her eyes were nearly closed. The redhead's expression was of pure peace. Right now, each one of her worries seemed to evaporate in a gray cloud, allowing her to taste every bit of this she could.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore

I've forgotten what I started fighting for

And if I have to crawl upon the floor

Come crushing through your door

Baby I can't fight this feeling anymore

Taking his hand from her back, Ash let his fingers entwine with hers. Misty leveled herself with him again, and as she did, Ash slowly made her spin once, then pulling her to him again. She was dazed; her surroundings were completely oblivious to her. Just Ash mattered; the rest was like background for some romantic movie she used to watch.

"Mist," he whispered in her ear, causing a tingling sensation on it. "Happy birthday…"

"Yeah, you already said it once," she half-teased, a playful smirk on her lips as she murmured those words back to him. Misty was trying to not let herself sound as nervous and uncomfortable as she actually was.

"I know, I'm just trying to make it up for the last couple of years…" he trailed off. "Happy birthday, Mist."

She didn't know what to say to that, so Misty chose silence. Was that an apology coming from the Ash Ketchum she knew?

And it always seems that I'm following you girl

'Cause you take me to the places alone I'd never find

Well, no, I'm the one who followed him, she thought, correcting the lyrics with an easy smile.

Ash leaned forward and rested his forehead on hers, making her gasp, and pulled her hand to the back of his neck. Her lower lip trembled, her other hand grasped his coat tightly, much like her life depended on it, as she silently prayed for him to not let go. Misty could feel his peppermint breath on her face, and she wondered if he tasted like that too.

Baby I can't fight this feeling anymore.

The music was already in the last chords, but Misty didn't want to let go, she didn't want to stop feeling him that close to her. To her surprise, Ash put one hand under her chin, conducting her face to his, and gently kissed her lips for just a mere second before pulling away from their warmth, hardly giving her time to reciprocate or even taste it. She was all too surprised to react, since it was all too fast, and once he pulled away, someone grabbed her arm and took her from his embrace, his confused and flushered face gazing at her being the last thing she remembered.

Misty got back to herself, shivering and almost crying. No, I won't cry, she mentally stated with determination. Her faith though, it was shaking, and tears threatened to fall down her cheeks any moment.

The song ended. She sighed in relief and looked around her room for distraction – it had costed a fortune, but it was more than worth it – kind of like dream came true. Now there was no way her sisters could keep her from having her own stuff.

In front of her bed was a wooden desk full of papers and the white and blue stereo. At its right there was a shelf full of CDs she enjoyed. Her king-sized bed occupied the center of the room, its blankets were blue and those princess curtains she loved were hanging over. The bed was sided by two fluffy, yellow carpets and two wooden bedside tables. At her left was the also closed wooden door and a bookcase filled with novels, water pokémon manuals and some albums filled with friends, family, and her own photographs. The window was perpendicular to the bookcase and was open, just like the other on Misty's right. The bathroom's door – at her right – was opened just a tiny bit. She could see the blue walls and white floor. Then a corridor at her right made a curve to the left, passing behind the bathroom.

She smiled at the comfort of it.

"I really need to get ready…" she sighed to herself and dragged her own body to the bathroom, where she took a shower. Misty came out feeling much more relaxed, then walking to the corridor that led to her dressing room, courtesy of her sisters. Not that she would complain.

She chose some blue jeans, a yellow tank top and sneakers – there are some things that don't change - and tied her hair back instead of the side-ponytail she used to wear. She smiled at herself in the mirror next to the door and left the room with the towels under her arm.

Her first opponent of the morning was a short kid, around ten years old, brown hair and confident grey eyes being his distinctive features – well, that's what Misty thought. His clothes were completely green, from his sneakers, through his shorts, to his t-shirt.

Misty easily beat his Spearow and Charmender with her Corsola, and immediately felt sorry for the kid, now trembling on his knees with tears on his eyes. Poor thing… she thought while returning her pokémon. She walked towards his teary-eyed figure and shook his shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay to lose," she tried, but the boy didn't answer and continued sobbing. "Even when you lose you gain experience, right?" she tried again.

He raised his head to look at the one who had just beaten him. "Ha-have you e-ever lost, Miss Wa-waterflower?"

The gym leader smiled at him. "Misty, you may call me Misty, Erik," she said with a warm smile. "And yes, I've lost some times - it's normal! But I try to improve every day," she said.

"I promised my mum I'd be back home as a champion…" he trailed off. That sentence seemed to be painfully familiar to Misty, but she tried to keep it cool. "She'd be disappointed."

"Of course she won't! I'm sure she's very proud of you!" Misty retorted in a matter-of-factly way.

Erick smiled, asking, "Even when I'm the loser?"

"Even when you don't win," she corrected. "The difference between a winner and a beaten person is that the second one won't try again. I'm sure you'll not stop trying, right?"

The boy's smile increased at those words. "Right!"

"Promise?"

"Promise!" he exclaimed and held her. "Thank you Miss-um, Misty!"

