A/N: These chapters were written and published years ago on Wattpad so I thought I should at least transfer them here. Even though it's been several years, enjoy!

Chapter Key:

italics - flashback

bold - thoughts.

"quotation marks" - dialogue

"Ash... don't go..."

"Please... come back"

Lillie woke up in the PokeCenter's bed. The sun's light shone through the window indicating a new day. A new day would mean a new adventure for Ash, Lillie, and Pikachu.

But not today, today was not going to be easy. Cause Ash was now missing. He ran off after his crushing defeat against Hyozkin. Since then, Lillie has been taking care of all the Pokemon. They were grateful, but they dearly missed Ash.

As soon as Lillie woke up, Pikachu, who was by her side, did too. Although he woke up, he didn't get out of bed. Pikachu felt like he let down his trainer.

The same could be said for Larvitar because after it was healed, he entered his Pokemon and hasn't come out since. Not to exercise or to eat.

Lillie got ready for the day the same way she did yesterday. Hard to imagine Ash that just yesterday, Ash was here, all pumped for his gym battle.

She also remembered the little incident that happened yesterday between the two. It caused her to smile, just a little.

Ash... I really miss you. It's only been a day but still.S he felt water in her eyes. But before they could drop she wiped them away.

Why am I acting like he's dead?T he blonde questioned herself. He's out there, and we're gonna find him and bring him back! No matter the cost!

She turned to Pikachu with determination and let out her hand.

"C'mon Pikachu! I know you're sad, I am too. But just staying here doing nothing is gonna solve... well nothing! We're gonna go look for Ash!"

Pikachu was a bit reluctant. Was he good enough to be Ash's Pokemon? Against Mikko, he lost. Against Hyozkin, he lost. When the grunts attacked the Pokemon Center, he wasn't even there to aid. He's been more of a burden than a helpful Pokemon.

Lillie noticed this look on Pikachu's face. She decided to help comfort him so she sat down on the bed next to the electric mouse Pokemon. She began to rub his fur.

"Pikachu... You have something on your mind, right? Why not tell me about it? I can understand Pokemon remember? Plus, we're all in this together." She spoke with a gentle voice that eased Pikachu a bit.

"Pikaa." Pikachu sighed. "Pikapi, Pika! Pi-Pikachu!"

Lillie interpreted what Pikachu had said and let out a small sigh. "Pikachu... Ash does care about you..."

"Pika Pika! Pika pikaaa." Pikachu retaliated. A few tears ran down the Yellow Pokemon's eyes.

"Pikachu. He didn't leave because you weren't good enough. He's just stressed out. A bit confused."

"Pikaaa." Pikachu was still unsure. Was he even Ash's partner anymore? He was too weak.

"C'mon. Remember all the things Ash has done for you. He saved you from the prison on Team Kumar's airship. He rushed you to the Pokemon Center after your battle with Mikko's Monferno. He's always had a smile with you around."

Pikachu began to reflect on what Lillie said. Ash was a great friend who loved him very much. The points were valid. But not enough to change his mind. Lillie noticed this uncertainty.

Lillie pulled Pikachu into a hug. "Tell you what, once we find Ash, you can ask him directly okay? Although I already know the answer."

"Pikachuu." Pikachu sighed. It was the only way to make him stop worrying.

Lille got up from the bed and stood firm. Let me think like Ash... What would he do... She began to think. Suddenly it hit her. A giant determined smile came across her face.

That's right! He'll face every problem with a smile and confidence. That's the key! Lillie pieced together.

And thus, later that day, the search began. Although they didn't have to go far to find Ash...

Lillie, her Pokémon, and Ash's Pokémon all left the Pokemon Center with one mission:

Find their beloved raven-haired trainer: Ash Ketchum.

Uncertain of where to really start, they head to the middle of town, hoping to find some information for their search.

"Hey! Has anyone seen a boy around my height? Wears a cap? Spiky hair? Lovely personality that'll captivate you?" Lillie yelled out.

Most people around the town square gave confused looks and quickly hurried to their next destination.

Maybe I shouldn't have that last part, Lillie thought to herself as she began to blush a little.

"Pika pika..." Pikachu sighed. They weren't going to get anywhere like this.

