Author's Note: Uh, um...hello everyone. Been a while haven't it? For those of you who know me from my one shots book, you would know it's been nine months since I last updated. Well...there's a lot of reasons as to why that it, but I won't bother you with that, at least not in this chapter.

This chapter is inspired by Missing Piece written by mrshat. The book can be found in my followed stories. Do check that out if you want, check out my other book too if you'd like. It's somewhat required anyway.

I'll talk more about the inspiration of this chapter in the note below so I won't spoil you. I do hope you'll enjoy this.

Story: A rewrite of episode 28 from the third season of XYZ. A somewhat-direct prequel to As Perfect As It Is from Ash and Chloe One-Shots

Age: Ash is sixteen, Serena is fifteen, and Dawn is fourteen.


Just what was it that was wrong with him?

His pokemon had been hurt, again!

He lost, again!

He failed, again!

He just keeps hurting and hurting his pokemon, lost after loss.

Was he even as good of a trainer as everyone, including him, thought he was?

Was it all just a fluke?

Maybe Paul had been right...

Maybe he hasn't been training his pokemon right...

Maybe he really is a failure...


"Stop!"

With a vicious swing, the snowball was flung at his face. Shivers ran down his spine from the cold before he felt a hard collision on his back as he hit the ground.

They both didn't notice his cap fell from his head along with the steel box from his jacket pocket, clattering in the snow with a soft thud.

"Give me back the real Ash!" Serena yelled out. "Because you sure aren't him!" She sobbed, turned, and sprinted away.

"...Real Ash?" He sat up slowly, down on his knees hitting the cold snow. "What did she mean by that?" He asked aloud. Before he can think about it more, a glitter on the ground caught his eyes. It was the box he would carry around all the time, no matter what he did. It was either in his bag or if he wasn't wearing it, he would have it in his pocket. Just to have it by him at all times.

It contained all the precious items he collected over the years.

He did the same today, right before he ran off, even in his emotional state, ha made sure to place it in his coat pocket before running away.

The box had been given to him by his mother right before he sent out to Unova when she found out he would just shove all the trinkets in his bag and hope they don't get lost. It was moderately sized, sometimes it was big for his pocket, sometimes it was small enough that he often wondered if it was there, it all depended on what kind of clothing he wore throughout his journey.

The added weight would comfort him as a reminder that they are always people who supported him, wherever they may be.

He couldn't believe it had fallen out.

Suddenly overwhelmed with protection, Ash got on his knees and very quickly grabbed the box with both hands and pressed it to his chest. He looked down with a relieved smile, if that had fallen out any other who knows what he would have to do to get it back, or if it had lost forever.

The precious items inside, given to him by even more precious people, were too valuable to lose.

The relief was short-lived however when he noticed the lid was already opened.

His eyes widened, "Oh no!" He gasped. He hurriedly opened it further and swiped his hand around inside, counting and checking if every item was inside. "Pokeball, Lure, Handkerchief...Ribbon, Doll, ribbon..wait, Ribbon!"

His hand froze in mid-air before he exploded in panic. "No, no, no, no, where is it?" Frantically moving his hand around, the item amongst itself as he researched for the other ribbon he treasured so much. "Where is it?!" He started breathing heavily as reality set in. The ribbon was not there.

He froze, the world seemed to crash down around him as one of the worst things that could possibly happen to him, happened. One of the precious items he holds dear to his heart, an item with so much meaning, is gone.

He sat back down and lamented over that for a few long minutes, remaining frozen like the snow in the ground, holding the box stiffly in the air. He knew he must look like an idiot right now, but it didn't matter. It felt like the world just stopped.

Suddenly, he sprung back to action, his heart racing. Carefully placing the box in the log he sat just a few minutes earlier, making sure the lid was tightly shut. He'll make sure to buy a lock so this wouldn't happen again unless of course he also loses the key.

That's a problem for another time.

He picked up his cap and placed it where it belongs, turning it around so the brim would face behind him. He looked at the snow-covered ground determinedly. The box fell here, the ribbon couldn't have gone anywhere...

Minutes Later...

He didn't know how much time has passed, but he knew it was long, it felt like so. The weather and temperature have gone colder, but he didn't give up and continued looking. Underneath his gloves, his hand was swelling, his fingers red and cold. He placed the box back in his pocket, even if it still didn't really fit, afraid it'd get knocked over by the strong wind. He also double-checked if anything else has dropped and made sure it was shut as tight as possible. And he also constantly checked if it was still there or if anything else had dropped.

Man, he's really grown paranoid.

Eventually, the swelling in his hand got too much and he decided to take a break and rest his hand that have been threading through the snow. He sat back down at the log and put his face in his hands, ignoring the cold, strangely it help calm him down a little. He was yet again faced with another dilemma yet situated at the same place. His previous problem had been temporarily placed in the back of his head, focused instead on his search.

The feeling of devastation wasn't that strong yet, he still had hope of finding it, he still didn't want to give up. It would go against everything he believed in, against his promise.

He was going to find it no matter what, even if he had to freeze in this forest.

"...Buneary?"

He stilled in place, slowly lifting his head out of his hands. He turned to his right, a Buneary looking curiously at him, appearing as cute as ever. Ash smiled faintly, the pokemon giving him a sense of deja vu, but it also made him a little frustrated. Is this the universe's way of shoving it in his face?

"Hi..." Nevertheless, he greeted the pokemon nicely, with a soft smile on his face. Usually, he would smile excitedly instead, seeing this kind he rarely sees anymore in contrast back to the old days he would see it every day, but now it just made him sad.

That was only until he noticed something in its paws, right as he looked away, causing him to take a double-take, a familiar glint caught his eye, directly leading to its paws. His eyes nearly bulged out of its sockets as he realized that glint was the orange ribbon right in its paws!

He sprung to his feet, startling the Buneary slightly. "YES!" He raised his arms in the air happily, overcome with happiness and relief. He failed to notice that he startled the bunny so much it started to hop away.

He turned his head, ready to take it the ribbon back, realizing too late that the pokemon was already hopping away. "No-wait!" He scrambled to his feet and started to run after it. "Wait, a second!" The Buneary was already in a considerable distance, and it didn't stop no matter what he said. "Please!" He gritted his teeth. "Oh, man!"

A frustrated yell slipped from his lips, scaring the bunny even more as it started to hop away faster, it was a very fast Buneary, it looked like. He stopped for a moment, tightening his cap on his head and cupping the bulge in his coat to make sure the box was still there. The familiar of determination churned at his heart, adrenaline already started cursing his veins.

