While Ash might be the main character of the Pokémon anime, many fans tune in to watch his traveling companions undergo their own adventures alongside the ageless hero. While the show has never left Ash and Pikachu's side, many companions have come and gone throughout the long-running show's history. Most notable of them all, of course, are Misty and Brock. Misty appeared alongside Ash in the very first episode, with Brock appearing shortly after.
Many fans were left somewhat saddened, later on, when Misty and Brock left Ash's side following the Johto League arc. But despite both characters no longer traveling with Ash, they did not disappear entirely from his life forever. Here's what happened to them both.
What Happened To Brock
Brock stayed with Ash for two more regions following Misty's departure, ultimately leaving to return to Kanto. There, he intended to become a Pokémon Doctor, an extension of his ultimate mission to become the best Pokémon Breeder. Upon traveling home, he helps his younger brother become the new Pewter City Gym Leader.
As part of his training, he ends up traveling abroad to apprentice under another Pokémon Doctor. During this time, he encounters Cilan, who at the time was Ash's traveling companion. The two help each other out with a series of conflicts that require both of their deft touches, never realizing they had a mutual friend in Ash.
Ultimately, however, Brock advanced on his own. As a mentor to Ash, he helped him pursue his dreams. With Ash seemingly competent enough on his own, however, Brock evolved into the ideal version of himself on his own.
What Happened to Misty
Misty departed from the series far earlier than Brock and therefore had more time to develop on her own. Misty took over the Cerulean Gym after she learned her sisters, who had overseen the Gym, were going on tour. She became an effective Gym Leader in her own right, overcoming her fear of Gyarados while receiving help from another former companion of Ash's: Tracey. Tracey had since become Professor Oak's assistant, which meant he was in the area quite frequently, running errands for Professor Oak.
Misty ended up appearing a couple of times in Hoenn. She reunited with Ash and Brock there only for her Togepi to evolve while she was away, so she departed from them again in order to manage a Togepi Paradise. She ended up appearing in a few other adventures during this time, including helping out during the 10th Anniversary special, "The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon," where Misty helps all of Ash's friends ward off the Mirage Pokémon.
After that, Misty remained a non-entity in Ash's life, especially during the Sinnoh and Unova Regions. While Ash mentioned her frequently enough -- especially being protective of a fishing lure Misty gave him -- Misty herself did not appear in any capacity. That is, at least, until the Alola Region.
Ash, Misty and Brock's Reunion
Ash, Misty and Brock reunited in the Alola Region. Ash, now attending a Pokémon School to learn how to be a proper Pokémon Master, ended up having to study under both of his former partners. The school even brought Ash and friends back to Kanto for a few episodes. Brock helped treat Ash and the gang's Pokémon, especially Lillie's Vulpix, Snowy, who had become airsick.
After giving a lecture on Pokémon and helping ward off Team Rocket, Ash and the gang challenged Brock and Misty to a multi-battle. While Brock beat Lillie, Sophocles and Kiawe, and Misty beat Lana and Mallow, Ash ultimately defeated Misty in their fight; though, considering Pikachu had a huge type advantage over Misty's Mega Gyarados, Misty held her own quite well.
The pair later returned to Alola on vacation, with Misty allowing her sisters to temporarily run Cerulean Gym. The gang enjoys a vacation full of their typical antics: Brock flirting with Nurse Joy and Misty blowing Team Rocket away. The Alola Episodes prove that, after leaving Ash, both trainers became the ideal versions of themselves. Brock is now an authority on Pokémon, coming close to being a Doctor and being able to hold lectures. Misty now stands apart from her sisters as the primary Gym Leader of Cerulean City. The two reaching their dreams intersected with Ash finally winning a Pokémon League Championship and becoming a Pokémon Master.
All three of their journeys have reached their peak following the Alola Region. It remains to be seen if Ash will reunite with them again in the Pokémon: Journeys anime, though both Brock and Misty's silhouettes did appear during Ash's foray back into Kanto. Even if Ash doesn't meet them again in-person, their legacies remain, looming over all Ash does, going forward.