Misty closed the gym's front door, and turning around, she leaned against it and slid down on her knees from exhaustion. It was worth it, she thought. Six challenges, no defeat. The gym leader was very proud of herself and her pokémon; which reminded her that she still had to feed them before collapsing in her own bed. The girl sighed, already foreseeing the time and trouble it would take. Then she gazed down at the photo in her left hand and smiled at Erik and herself, happily hugging each other. Misty wished him the best.

She stood up, stretching, and then throwing her clothes to the floor, wearing nothing but her white swimsuit. Misty closed her eyes before plunging inside the pool, letting the water embrace all of her. She swam with her pokémon while feeding them, all the time congratulating them and their efforts of the day.

Finally done, she rested back, closing her eyes, when a memory tried to come up. The red head shook her head vigorously, attempting to keep the memory away. She had those nearly every day, but not this often or even this persistent.

So, why now?

Azumarill stared at her worriedly, and Misty noticed it. She made a weak smile and said, "It's nothing, I'm fine," to which Azumarill nodded at before diving again.

No, I'm not… she mentally corrected and closed her eyes again.

This time it was unavoidable. The memory rushed through her mind as water rushed through her body, and she remembered it all, irrevocably.

It was raining heavily outside of Ketchum's residence, and the mad winds of November were wounding trees and dragging dirt and sand everywhere.

Misty was looking through the window and sighing every two minutes. He was late.

"Don't worry dear, I'm sure he'll make it!"Mrs. Ketchum reassured her with a smile. It was Delia's birthday and everybody was waiting for Ash to get started for dinner.

"Oh… Sure…" she murmured, cheeks a bit pink.

Almost four months had passed since that… kiss… After that thought Misty's blush increased. They hadn't seen or talked to each other after the… kiss. Right after the song ended they were parted from each other and she hadn't even had the chance to say a decent goodbye to him. They hadn't even talked on the phone! She guessed that that conversation would have to be face to face, and she figured that after his mother's birthday he would stay home for a couple of days, so they could talk about it then.

She sighed and stood up, trying to find Brock and release any girl in trouble from his terrible grip. To her surprise, she found him with Tracey near the kitchen instead, both engaged in a lively and apparently fascinating conversation. She guessed it would be either about pokémon or women.

"Hey guys," she greeted.

"Oh, hi Misty," Brock greeted back, moving aside so she could join them.

"What were you two talking about that seemed to be so… interesting?"

"Well…" Brock blushed slightly.

"We were talking about Brock's new girlfriend!" Tracey said, completely unaware of Brock's discomfort.

Brock's cheeks changed to a red tone.

Yep, it's women alright, Misty acknowledged.

"Is that right? Brock has a girl-"

"Shhh!" Brock cut her off, putting a hand on her mouth. "I don't need the whole world to know about it!"

"Oh, he's embarrassed, so cute!" Misty teased him, after managing to get his hand from her lips. She wore both a mockery smirk, and a knowing look. "Who's she?"

"That's what I'm trying to uncover. He just won't say the name, but kept repeating it's someone we know," Tracey said.

"Well… She's-"

"Please, I'd like your attention!" Delia half-cried, causing her guests to stop talking to look at her. "As you may see, my son is late, so I thought we could start dinner. I'm sure he'll join us later." Murmurs of agreement were heard, and then, one by one, the guests made their way to the table.

As they were starting to eat, and Misty and Delia were bringing the last things from the kitchen, the doorbell rang and Delia almost ran to answer the door.

"Oh, Ash!"

Misty smiled when she heard the bliss in Delia's voice. She could picture the mother hugging her son so tightly it would make him choke.

"Happy birthday mom!" Ash said with a strangled voice.

"Hello Pikachu!"

"Pi pika pichu!"

"Oh… And this is…" Delia trailed off, probably waiting for her son to introduce her to someone else Ash was bringing along.

"A friend of mine. Is it okay if-?"

"Sure! Come on in!" And once more, Misty could imagine Delia almost pulling the newly arrived in. "It's freezing out here and you two are completely soaked!"

Misty's heart started beating faster and faster as she heard the footsteps growing in intensity. She didn't know what she would or should do when she saw him. Run and hug him? No, no, no, no, too much! Smile and wave? Not that little either… Just say "Hi, Ash"? Mew, no…

Still not figuring out what she'd do, she turned her head to the door, her eyes capturing something she truly wasn't expecting to see.

Misty sighed, the growing ache in her stomach not fading the least bit. She didn't really want to remember anything that had happened next. It was still a shock even after so many years. Taking a deep breath, she lifted herself out of the pool and made sure every pokémon was rightfully back in its tank. Then, she walked up to her room, to take a shower before dinner.

Even if she tried, her body seemed to continuously reject any kind of food, and so, later that night, Misty was in her bed asleep with a single shiny tear coming down her face.

Yes, the next chapter will still be with Ash, and I have no idea when I'm updating it. I'm sorry if I'm too unpredictable x)

The lyrics belong to REO Speedwagon, "Can't Fight This Feeling", and the second flashback was kind of inspired on "November Rain", which I don't either own, it belongs to Guns n' Roses.

Love&Music for you all,

C'sMelody