He started running after the Buneary again, picking up the pace, the fire in his heart fueling his every movement.

To some people, a mere ribbon would not put so much effort, but that ribbon was ni mere ribbon.

His auburn eyes, burning with determination, trained on the Buneary. By running after it, he scared it, even more, hopping away as if running for its life, as if it was prey and he was the predator. He was sure he looked like one.

But it had to get tired eventually, and so will he.

By now this was a game of chase and who would hold out longer.

And he would win, he knew he had two losses on his streak right now, but this was a battle he had to win.

Jumping from log to log, breezing through the trees, almost tripping over twigs and small pokemon, he didn't care if he was getting away from civilization and deeper into the forest, he ran after the bunny with full speed.

Ash had to admit, the pokemon was crazy fast and strong to be running this long. He guessed it was used to it by all the other strong pokemon or the cursed hunters. But he was only human and not a pokemon used to the nature of being wild, the physical strain started getting to him and his breath became heavy, not noticing his breath freezing in the air as the weather started getting colder, his body heat and the fire in his heart preventing him from noticing.

The Buneary suddenly started hopping up a snowy hill, stopping for a moment to stare back down at him, looking shocked to see the human still following it. Ash panted heavily as he started walking up, his legs begging for a rest. He glared back with determination. The pokemon turned away and started hopping up the hill again.

"Grr..." Ash growled. He started running up the hill, as fast as his tired legs can get him. He clutched at his pocket, checking and making sure the box was still there.

He really didn't need to lose more of his items.

They reached the top of the hill, Buneary skidding to a stop near the edge as he or she, Ash didn't know, appeared to be breathing heavily just like him.

He stopped in front, placing his hand on his knees as he heaved for breath. He lifted his head slightly, the pokemon stared at him, the frightened looks on its face making Ash soften. The pokemon was just scared, he couldn't be mad at it.

He saw the shining ribbon still on the bunny's paws and lit up. His breath almost caught in his dry through in relief. It bobbed as he gulped tiredly.

He stared at Buneary's eyes as nicely as he could. He extended a hand, watching the pokemon flinch. "Listen...I don't want to hurt you," he spoke softly even as he breathed tiredly. He pointed at the ribbon, Buneary followed his gaze.

Buneary had stopped in the snow earlier and curiosity lured her in. The ribbon was shiny and pretty, it was clear it was taken with great care. You don't see much of those in the wild, and it was so pretty, she couldn't help but take it.

Ash continued speaking, "That ribbon...is mine." He struggled to get the words out as his dried throat and heavy breathing held him down. "That... ribbon is...precious to me. Please give it back." He made sure to speak gently as to not startle it more than he already had.

Buneary looked back in forth from the desperate human and the ribbon as she contemplated. The ribbon was really pretty and she wanted it...but if the human was going through all of these lengths just to have it...it must be really important.

Ash watched hopefully as the pokemon contemplated, the only sounds in the area were the harsh wind and the pokemon around. The anticipation almost made him burst but made sure to stay put, hold his hands out, and make it look as inviting and friendly as possible. All of that was let go as the Buneary started to hop towards him, ribbon with an extended paw.

He visibly deflated. "Yes...THANK YOU!" Was he cursed or just really stupid? Another grave mistake had gotten the bunny startled again, instinctively hopping backward, ribbon still in hand. It failed to notice the snow cave in from underneath and fell.

Ash's eyes widened in horror as he watched the pokemon fall down the edge. He quickly ran after it, he didn't care, he jumped after it. Into the empty air, his arms extended on instinct and came around the Buneary. He hugged it close, shut his eyes, and waited for impact.

A few terrifying seconds later, he finally registered what was happening. Instead of feeling the hard impact against the ground, he felt a soft, almost warm feeling collide into his back. He opened his eyes just as he bounced off a Snorlax beneath him, he jumped from its stomach and landed hard on his butt at the ground, still clutching the Buneary.

He groaned in pain and let off the Buneary as he messaged his behind.

"Ow...that hurt!" Ignoring the pain, he remembered the Buneary and looked down. It laid on the ground, but it looked okay. His attention was stolen however as he saw the orange ribbon laid alongside in the snow.

His eyes softened as he took in the item, everything else was forgotten as he very gently scooped the trinket into his hands before quickly pressing it against his chest.

He was parted from this ribbon too long for comfort. Ash didn't know what he would do if he had lost this.

After he had his fill of loving on the ribbon, he looked behind and mentally thanked the sleeping Snorlax for catching them.

Serena wouldn't like it if he came back injured.

He looked forward to Buneary who was now standing up and looking curiously up at him with her (now he knows after looker at her properly) cute brown eyes. He smiled softly, his hand reached out slowly, the bunny thankfully not running away as he started caressing one of her ears. "Hey, there. Thanks for taking care of the ribbon for me," he spoke softly. "Sure it was kinda exhausting chasing you everywhere, but I prefer that than digging through mountains of snow or just losing it. So, thank you." To end it off, he tilted his head and smiled kindly.

His body ache, his legs felt like jelly and cold was starting to catch up to him, but it was better to look at this positively.

"Buneary..." She couldn't believe how kind this human could be after she just stole his precious ribbon and made him run all over, yet not only did he jump a cliff to save her, he thanked her too. With shining eyes, she nodded softly.

She was sure to talk to her friends about this kind human.

She almost felt like staying, but her friends and family were waiting for her.

Sending the human one last smile, she started to hop away.

Ash watched her leave with a grin, he assumed she had to go back home. "Bye! Take care, Buneary!" He waved his arms as he yelled out. She looked back and waved a paw before continuing on her way.

Ash sighed as the bunny slowly got out of view, leaning back against the Snorlax. He closed his eyes as he relaxed his tired body, all content feeling the world with him right now (The Snorlax was really soft.)

He frowned and looked at his shoulder, it would be nice to have Pikachu with him though...

He shook his head and stood up. He looked around the woods, he frowned again. With all the running he did, he must be far from the Pokemon Center. Looking back at the hill he was just on, he briefly wondered if Serena was gonna come back for him.

He quickly shook his head at himself.

No

She had no reason to come back for him. Guilt seeped in and he looked down at his feet.

"You don't have a clue how I feel!"

"It's none of your business!"

"Leave me alone!"

His words from earlier came back to him and he felt even more guilty. She was only trying to help and that was how he acted?

He had a lot of apologizing to do.

Suddenly, a wet and cold hit his skin. He looked up at the sky just as a snowdrop fell on his face, he blinked and another came down followed by several others until he was drenched in cold. He cringed and shielded his face with his hands. He frantically looked around.

Before that, he needed to find shelter.


