Return of the defeated (on hold)

/Part 12/

Ash step out of the Pokemon Center with a smile on his face and May's hand held in his. "Look out Misty here we come." he said as they headed towards the gym.

Even though he wasn't battling Pikachu gave an excited squeak knowing that this was a rematch long time coming for his bestfriend and one of his dearest friends. May just smiled and giggled at her boyfriend's excitement.

"You'll do great Ash, I have all the faith in the world in you and your pokemon." she said giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

Ash blushed slightly, "Thank you May, your support means everything to me." With that they quickly made it to the gym and with one last look at May, Pikachu, Glaceon and Lucario Ash pushed the doors open to the next challenge of his journey.

"I challenge the top water type gym of Kanto." Ash called out as they entered the battle area.

For a moment there was only silence, then a small column of water shot up by one of the floating platforms. When the water cleared away Misty was seen standing wearing a white one piece swimsuit with blue accent lines. She smiled when she seen the group standing at the edge of the pool.

"It's about time you got here Ash, I was beginning to think that you chickened out of battling me." she said with a wink and a smirk.

"In your dreams Mist, I'm gonna win today fair and square unlike last time." Ash replied with confident smile and a small chuckle. Misty made her way across the platforms to her friends giving both of them a hug.

"Its great to see you both again. How have you two been?" They sat on the bleachers and talked about their journey and told her about their few battles so far. When they got the the events of Mount Moon, Misty had taken a drink of water listening to the story and when they told they'd confessed their feelings she spit it out and choked on some of it.

"Wait you two are finally together?" She asked once she finished coughing, "And more importantly, Ash finally understands love?"

"Very funny Misty." Ash replied while May giggled knowing exactly what Misty said was shocking. "Yes, I understand what it is, well for the most part. I know I love May more than anyone else." He gave May's hand a squeeze and kissed her cheek. They talked a little while longer sharing stories from their adventures, when Ash looked at Misty.

"I'd say it's about time for our battle, wouldn't you say?"

With a confident smile Misty replied, "Yes it is and Ash you won't have an easy time winning a badge from me"

Ash took his side opposite of Misty at the pool's edge with fire burning in his eyes, he was ready to battle. Misty looked across the water at her old friend, she couldn't help but notice how much he'd grown. Gone was the wild reckless boy, now before her stood a focused confidant man, when she saw the passion in his eyes she knew it'd take everything she had and then some to win this battle .

A referee took his place between the to opponents, "This is an official battle between Gym Leader Misty Waterflower and challenger Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town. This will be a full six on six battle with the challenger being allowed substitutions."

As the ref was explaining the battle Tracy made his was over and sat next to May, having just made it time to watch his girlfriend battle.