They continued to ask around town for hours, in desperate hope of finding their valued companion. By now, it was evening and the sun was beginning to set.

Lillie and the rest of the Pokémon sat on a bench after getting some ice cream. It was the city's specialty of course. Considering the ice theme the gym had taken on.

Pikachu and Larvitar licked their ice cream with delight, enjoying the rich creamy texture. Lillie smiled as she watched the two Pokémon having fun with their food. She wwishedshe could do the same, but too much was on her mind.

We couldn't find Ash at all today. She said to herself. Is it possible that... Has he already left the city?

Lillie quickly shook her head. No way! No matter how you slice it, that's not Ash at all. He would never. Right?

Lillie began conflicting with herself. I mean. He really had no reason to stay... I did drag him into this mess... It's my fault. I did it again...

Pikachu, being the cheerful Pokémon he is, noticed Lillie's gloom and offered his ice cream.

Lillie looked at Pikachu and gave a little chuckle.

"Yeah. Sorry about that. Just thinking about the past." The blonde said to the electric mouse.

Larvitar finished his ice cream in a jiffy stretched out its limbs.

"Larvitar?" He asked, wondering what was next.

Lillie gave a little sigh. "We should head back for now before it gets too dark. Prepare for tomorrow's search."

The two Pokémon looked disappointed at first, but then agreed with Lillie's statement.

Soon, they got up from the bench and started getting back to the Pokémon Center. At the entrance, there was a particularly familiar buff man standing, as if he was waiting for someone. He noticed Lillie and gave a little gesture to come over.

"Hyozkin," Lillie said under her breath. He didn't exactly leave the most pleasant memory in her mind. The way he beat Pikachu and Larvitar to a pulp and crushed Ash's spirit like ice. To her, it seemed he had a frozen attitude, and wasn't one you could easily approach. Nevertheless, she walked towards him, fearing what would happen if she didn't.

As soon as Lillie got close, she could feel the cold aura surrounding him. A chill went down her spine. She was suddenly cold. How powerful was this man? They stood next to each other in silence for a while. It seemed both weren't the best at human communication. Eventually, Hyozkin decided to break the silence.

"So, you were with that brat earlier weren't you?" His voice wasn't friendly at all, and his face wasn't helping either.

"Y-yes, you'd be correct." Lillie stuttered while avoiding eye contact. "He's not a brat though." She said that under her breath. She definitely wouldn't want Hyozkin hearing that. It was then, tthat he ice cold man noticed the two Pokemon hiding behind Lillie's legs. The Pokemon he so viscously pounded due to their trainer's ignorance.

Good thing those two are okay, he thought to himself. He didn't regret giving the trainer a proper taste of the real world, but he hated how he had to brutalize his Pokemon for him to realize that. He knelt do the height of the two Pokemon.

"Listen. You two should get a new trainer."

Lillie couldn't believe what she was hearing. Neither could the two small Pokemon. Hyozkin continued.

"It's better to battle under a proper trainer. One who doesn't base all his battles off of emotions and feelings, but rather one who aas common sense."

Lillie gritted her teeth at those statements. Who gave him the right to talk about Ash like that?

"He was an idiotic trainer who's full of himself. Thinking he can win every battle just by "believing in himself." That type of faith will only get you killed."

Lillie couldn't take any more of this. She was about to raise her voice when she heard the cries of the two Pokemon beside her.

"Pika Pi! Pika!"

"Larvitar!"

They were furious. Angrily pointing at the man and making pouty faces. To the passersby, it would look very cute, but to them, it was a blind rage. Fury.

Lillie surprisingly looked at the two Pokemon standing up for their trainer. Pikachu... Larvitar... You haven't lost faith in Ash at all, even after that gym fiasco...

Hyozkin was taken aback by Pikachu and Larvitar's sudden outburst. He stood back up and looked down at the two Pokemon.

"I guess you really care for him then." He said without losing eye contact. Their determination is astounding.

"Hey."

Hyozkin turned around to Lillie who was clenching her fist.