"Look, Clemont!" Serena looked towards Bonnie as she pointed at something. "Squishy found a cave." Serena followed the little girl's hand to a cave right where Squishy was. She sighed in relief. It had been a while since they set out to find Ash when a storm suddenly started.

"We should take a break now?" Clemont turned towards her as he asked.

Serena nodded, "Okay." Even when she really wanted to find Ash right now, it wasn't healthy to be out in this weather.

She can only hope he also found a shelter.


"Oh, finally!" Ash exclaimed slightly as he finally spotted a cave. He ran towards it and got inside. Settling himself against a wall, he looked towards the storm solemnly.


Serena sighed as she sat in front of the fire. She wasn't at all upset about taking a break, she just couldn't stop thinking about Ash and the argument they had.

"Pikaaa?" Pikachu looked curiously up at her. Breaking out of her deep thoughts, she sent him a gentle smile and scooped him up in her arms and onto her lap.

Her mind instantly went back to Ash as she realized, Pikachu and Ash...they've been separated for a while haven't they? They mustn't have been used to this kind of stuff. As far as she's known them, they were always joined at the hip, or in this case, shoulder.

"Oh Ash, I hope you're alright..." She couldn't help but think out loud.

"Don't worry, it's okay," Bonnie spoke up to encourage her.

It didn't quite work as Serena could only muster up a nod. "Thanks, but I let something he said get to me and I said something really terrible back to him." Her hand came down to pet Pikachu's ears absentmindedly to comfort herself. " And, I don't know maybe it was my fault he's stayed out there for this long..." Her friends looked at her with a somber gaze that she failed to notice. "It's just...it's just that I admire Ash so much..." The fire reflected in her sad eyes, it warmed her up but it didn't make her feel any better.

She wondered if it would have been better if she had not gone after him, or if she made him feel worse, or if she had just kept silent and minder her business as he told her to. It was never her intention to push him away or to upset him further, she just wanted to help...

"Me too, Ash is one of a kind." She barely noticed as Clemont spoke up, but she lifted her head slightly.

"Pika, pika," she looked back down as Pikachu cooed at her.

"We'll get back to looking for him as soon as the storm passed," Serena sent Bonnie a grateful smile. She knew they were trying to reassure her and it helped slightly, it was nice to see her friends around her, but the feeling of guilt she had didn't leave.

Maybe after the storm passed she can apologize.

She didn't know if it was stupid, and if it was she didn't care...much, but it had hurt. To see someone she admired and cared for so much in pain. It had hurt when he started acting unlike himself. Throughout their journey, he always seemed to have a smile on his face, after every loss, he would pick himself up and train harder, that was something she admired, something that inspired so much.

But she knew everybody had their limits, she just had hers not too long ago. That was why she wanted for him to talk to her.

Maybe it would have helped.

She didn't imagine it would have come to this.

She heard Clemont sigh heavily, snapping her out of her thoughts. That sigh carried sadness and disappointment causing her to look up. He started to speak "About that...Nurse Joy had told me something frequently happens in this city. As the day gets later, the snow will slowly start coming down more until a storm starts until it's midnight. It usually builds up, but she told me the storm will come early and worse, she also told me to get Ash quickly before it comes."

Serena started breathing heavily, she vaguely felt Pikachu sit up as her face filled with worry.

Clemont slowly looked towards the raging storm outside and she followed his gaze. "But...I don't think we can do that anymore."

"Are you...are you saying this storm can really get worse?" She could hardly believe what she was saying. A storm that gradually gets worse?!

Clemont nodded sadly.

"But then...how can we look for Ash then?" Bonnie asked the obvious question.

Nobody answered as they all knew the answer.


Snowbelle Forest, 7: 28

Ash sighed heavily as he leaned his body against the wall, ignoring how cold it was and resting his head. "Man, I'm so tired..." With all the running he did, the lack of sleep, and the fact he haven't eaten in hours, he was surprised he hasn't collapsed yet. "Good thing I was able to find this cave..." A gush of cold wind suddenly passed making him shiver and wrap his jacket around himself. "Yeah, good thing..."

If had been a long day, a lot happened and he was exhausted, but...even if he wasn't lost was he right to go back? After what he said? What he failed to do? Greninja and Serena were waiting for him...but he had failed them. Not only did he run away, but he yelled at her when she was only trying to help.

It's been a while since he had such a tough loss or an argument with someone.

And what did she mean by "Give me back the real Ash?"

So many thoughts were running in his head making it ache slightly. He shook it and looked towards the raging storm, and waited for it to pass. To do what? He wasn't sure.

In a way he was glad the Buneary made him run, it stopped him from thinking to much about it. But even though he already the ribbon back...

It felt like there was still something missing that made him want to stay in this forest.

A few minutes passed as he waited for the storm to go away when his mind - for what felt like the longest time - finally emptied out. There were no thoughts inside as he just relaxed, not like it had been for the past few days. Filled with strategies for the next battle, for the next gym, the losses he's had recently. They all left, and he wasn't going to lie and say he wasn't grateful

It was only when his hand pierced something, did he remembered what led him here. He looked down, the ribbon that he had been holding and searching for was at his hand.

He smiled softly and held it close to his face, it glittered in the night sky and as it did, a memory came back to him.

Of the time, he regained ownership of such a beautiful ribbon.

The way he remembered it, it almost felt like a scene from those romance movies his female companions always watch. With the bright stars out, the night sky filled with the beautiful moon, and the two protagonists.

The main man thinking all alone then suddenly his shining angel comes to light him up.

It was like that.

(He failed to realize he just refered to him and Dawn to a romance movie)

It was cold, but he didn't mind. (He had always had a high tolerance for temperatures like this.) It was only the price to pay as every brush of the wind against his hair calmed his mind like no other.

For the past hour or so, he had been okay, coming from the pokemon center after checking on his pokemon, he found he didn't want to sleep yet and resorted to walking around until he found this clearing at the edge of a hill. He was sat upon a rock right in front, overlooking the entire city of Snowpoint and Lake Acuity.

His head suddenly lifted and snapped behind him at the sound of twigs being snapped.

"Who's there?" He called out, his voice quivering slightly. Who could be there at this time of night, aside from him of course.

A familiar pair of blue eyes appeared from between the trees, the moon illuminated her smiling face as she stepped out of the forest.

He deflated and relaxed, sending her a small smile.

"Did I scare you, Ash?" Dawn asked as she stepped out completely from the forest, coming to a stop in front of him and the rock he was upon.

