Ash Ketchum was very proud of himself. He had just earned the Spike Shell Badge from Rudy. Tracey Sketchit had come to his aid earlier. It was thanks to him that Squirtle had learned Hydro Pump. Rudy came up to Misty Waterflower and handed her more flowers. Misty took them, blushing.

Rudy asked her, "Have you decided yet?"

Misty looked at him and then at Ash. Ash was totally clueless as to what was going on. He was talking to Tracey. She did like him more than a friend but it was never going to escalate any further. Was it…? Misty wasn't sure but she didn't want to spend the rest of her life on what ifs. She turned back to Rudy, holding Togepi close.

Misty answered, "Yes. My answer is yes, Rudy."

Rudy smiled widely. He took her hand. Misty took his hand and she laced their fingers. Ash watched this and suddenly felt sick to his stomach. He couldn't explain it but the whole thing made him squirm.

Tracey was puzzled, "Misty? What's going on?"

Misty told them, "I've decided to stay here on Trovita Island."

Mahri was thrilled, "Really? I get to have a big sister?"

Misty nodded at the younger girl. Ash didn't know what to say. He was so sad. Pikachu couldn't believe that this was happening.

Pikachu said, "Pika chu pi…"

Ash finally managed to say something, "W - what about your sisters? They should know about this…"

Misty pointed out, "There are phone lines here, Ash. I can always call them."

Ash didn't say anything after that. He dropped down his head, making his hat covering his eyes. Tracey was worried about his friend. But what worried him more is when Ash started to run towards the Pokemon Center that was on the island. Pikachu hanged onto his shoulder tightly.

Tracey called out, "Wait! Ash wait a minute!" He turned to Misty and Rudy, "Congratulations, both of you. I mean it."

With that, the Pokemon Watcher ran after his friend. Togepi watched them go, confused.

"Toge?" The Fairy type asked, looking up at her mama.

Misty watched Ash go, completely sad. Misty thought, looking at Rudy and Mahri, 'I hope I did the right thing.'

When Ash finally got the Pokemon Center, he had Nurse Joy heal up his Pokemon from the battle earlier. Tracey had finally caught up to Ash.

Tracey started to say, "Ash I…" That's when he saw that the Pokemon trainer was crying. Tracey's face softened, "Ash…"

Ash sniffled, "I - I don't get it, Trace… W - what did I do wrong? W - why didn't she come with us?"

Tracey answered, "I don't know, Ash. I honestly don't know…" Ash didn't say anything, he just kept quiet. Tracey knew that he had to do something. He offered, "Why don't you call your Mom? Maybe she can help?"

Ash had to admit that it wasn't a bad idea. He went over to the video phones and dialed his Mom's number.

It was a beautiful summer day in Pallet Town. Delia Ketchum was working in her garden alongside her trusted Mr. Mime.

Delia told the Psychic/Fairy type, "The garden is looking beautiful Mimey!"

Mimey said, "Mime!" That's when they heard the phone ringing. Mimey said, "Mime?"

Delia asked, "Who could that be?" She then went inside and answered the phone. "Hello? Ketchum residents."

Ash sniffled, "Mom…?"

Delia perked up. The video call started. She saw her only son, his hat over his eyes. He seemed more interested in the floor. Delia couldn't help but wonder what had happened. She saw Tracey in the background.

She asked, "Tracey, what's wrong…?"

It didn't take long for Delia to get the whole picture. Misty had decided to stay on Trovita Island with the gym leader and his younger sister. Delia couldn't help but wonder why. She knew that Misty liked Ash but…

"What should we do, Mrs. Ketchum?"

Delia looked at the Pokémon Watcher and frowned. There was only one thing to do.

Delia answered, "Let me call Professor Oak and see if he can get in touch with the Orange League. Since Ash is in that state, he is in no condition to continue. Right Pikachu?"

"Pika!" The electric mouse said. It agreed with Delia.

Delia added, "Then we will get in contact with watchers around the islands to find Lapras' family and friends." Tracey nodded in agreement. She further added, "Finally I will come to the islands and come pick you boys up once we have the okay from the league. Sound good?"

Tracey agreed, "Sounds perfect."

"Pika Pika!" Pikachu said.

After getting everything sorted, Delia had bought herself an airline ticket to Trovita Island. Delia was looking out the window, rather sadly. She knew that Mimey had everything under control back home. That wasn't what she was upset about. She was upset for her son. Whether or not he had realized it, he cared for Misty.

She said, mostly to herself, "David help me now… Our son needs us…"

Delia had finally found Ash, Pikachu, and Tracey in the airport. Since she wanted to do a quick flight back to Kanto, she had booked another flight in a half hour. Delia saw that her son was not even looking at her. He was just looking at the floor. Delia looked at Tracey for help.

Tracey admitted, "He's been like this since Misty left."

Delia held her son close. She promised that she would get him through this.

The group finally got back to the Ketchum household the next day. Ash had been oddly quiet. Even when Delia made them breakfast. Tracey had to admit that the food was delicious. But Ash barely ate. Pikachu had a bit to eat, sensing Ash's distress. Mimey ate a lot too, knowing that Delia needed it.

Tracey decided to change the subject, "Shouldn't we get the GS Ball to Professor Oak?"

Ash seemed to be grateful for the subject change.

He answered, "Yes, we should. I'm thinking of leaving all of my Pokemon there."

Both Delia and Tracey did a double take. They were surprised. Pikachu looked angry.

"Pika Pika pi!" Pikachu said.

Ash looked at Pikachu and started to say, "Pikachu…"

"Pika! Pika chu pika pi pika!" Pikachu said, angry.

Delia pointed out, "I think Pikachu wants to stay with you. And it is speaking for your other Pokemon too."

Ash asked, "You really want to stick around me?"

"Pika pika!" Pikachu said.

That's when all of his Pokemon came out of their PokeBalls. They all surrounded him as if they were all hugging him. Charizard did the same thing, even though it wouldn't listen to Ash still. Ash finally managed to cry, his eyes solely on the floor.

...

Wishmaker1028: I was bouncing ideas off of TimPrime1 about this story so I decided to write this. Please read and review! And always think outside of the box!