"You don't know a thing about Ash. He's gonna be the greatest trainer out there. Just watch!" Lillie's eyes were filled with light as she looked at Hyozkin dead on. The female trainer now filled with confidence turned around. "Now if you would excuse me, I'm gonna be looking for a friend!"

Hyozkin was dumbfounded. All the man could do was smirk. Alright, Aaron. You win this one. He thought to himself. Lillie began to walk off with the two Pokemon closely trailing her, but before she could get out of range, Hyozkin said something.

"The Bridge Way. Just south of here. That's where I last saw the kid."

Lillie, surprised by this information, turned around and looked at the man. She was in disbelief.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and go!" He was right. There wasn't a second to waste.

"T-Thank you!" She shouted as she ran south. Pikachu and Larvitar followed suit.

Ash... I'm coming. Lillie keeps these thoughts in her head. She was going to get Ash back.

South, The Bridge Way Entrance

The sun had set minutes prior. The only light in the sky was the glistening moon and the twinkling stars. The light shone on a certain trainer we know, as well as their parental figure.

"Ash? Ready to go home?" Delia asked her son with a sweet, calming voice.

"Mhm.." Ash replied unenthusiastically. He was done with this "trainer" business. His mom was right. Being a trainer only brought trouble and heartache. It was time to leave his silly dream behind. Along with his Pokemon and friends.

I'm sorry Lillie. I'm finished. Ash thought to himself. He nudged his mother, signaling her he was ready to leave town.

Just then, Ash heard footsteps approaching him and his mother, followed by some heavy breathing.

"Ash, please wait..."

"Ash... Please, wait!" Lillie shouted while catching her breath. She put everything into her mad dash to The Bridge Way, the southernmost entrance to Novis City. Pikachu and Larvitar trailed behind.

The sun gave way to the clouds as the snow began to fall. There was quite a chill in the air. This was where it would all be decided. The fate of Ash and Lillie begins now.

"I'm surprised you followed me. After what I did." Ash turned around to face Lillie, although his eyes were glued to the ground. Why? Perhaps it was shame or regret. He felt that he wasn't worthy of looking into the eyes of the one he loved.

Delia turned around and patted her son's shoulders. She looked at Lillie with condescending eyes. But they also looked thankful. She spoke with a calm voice. "You must be the girl who took my Ash away."

Lillie stepped back. This is a bad sign. To her, I must be a random girl who made her son go on an adventure. She thought to herself. Delia noticed Lillie's worried look and quickly reassured her.

"No, no, no. Don't think I hate you or anything. In fact, I'm glad a reliable girl has been taking care of my son for all this time. I truly thank you for keeping him safe."

Lillie relaxed herself a bit. Perhaps she could have a civilized conversation with Ash's mom. "Oh. No problem Mrs. Ketchum-"

"However, you no longer have to as Ash is coming home with me." Delia cut Lillie off before she could finish her sentence. So much for the civilized conversation. Lillie quickly deducted there wasn't any reasoning with Ms. Ketchum. She changed her target to Ash.

"Ash, why won't you come back? We miss you. We're supposed to work together and-"

She got cut off again. This time, by the main man himself. "Why? Why do you want me? What am I going to do except drag you and my Pokémon through more suffering?" Ash looked completely defeated. His eyes were without light. His body was like a corpse that had been found in the middle of a snowstorm. The snow began to fall harder than before.

"What? Where is this coming from Ash? Why do you even think of our friendship like that?" Lillie questioned the boy. He felt like an entirely different person, nothing like she knew before.

Ash didn't answer the question. Instead, he started asking his own. "Why did you keep me around? You told me you've had plenty of partners for your missions before! What makes me any different?" Cold tears ran down his face. Delia started wiping her son's face like a caring mother.

"What was your name again? Lillie? Face it. My Ash has decided already. It took him a while, but he figured it out. Being a trainer is nothing but unnecessary trouble." Delia took Ash's seemingly lifeless hand. "Come, it's time to catch a taxi.

"No!" Lillie yelled to herself. I can't let it end here. No way, I still have more to say! She grabbed Ash's other hand in a last-ditch effort to get him to stay.