Somehow, this just got better. "Maybe," he admitted. He watched her suddenly freeze as her surroundings finally registered to her, and an entranced smile grew on her face. His smile turned soft and he turned around to stare out into the city with her, his chest suddenly felt like it was swelling with happiness.


Slowly, Dawn stepped closer to the edge, her mouth falling in awe. She knew the city was beautiful, almost every city she had traveled to was, but this just hit differently. This mountain seemed perfect in overlooking the city, the city lights in the night shined brightly. Her gaze swept through everything, she even spotted what looked like the school and the gym, but ultimately, her eyes set on her male friend sitting on the rock.

She stopped and stared at his back, she didn't why her heart suddenly felt like flying looking at him, with her back turned to her. She found it a bit weird using this word since he was a boy, but he looked...beautiful under the stars.

Blushing with that thought, she stepped closer to him. Like her heart didn't already feel like bursting, he suddenly towards her with a smile and patted the space next to him, wordlessly telling him to sit next to him.

Dawn hesitated slightly, she knew the view would be so much better up there and she could sit next to him, but it was so high...

She gulped and steeled her nerves, not wanting Ash to get the chance to tease her.

He clearly noticed, but he didn't say anything. She noticed his smile widening and she was grateful. She felt him watch carefully as she slowly and carefully climbed up. Even if she did fall, she trusted him to catch her like he's done before.

She breathed out as she tried to get herself comfortable. She was a little nervous, the cold wind brushed against her tighs and skirt, making her place her hand on top, the spikes of the rock his her tighs, and most all of the overwhelming height she was in.

Her hand reached to grab something, the other beneath her at the rock for balance, the other coming to hold Ash's shoulder.


He could see from the corner of his eye the red on her cheeks, he almost felt like pointing it, but considering his previous history of doing that with others, he didn't.

(Til now, he didn't know why her face looked like that. Was it because of the cold?)

His smile turned amused as he saw an awed look come to her face again. She slowly relaxed and took in the view.

"Wow..."

Ash chuckled as her hand slowly dropped from his shoulder, his eyes following it. Strangely, he felt that he preferred it when it was touching him even when she was grabbing particularly hard. It would be weird to ask her to put it back though.

"H-How did you even find this place?" She asked almost incredelously.

He shrugged nonchalantly, "I just found it earlier while I was walking around."

In truth, he did come across it earlier and after the whole Team Rocket incident, a moment of relaxation was needed after all that happened he wanted to come back only to find that he couldn't remember the way because he wasn't paying attention, too deep in thought. He then promptly spent thirty minutes looking for it. Hey, he was never to give up. Even when it was freezing cold in the middle of winter, near the coldest city in the region, and also it was already past nine.

A teasing, almost smug smile came to Dawn's face. "You mean while you were moping about?"

Ash let out a chuckle. "Yeah." It was nice to see that they were already able to joke about how he acted or what happened.


It was fascinating how she can joke so easily about him being down when she was just so incredibly worried about it.

She almost regretted being so casual about it.


He suddenly felt himself freeze, remembering something he wanted to do earlier, but there was no time til Team Rocket swooped in again, and yes, he might have forgotten after. Look, the food was really good and haven't eaten in a while, okay?


Dawn, for her part, had also forgotten what she was here for.

Brock had asked her to find him and bring him back so they can all go to bed. He said that he couldn't sleep because Ash had run off without saying anything and considering the events of today, anyone would be worried.

Poor Brock, he's probably waiting for them...


He then cleared his throat and prepared himself for what he was about to say. He wasn't used to saying these kinds of things, never was, but Dawn deserved it more than anything. A little struggle was nothing. He'll just hope he won't mess this up. "Thank you, by the way," he began awkwardly.

The sudden endearment seemed to startle her as she whipped her head to him who was looking at her with a small, but grateful smile that reflected the volume of his sincerity. Before she can ask what he meant by that, he was already answering. "You know, for...for how you cheered me up earlier, with your show and your pokemon. I forgot to thank you, so...thank you," he chuckled awkwardly and looked away, scratching the back of his neck.

Okay, that was probably bad, right?

Oh, man...

A few seconds passed. He glanced at her quickly.

She hasn't answered in a while, she won't laugh at him will she?


Doing what she did earlier, she never expected a thank you. That wasn't what she was doing it for. Seeing him get out of his slump was all she needed, but it didn't mean she wasn't happy hearing it.

Warm happiness started to bloom in her chest and she let out a pretty smile.

She couldn't find the words to say as she stared at the back of his head.


He turned to look at her as she began speaking. He watched as she slowly shook her head, "There's really no need to thank me, you'd do the same."


You already did, she thought.

There were a lot of people she had to thank for helping her get over her losing streak, and he was one of them.

Wait...


He let out a relieved sigh, grinned, and nodded. He watched her return with one of hers, a smile that felt so her. It was quite strange, but oddly it felt special to him. They both faced the edge again. No other words were said, they both already knew he would do the same because he already did. Whether or not it was intentional.

Suddenly, Dawn clapped her hands loudly, interrupting the quietness. Ash turned to her curiously as she started to reach into her skirt pocket. "Ah! I guess it's the perfect time to give this to you."

A gift?

So suddenly?

Her hand came back out, tightly holding something inside. "Give what?"

He looked up and locked eyes with her. He noticed her grin and looked excited, but a little nervous.

Nervous for what?

He tensed slightly as her hand reached down and held his, opening his palm and gently placing whatever it was from her hand to his. He let her do whatever as she closed it again, leaning back with a proud smile as she waited for his reaction.

(This moment was so long ago, yet he recalled it all so clearly, everything from what he felt to how the ribbon felt like when it was first placed on his hand, it was warm presumably from Dawn's body heat, and the way the spikes pierced his hand softly, to how Dawn looked when she gave it to him. Like it happened yesterday or earlier the day. This was one of his most important moments.)

Tentatively, he opened his hand and slowly looked down. He felt his eyes widen and his jaw drop.

He recognized what it was instantly, what was warm and spiky, was a ribbon.

Not just any ribbon, but the very first one she won in Floarroma Town.

Orange and clean, shining and clearly well taken care of him, just like the day it was given to her.

"I-I-Wha...?" He looked up, his jaw hanging flabbergasted.

Dawn giggled at his reaction. "What? You don't like it?" She joked playfully.

"No, No!" Ash quickly shook his head. "No, it's not that-!" He cut himself off and sighed resignedly, realizing she wasn't being serious. He watched her giggle incredulously, did she go insane?

"Dawn..."


She noticed how serious he looked and sounded, so she quieted down. She met his gaze head-on and waited for him to speak. She understood why he was surprised, she would be too if he suddenly presented her with something like her ribbon, like that lure he treasured so much, but boy was it funny to see his face.


"Y-You're giving this to me? This ribbon?" He shakily pointed at himself as she nodded. "Why?"

He didn't get it.

Why would you give someone something he knew meant so much to her.

A first badge or a first ribbon meant that you were doing something right. It's your first big achievement. As a beginner, it showed you were going somewhere, starting somewhere.

Anyone would have a strong attachment to such things.

He remembered how happy she was when she won it.

So why?


At that, Dawn fell into deep thought. To be perfectly honest, she wasn't completely sure either. It was a quick decision without much thinking, but then and still now, it had felt right. The logical part of her battled her feelings that this was perfectly alright. Her heart had no doubt.

But now, how does she answer that?

She...did have a somewhat vague reason, it was barely a thought, not even entirely sure. It was strange and almost questionable, it also felt incomplete for some reason, like there was supposed to be another reason, but it felt right.

She didn't think too much about that incompleteness, she'll touch on it later.

Her eyes fell to the rock she was sitting upon as they searched around as if it would answer all her questions. To be thinking of this reason made her question why she felt so strongly like this, she didn't know she could care so much.

Does it have anything to do with the feeling of incompleteness?

"But Dawn, this is your first ribbon!" She stayed silent as he looked at her in disbelief. "Man, even I wouldn't give away my first badge, no matter how I got it," he let out a sigh and looked away.

At the reminder of that, Dawn put up a hand on her mouth and muffled a giggle. Brock might have let it slip the story of how he got early badges while they sitting in front of a campfire sharing stories. She was well away from that first badge that came from their mutual friend rather...conveniently.

"Heyy!" He exclaimed lightly though he had a smile on his face. "Don't laugh," he whined a bit. It was times like these that she treasured so much. To make fun of each other casually without any malice or anger like friends do. She's had this before, with her friends, Leona and Kenny, but with these two boys, it felt so much more special to her.

Their laughter eventually died down and he once again turned serious. "But seriously though, why are you giving this to me?" He lifted his hand holding the ribbon inside. His tone turned soft as he continued speaking. "It's not that I don't want it, I like it already," he grinned. "But isn't this too important to you?"

(Who knew this gift would become such an important item to him like how it was to her?)

Dawn nodded at his lifted his hand. "You're right, it is my first ribbon and it's very important to me."

"So, it will mean more when I give it to you." He gasped softly, he turned his head quickly to her and stared at her in surprise. She continued speaking without stopping. "I know you know how my mother gave me her ribbon as a lucky charm, but I know the real reasons, or at least the others. It's to encourage me, and it did, but it was also something that made me...a bit sad." It was a struggle to get the words out, to admit so openly, and to him.

"...Back then... every time I looked at it reminded me of how much of a failure I am compared to my mother, but," she shook her head quickly and stared at his eyes. She was completely serious, and she was determined. She looked at him and hoped he would understand what she meant, the volume following her next words. "That's now how I want you to look at my ribbon, the complete opposite in fact. I know there's always gonna be a time where you'll be down and upset after a hard loss, like how I was, how you were earlier. So, when that happens, I want you to look at that ribbon and remind yourself that there's no need to worry," she smiled.

Her next words were said softly, but her whole heart was put into these words.

"...And...to cheer yourself up...especially when I'm not gonna be around."

"..."

Ash took in her words carefully. He looked down at the ribbon in disbelief. That was what she wanted? He didn't know what to say, what to think about it.

He...didn't expect that at was surprised at her own words. She wasn't even sure of it, but...the way the words fell from her mouth, the complete and utter sincerity she felt. This was right. It felt perfectly right.

It was right.

After a moment, she watched him gulp quite audibly and nod. "Okay." Compared to her words, it was barely anything, but it was all Dawn needed.

Her hand came to hold his that concealed the ribbon.

"Promise?"

He looked up and met her eyes, twinkling with barely concealed happiness, and grinned along with her.

"I promise."

Like yesterday, it all flashed back clearly in his mind.

Even now, he still could not believe Dawn trusted him like that to give it to him.

That was why he couldn't afford to lose it, why he chased that Buneary for who knows how long. Not only because it's important to him, but it was more so to Dawn, and he didn't want to disappoint her by losing it.

His head snapped outside as he heard chatter. "Huh?" There were pokemon outside, they were all out in the freezing cold and staring at him. He quickly realized they were only out there looking for a shelter.

A friendly smile came to his face automatically. He got on his knees and crawled forward. "Hey, there," he said softly. He saw the pokemon back away slightly. "Hey, I won't hurt you. Come here." He felt his smile grow as an awfully familiar Buneary stepped forward and quickly bounce to him, signaling the rest of the pokemon to follow her. "See? It's okay?" He held out his hand, making sure to look as friendly and nice as possible.

He stopped dead in his tracks as another memory came back to him.

"You see? It's okay, everyone?" He saw a younger him, eight years old, hold out his hand to a crowd of pokemon just like he did.

His smile widened to a grin. Another one of his most important memories. No one else knows, not the people he traveled with, he never told anyone and probably nobody would expect it. He once got scared of pokemon, right after...that accident. That memory was included in that year after when he fell in love with pokemon and spent almost every waking moment with them.

He spread his arms wide, his grin still clearly intact, looking happier than ever. He'll always wonder how did he go from being scared of pokemon (even for a short moment) to how he was now. He wouldn't have it in any other way. He said his next words softly. "You'll be warmer in here. Let's stay together."

The pokemon quickly moved, following behind Buneary who lead them. "That's it. Come in." They shuffled inside the cave, climbing over the rocks to get to him. He smiled at the Buneary as she climbed up to his shoulder and nuzzled his cheeks. The rest of the pokemon crowded around him, by his shoulder, arm, and lap. He wrapped his arms around all of them as much as he can.

"See that? I told you it'd be warmer." He said knowingly as he looked down at the pokemon. He wrapped his arms around them tighter and closed his eyes, sure he couldn't be more comfortable than he was right now. Though it was a rager storm outside, he couldn't be any more warmer.

Serena was right, in a lot of ways, she was right. He wasn't acting like himself at all. Being disrespectful, cocky, and overconfident, he lost his teamwork with his pokemon, the way he yelled at her...

Looks like that apology will have a partner that is a thank you message.

"And...to cheer yourself up...especially when I'm not gonna be around."

All of a sudden, Dawn's words came back to him.

He frowned slightly. This day just proved all her worries...Maybe one day when they both trust him enough and don't feel like he will need it anymore, he'll be able to return the ribbon.