Delia had a small smile on her face. "Oh, dear. Would you please let go of my son's hand? It's time for us to go-"

"Y-You're the first one." Lillie started. She was shaking. Was it because of the cold or her own fear? It didn't matter now. If she didn't say this now, she would never get the opportunity again. She held Ash's hand harder. She could feel her warmth being sucked away.

"Y-You... You're the only one who stayed." Lillie began speaking. "You're the first who had the determination. Courage. You actually cared. Your passion felt natural. I really felt that I could take down Team Lunar with you..."

"Determination?" Ash said with a hopeless voice. "That wasn't determination. It was my stupid adrenaline fueling me. I made stupid decisions. I put you and my own Pokémon in danger. What type of trainer would do that? Hyzokin was right. Like I could be like Dad..."

Delia twitched a little. She spoke with a strained voice towards Lillie. "See? My son has already made his decision. Are you finished now, Lillie?"

"No, I'm not," Lillie said sternly. She faced Ash who still had his lifeless eyes looking at the cold ground. "Back at the Pokémon Center, I lost all sense of courage in myself. I felt my useless nature had reached its peak. I could never achieve my dream." She looked at the Pokeball in her bag.

"And then, there was the store robbery in town. I had given up at that point. But I remembered your determination back at Celedon City. I remember you giving it your all. Didn't give up on your dream no matter how many people opposed you, even your mom..."

The snow lightened up as the moon's light shone on Ash and Lillie. It was time. Lillie took a deep breath and exclaimed at the top of her lungs. "Ash Ketchum! You saved me from my despair, and I love you for that!"

Ash perked up and finally lifted his head. In front of him, he saw the blonde-haired girl who believed in him. The one who chose him on a whim, but stuck with his antics and stubbornness. The one who just proclaimed her affection to him. She was saying that he changed her. Perhaps he wasn't a hopeless trainer. But still...

"It doesn't change the fact I'm so stupid. I asked my Pokémon to win an impossible battle. Not once, but twice! Even if I become a trainer again, will I be able to make good decisions for my Pokémon? Do they even care for me anymore?" Ash went into a spiral of questions, but Lillie just smiled.

"Why don't you ask them yourself?" Right on cue, Pikachu and Larvitar poked their heads out from behind Lillie.

"They were here the whole time, watching and listening," Lillie said. "And they haven't given up on you. Believe me, I saw it firsthand. It's as if you rubbed off on them."

"Pika Pikachu! Chu Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed to his trainer. The mouse Pokémon patted its chest as a symbol of his dedication to Ash.

Ash was stunned. He stood back and almost tumbled in complete disbelief.

"Larv. Larvitar!" Larvitar stated. Larvitar was the same. He had the utmost respect for Ash and was ready to participate in many more battles. Lillie crouched to pet both of the Pokémon.

"We've all made our mistakes. But that's just bound to happen when you're a trainer." Lillie looked up to Ash, who was extremely surprised by the sudden emotion from his Pokémon. It seems he had made his final decision. Light shone in Ash's eyes once again. He had found himself again. Thanks to the same girl, once again.

Although, Delia wasn't giving up yet. She clenched her teeth. "Are you sure you're ready for those hardships Ash? Can you go through that pain again? Wouldn't coming home with me be a lot easier?"

Ash lifted his head and let go of his mother's hand. "Sure, it may be easier, but when have I taken the easy way out?" He walked towards Lillie, Pikachu, and Larvitar. The 3 individuals who stood by him. He kneeled to the ground which was covered in a light layer of snow.

Taking Pikachu and Larvitar in his arms, he looked directly at his mother. "My dream had never changed Mom. They're the ones who believed in me no matter what. I'm staying a Pokémon Trainer. I'm going to help Lillie achieve her dream with the help of my Pokémon!"

Lillie breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, Ash was back. Filled with happiness, she joined in on the hug. One of the happiest moments she's had in her life.

On the other hand, Delia was completely dumbfounded. She was this close to getting her son back. Getting her family back... Her face grew desperate.

"Ash... You can't just leave like that, You left everyone back home. Your friends and me! You left without warning! They're all worried sick about you Ash. You have to come home, Ash. You owe it to them, Ash. You should feel guilty for not returning to them..." Tears were rolling down her face as she gave an awkward smile.