Snowbelle City, Pokemon Center, 9:16

A sense of completion and relief washed over Ash as he smiled happily and carefully placed his and Dawn's ribbon inside the silver box. A lot had happened since he had lost it, running through the forest, helping a bunch of Spewba off a tree and saving one with Greninja that fell off, having a great epiphany, finally returning to his friends and pokemon, apologizing alongside thanking Serena. A lot happened in this one singular day, that wasn't even all of it, and he couldn't be more relieved to be back in the pokemon center, safe, sound, and warm.

That ribbon either belonged in the box or Dawn's presence, anywhere else and he would feel anxious.

Now he could only smile happily as he closed it securely and stuffed it back in his backpack. He then sat down on his bed after he set his bag on the ground, and looked around. He couldn't be more glad to be where he was right now. He wasn't sure what time it was, but he knew it was already pretty late, and he knew he was absolutely exhausted. Clemont and Bonnie were also so tired they collapsed on their beds right as they got inside the room, and despite Bonnie's protests to stay awake with the rest of them and that she wasn't sleepy yet, she too fell asleep seconds after her brother, cuddled inside the warm blankets.

They didn't even shower first, just changed into their pajamas while he and Serena stayed outside, retrieving their pokemon after healing them.

Speaking of Serena, as always she wanted to shower first and clean up, and gladly, per their routine, he let her use the bathroom first.

All of this, being surrounded by his pokemon and friends, repeating a similar routine he's had countless times before them, he couldn't help but feel a strong self of security and quiet happiness, a perfect comfortable situation.

Now, both of them had finished their showers as Serena was already in her bed, laid on her side, facing the see-through doors to the balcony. His bed was right beside hers while the siblings were on the other side of the room. He guessed Serena was also already asleep by now, given how tired she must be as well.

"Pika-pi?" His head turned, his buddy who was already laid underneath the blankets, asked.

"Hey, there, buddy," Ash softly responded, both not to wake the others and because he just wanted to. "Going to sleep already?"

Pikachu nodded, "Pika?"

"Me? Yeah, in a bit," he easily translated what his partner said and responded. He looked around the room once more with a content gaze, his eyes lingering just a tiny bit on Serena's form. His heart buzzed with tender joy looking at them. He sighed softly before he looked back at his bed and started carefully slipping underneath the blankets. He laid beside Pikachu and let out another sigh, making himself comfortable.

He laid on his left side and looked at Pikachu lovingly. "Goodnight, Pikachu..." He whispered softly.

"Pika-pi..."

He closed his eyes and tried to get himself to sleep.

A few minutes passed and the room was silent bar the soft sighs and snores by the ones already asleep, yet Ash still couldn't drift off to the dreamland.

He was tired, his entire body was weak from all the running, and he was finally in a warm place after being out in the cold for almost twenty-four hours, but he still could not sleep, no matter how comfortable he felt.

There were no thoughts that kept him awake, his brain was blank. It took all he had not to leap up in frustration as to not wake the sleeping mouse beside him.

Instead, he sighed and looked at his partner. Pikachu's chest lifted up and down in a slow rhythm, cute little "chus." slipping out of his slightly ajar mouth. Ash watched silently, with an endearing, but tired gaze. He felt extremely tempted to pet the mouse in the stomach, but he didn't want to risk waking him up. Nevertheless, just watching him make Ash comfortable and more relaxed than anything, and he hoped that maybe he could fall asleep to this, just watching his buddy sleep. He was pretty sure that happened before.

No matter how much he loved watching Pikachu, there was no stopping his eyes from drifting over to Serena. She shifted slightly as she raised the covers to reach up to her shoulders, shivering.

Instantly, Ash smiled without realizing it, almost instinctive. He already apologized and thanked her earlier, he felt a little strange to be feeling this way, but he wanted to talk to her while they were alone, with no one else watching or someone to possibly tease him, or worse someone to tease Serena.

He was well aware he wasn't much of an emotional person or who talked too deeply, but he really wanted to give her a more detailed apology, alone. After all all he said to her, stuff he didn't even mean, and all he did this past few days, she deserved one.

And...he just felt like talking to her.

Like she requested for him to do, but it's way too late now, right? Literally and figuratively. She was already asleep.

He let out a heavy sigh and looked away to stare at the small place left from the curtains, into the balcony, and into the night sky filled with beautiful, twinkling stars. Snow piled up at the handrail as they continued falling from the sky.

He slammed his head softly back on his pillow and tried to sleep again only to miserably fail. He had forgotten throughout the day because of all the other stuff happening, but now he couldn't for the life of him, get Serena's crying face from his mind.

He sat up slowly and looked down at his blanket, he shook his head. No, he wasn't going to be able to sleep like this.

He stared out the balcony again, it wasn't too late, was it?

Probably not.

So, Ash slowly got out under the covers, stood up, and changed from his pajamas to his traveling clothes and winter jacket in the bathroom. He tip-toed to the door and opened it, carefully of making any noise, and softly closed it behind him, of course locking it and bringing his key.

All the while, completely unaware of a certain honey-blond turning around and staring after him.

Ash walked around the city until he came across a park near the pokemon center. The park was empty, deserted with no people or pokemon around.

He saw down the closest bench he saw, ignoring a violent shiver that ran down his back as his behind hit the cold service. To further defy it, he leaned in his seat and closed his eyes, reveling in the peace and quiet. The air seemed like it was preparing for a big storm, but he didn't really care. He'll get back before that happens.

This was what he wanted anyway, though it was cold, the wind brushing his hair calmed him down and cleared his mind like no other.

He chuckled at the irony of it. A few years ago, he did the exact same thing and that was when Dawn found him. This day was so many levels similar to back then.

"Ash?"

He jumped slightly and looked up. Above all the pink gear she was wearing, was a very familiar face and a very similar expression.

"Serena!" He exclaimed as he sat up straighter.

She frowned worriedly, looking down at him.

"Did I wake you up?" He asked hurriedly as he looked up, worried auburn eyes locking with equally worried blue. "You shouldn't be here. Goo back, it's too cold-"

"I can say the same to you," Serena interrupted softly, her voice shaking in the cold. Her breath showed in the air in a form of a mist that just increased his worry. They both winced as a violent cold breeze went by them. Ash could only wonder how could this storm just get worse? Shouldn't it have died down by now?

"Why did you run out in the cold again? Is there something wron-" she cut herself off, hesitation flashing in her face. This is exactly how it started yesterday. Serena looked down, wrapping her coat around herself. "Didn't you know the weather would get worse as time goes? You could get sick out here!" She couldn't help but sound stern as she said this.

His heart, despite all the cold the city threw at him, seemed to warm up at her words Even though the day had long passed and she must be exhausted, she was still looking forward to him. How could one be so caring? And to him?

He smiled softly, his eyes searched her worried ones to try and reassure her with the confidence in his. Like it usually does. "I'll be fine. I'm a little more durable than that."

Serena felt her cheeks get hot slightly at his smile, but her frown didn't change. She didn't doubt that statement at all, but she was still worried. What Clemont said still haunted her, it was so surreal. She could see he was right as the storm just seemed to get worse as time passed.

It was nature working yet it felt so supernatural. She wondered if a pokemon was doing this? But what pokemon could be doing this every day?

She shook it off and huffed, quickly sitting beside him, ignoring his startled face. For him to be out here again, something must be bothering him and she wanted to know. She'll go about this a bit healthier and not push him this time though.

Pass it off as a talk between friends.

Like they would usually have.

She wouldn't deny she got used to having that.

Ash smiled and just let her be. He figured it was another time for their late-night talks again. Even with cold weather, he couldn't pass that up. It was all he wanted anyway.

"Sorry if I woke you up," he sighed as he rubbed his hand together, shuddering slightly.

She looked at him as she smiled and shook her head. "It's alright. I wasn't able to sleep anyway, there's a lot on my mind," he watched curiously as she looked around the park, her smile turning amused. "If it weren't so cold, I'd be the one wandering around at night."

His smile widened excitedly, he turned to her, "Oh yeah!" He exclaimed lightly making her turn to him curiously. "I noticed that sometimes. You would go out at night without telling us, I noticed it first the night after you had your first performance," he seemed proud as he said this, looking away wistfully as if recalling it.

Her reaction was expected as she stared at him, jaw dropped. "You noticed that?!" she knew that he was a bit oblivious, and...not exactly observant, but that was okay. He never noticed her feelings for him, and it was even more okay because she knew she held her crush well (or so she thinks), but this was something she always tried to hide from them because she didn't want them worrying.

But he still noticed

She smiled happily. It meant a lot to her that he'd noticed such a small detail especially since she tried so hard to hide, even when she didn't feel that bad. She was pretty sure Clemont and Bonnie don't know either.

Ash chuckled bashfully as he rubbed his finger under his nose. He too was well aware he wasn't that observant, but "'Course I did," the first time was a bit similar to tonight's situation, Clemont and Bonnie had already gone to bed, he got out of the bathroom to find her already asleep, only a few minutes later, hearing her stand up and leave the room. "I didn't want to follow you because I thought you wanted some time alone." And because he believed she was going to be okay. She was strong.

Her smile slowly melted to a touched one. "Thank you.." He'd never know how much that meant to her.

"It's a good thing I didn't or I would have interrupted you. That was the night you cut your hair and changed your outfit, right?"

She nodded, her blues eyes shining with admiration. In her mind, she saved this moment in a little corner filled with precious moments she's had with him. There was already a lot, but she hoped she'd never forget every single one of them.

She didn't know he could be so sweet and considerate...

"If I did, you wouldn't have your short hair.." Serena tensed up as his hand slowly reached up her head to twirl a strand of her honey-blond hair, her face quickly turning into a tomato. "It really looks good on you." Ash smiled and withdrew his hand, oblivious as always to the effect he had on her.

She watched that hand pull away almost lifelessly. Even when he had already stopped, it still felt like all the air and including her soul left her.

Serena released a breath as she avoided his eyes, looking away. She wondered if there was a chance he could notice the heavy blush on her face and turned it away even more.

"You've said that before..."

Interestingly, Ash did notice. He'd be way too dumb not to, he just concluded it was from the cold like with Dawn. (With all the heat on her race, she was perfectly warmed up)

...A bit oblivious is right...

He shrugged, "Not bad to say it again." He smiled directly at her. "And, I still mean it."

She smiled back. It wouldn't have affected her if he didn't...okay maybe it would, but it was still very nice to hear. Especially from him. "Thank you..." She mumbled.

He hummed in response, looking up. He suddenly remembered the storm and grew worried. The sky had gone much darker than before and it was only minutes.

"Hmm...you were right, the storm is getting worse. I think we should head back." He stood up while dusting the snow that had dropped on him.

"Wait!" He turned back as he felt her hand suddenly grab his. He tilted his head, waiting and watching her as she looked down bashfully? Ash slowly sat back down as he looked at her curiously, their joined hands falling to his lap. "You still haven't told me why you were out here. You were bothered by something." She seemed hesitant as she spoke.

He wondered why but prepared his answer nonetheless. He chuckled awkwardly and looked down. He was having so much fun talking to her, that he actually forgot all about his issues. All the feelings returned, the guilt returned, but it was so much less than it was before. She makes him feel better. "Ah, right. You-You, don't have to worry about that. It's fine.

Serena shook her head, her face still turned away from him. No way. She didn't want to push him as she did earlier, but she really wanted to know, and with how he was acting, she figured it was okay to ask. If he didn't want to talk, that was okay too.

What he felt and thought mattered a lot to her. She wanted to help him, to talk to him, like he had done thousands of times before. So many times, done so well, she wanted to return it at least once.

"No, I-you can tell me if something's bothering you. If you don't want to, I'll let you go, that's what I should have done earlier, but.." she shook her head. They both already apologized and they both got something with it, but the feeling will stick with her. She promised to herself she would never do that again.

If she wanted to help people, she couldn't go about it that way.

She turned to him, her eyes locking with his once again. The vulnerability was clear on her face and she didn't try to hide it. Not with him. "...I'm just worried, that's all..." No, that was not all, but that was all he needed to know. She needed to make up for what she did by doing it again, and right.

He softened as he looked at her, recognizing her determination. He smiled, his chest swelling with pride and something else he didn't bother naming. "That...was what I was actually bothered about." He watched her eyes widen. "I still felt really bad and wanted to talk to you, one to one. But you were already asleep, and of course, I wouldn't wake you. Not after you, Clemont and Bonnie were in the woods running around looking for me when I could have just gone back."

He cut himself off and looked down at his lap, watching as uncountable snowflakes dropped. Silence passed and went by before he found his next words. "I was really disappointed in myself, and...I just really wanted to talk to you again, like what we're doing right," he smiled and quickly looked up, looking directly into her eyes.

What he was saying right now...was not anything she expected. She thought that maybe he was thinking about his next battle tomorrow, his rematch. But no, he...felt the exact same way she did.

They both just wanted to talk to each other.