Ash was spooked. He had never seen his Mom like this before. She looked afraid and unstable. She was doing everything she could to hold herself together. He paused. Wait. That isn't true. This happened before. 10 years ago...

"Mom. You're right. I did leave them without warning. It was unfair to May, Gary, Iris, Dawn, and all my friends at school." Ash stood up and walked towards his mother.

"But you're only mentioning this because you don't want me to end up like Dad."

Delia felt her heart clench. 'Please no. Please no. Please no.' The grown woman continued to repeat that to herself. Ash continued.

"You don't want me to have the same fate as Dad. Leaving abruptly one night, and never coming back..."

Delia started to cry harder. The tears froze up the second they hit the ground. "I-I don't want you to leave me too. Not like Aaron and never come back!" Just then, Delia felt warmth wrap around her. It was Ash, who had hugged his mom.

"I'm not like Dad. I'll make sure I come home. No matter what. You have my word." His voice and calm and meaningful. The words were truthful. Delia could feel that. She relaxed her body a bit.

"Do you mean it?" Delia asked her son. "You won't get yourself killed? You won't forget you have people back home, waiting?"

"Well if I didn't come home, I would never get to eat your food again. Which is a crime." Ash laughed.

Delia wiped her tears and gently hit Ash's head. "Here you have your Mom crying her feelings out and you decide to crack some jokes, huh?" She gave a genuine soft smile and moved towards Lillie and the Pokémon. She lowered her head to the 15-year-old girl.

"Please, make sure to take care of Ash," Delia smirked a little before adding, "Sadly, he's dense and can't comprehend the feelings of love." Lillie and Ash began to blush at the sudden statement.

"Hello? I'm right here. And that's a lie!" Ash exclaimed, crossing his arms. Lillie laughed with Delia. Pikachu and Larvitar joined in too.

Everyone had a well-needed laugh. Delia had finally come to accept that her son would indeed be a trainer. Amongst the laughter, the group heard the crunching of snow coming closer and closer to them. The shadow of a large figure soon became clear. Delia gasped at who it was.

"Ah! Hyzokin!" She exclaimed. "It's been a while since I've seen you."

Ash and Lillie turned and saw the Ice Type Gym Leader of Jenta. Ash quickly covered his face with his cap in embarrassment. The memories of his most recent gym battle flashed through his mind. He felt like he could die right there.

"Ms. Ketchum! You know Hyzokin?" Lillie asked. Delia nodded. Hyzokin waved his hand to the group.

"Lady Ketchum! How do you do?" His voice boomed through the air. He passed Delia and approached Ash. He lifted the boy's cap off his head. "No need to be embarrassed, boy. I'm not in Gym Leader mode right now."

Ash looked up to the grown man and gave an awkward smile. "If you say so," Ash said quietly. Hyzokin continued speaking to our black-haired gym challenger.

"I heard your whole speech right now. To be honest, I had no idea someone your age could say something so responsible. Well besides the little miss over there." He pointed to Lillie who blushed in embarrassment.

Ash scratched the back of his head. "Aha. It was nothing. I thought of it on the spot too. Nothing special."

The man shook his head. "It wasn't just 'nothing.' It was a true speech by a true trainer. I'm glad your spirit hasn't been completely crushed yet. Would be a shame if Aaron's kid gave up after just one beating!"

'He knows Dad?' Ash thought to himself. I guess he knew him from back then.

"Why don't we go inside the café? The cold doesn't bother me at all, but you all must be freezing." Hyzokin stated. He wasn't wrong. Because of the intense emotional talks that had just transpired, no one seemed to pay attention to how hard it was snowing the entire time. They all began to walk to the Vanillite Café down the street.

"Mr. Hyzokin," Lillie started. "Not that I'm questioning you or anything, but why did you come all the way out here for us?"

Ash added on. "Yea. You said you overheard the whole conversation, but what for?"

Hyzokin gave a straight answer. "I heard you all were investigating Team Lunar, am I correct?" Ash and Lillie nodded their heads.

"Well, I'm led to believe, that not only is their main base of operations here in the Jenta region..."

He took a deep breath. Ash and Lillie were hung in suspense.

"I think the whole region is controlled by Team Lunar."