He witnessed first hand the reactions she had, the surprise, the relief, how touched she was. He was glad he was able to make her feel that way. "If you wanted to help me, just by being here, you already are." He smiled brightly.

She just stared at him, at a loss for words. Ash suddenly felt flustered and turned away, that gaze...that look in her eyes, it was strange, he couldn't name what it was. It was oddly familiar though and...it made him something equally as strange. He chuckled he felt a little embarrassed he guessed. He was never used to saying such things.

"Oh, Ash..."

He picked up their joined hands and raised them as he stared at her. Her eyes followed their hands, lost in a trance. "Now that we're alone, I'm really sorry, Serena. I know you already forgave me, but I'm still sorry for everything. Especially for making you cry." The sincerity poured with his words.

Serena shook her head slowly, finally being able to function. Her heart, her entire heart was touched in every way possible. He'll again never know just how much his words meant to her. "Please don't be sorry anymore. You're right," she turned her head and looked into his eyes determinedly. "I already forgave, WE already forgave each other. I said some mean things too, did something to you too, like throw snowballs at you." They both chuckled breathly. "I also still feel a tiny bit guilty about that."

Ash smiled softly and said one word, "Don't." Silence fell upon them after that as both took in each other's words, took them to heart, and planted them in mind. The world around them filled with snow and cold air completely, as the built-up finished, but they didn't notice it. They were in their own world, filled with warmth and only each other.

Suddenly, Serena started to laugh. Like bells ringing, it called to him. Ash turned to her, eyes starting to shine at the sound of her laugh.

Serena covered her mouth with her other hand, her shoulders shook as she continued laughing happily. "Wow, we really think alike, don't we?"

Slowly, a smile crept over Ash's face as he too started to laugh. "Yeah!" They laughed together, the sound of their warm, melodic laugh filtering the air filled with cold.

Serena calmed down slightly after a moment, "Ash.." She called out endearingly, her voice filled with a sweetness that could only be directed to a few selected people

Ash hummed slightly as he tilted his head, his eyes subconsciously shining, staring into her eyes softly. That look was completely mirrored by her

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"For what?" He tilted his head even more.

Serena shrugged happily, "For everything." She smiled as she watched his signature grin grow on his face. "And, let's not be sorry anymore. We both learned from it. Arguments happen, don't they?"

He nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Friends argue, it's okay."

"The more you argue, the closer you are, right?" She asked playfully. There was a double meanint there she would jever tell him.

He chuckled and nodded. "Yes." Oh, he could agree so much to that. He was very expierciend after all.

A comforstble silence came over them again. Serena looked down at her hand still holdinf his, now just realizing she still haven't let go, but she didn't want to let go. She blushed again and just continued holding it, even squezzint it a bit. It felt really warm and nice.

She then sighed sadly as she realizied that she would have to let go as they needed to get back now unless they wanted to get sick. The storm was already upon them. He had hsi gym battle that he surely gonna win tomorrow and needs his rest. And to be honest, she did too.

"So," his voice snapped her out of her thoughts and looked up at him, seeing hum again turned away from her. "We're okay, right?"

Serena chuckled and squezzed his and again, drawing his attention to her. Seriously? After all that?

"Of course."

Everything was okay now.

And, it will probably be okay forever.

The End


Author's note: In the original draft of the flashback with Dawn (I rewrite/revise all of my new chapters now) I wrote it in the perspective of both Dawn and Ash, switching between the two. In the middle of the rewrite, I realized that this is from ASH's flashback, his mind and perspective, which means he won't know how Dawn feels or thinks.

I debated between erasing Dawn's perpective entirely, but I really liked it and though it was good, after a bit of thinking I found a solution and was able to keep it in.

The straight line in the middle is the transition when the perspective changes. I hope I didn't make you all too confused by it.

In my opinion, it made the chapter better and more engaging, so do tell me what you think about it.

In my other book, most of the chapters contains a message or deep meaning, for this portion, it's really all for fun. What Ash was going through was already solved in the anime, so this is just food for the pearlshippers.

Anyways, for the other section of this chapter. It was inspired by a desperate need to solve what I like to call the "Amourshipping Problem." Which is the issue of whether or not Serena puts Ash on a pedesrral, do not accept that he is human and can get down and feel negative, far from his usual self.

Most people that she did, and shamefully, I have to admit, for a while I thought the same too. And during it, I got the idea for th other half of this chapter.

A deep conversation between the two, where they apologize, Ash points it out, and gently guide her away from that.

That is how I think this issue can be solved, by talking about it.

If ever, in the future, they get in a relashionship, people think it will be a disaster because of this "Problem." That is why they don't ship the two, and in some cases, completely trash the ship to hell and back.

As an Amourshipper, of course I didn't like that. So I thought about this chapter as way of propising idea of them talking it out. Which is how most relashionships remain healthy and stay together. It's normal and I believed, and I still do, that they are mature enough to do that.

(That is just what I've gathered from the internet, this does not count to all of you. This is to those who believed the issue, not all of you who are reading of course. If you didn't believe in such a think. I like you, you're doing very good.)

They are both very kind and an understanding person. If Serena might have put him on a pedestral, it would be a mistake, that she can fix still.

I've believed in this issue for a long time, and idea of them easily being able to talk it out comforted me. But in the middle of writing, I realized I was very wrong. Since I was rewriting this episode, I had to watch it, I don't think she put him on a very high pedestral that he can't feel negative even for a moment.

Something like that is a such a terrible thing for Serena to do, not to mention lacks common sense. I do not believe Serena can ever do that, ever!

In this episode, she clealy acknoledges his feelings. I put a lot of message in this chapter that I hope will speak to you readers, those who felt the same issue or not.

I would like to clear that I do not have any favorite poke girl or poke girl ship with Ash so I tried very hard not to compare the two at all like most writers do. I love all poke girls and their ship with Ash equally and I would never choose one because they all mean so much to me. I'm very loyal to all of them.

Recently, there was also a discourse on the pokemon anime twitter community on the behaiviour of Ash in this episode that lasted for an entire day. That also inspired me what I was going to do for the last scene

Of course since I believe changed in the middle of writing this, I had to make something new up and that discussion helped me out a lot lmao.

This is getting ridicolously long, oh my god.

Lastly, for the other readers who read my other book, I have an idea already ready and set for the next update. I won't say it'll come out soon and make you hope because who knows what other things will happen.

Anyway, I do hope you guys enjoyed this. I obviously poured my heart and soul into this lmao.

I'll see you guys again on the next chapter of the one shots book, whenever that will come out.

Do tell me what you thought about this chapter.

Thank you for reading everyone.

Words: 11,106

Published: 4/8/22