Chapter 1: A Chilling Surprise! Storming Hearts!

In the region of Alola, the first ever Alola Pokémon League competition was underway, with the top 4 trainers left standing after the quarter-finals. The trainers included a black haired boy with tanned skin and no shirt (Kiawe), a blonde haired boy (Gladion), a blonde haired girl (Lillie), and a raven black haired boy (Ash Ketchum). Soon, the Kahuna of Melemele Island, Hala, stepped to the mic.

"I applaud the four trainers left standing after our third round. Now it is time to reveal the matchups for the Semi-Finals!" He said as the audience turned their attention to the jumbotron to see the matchup.

Gladion vs Kiawe

Lillie vs Ash

The audience cheered at the sight of the next matches. Though there were two people who were shocked by this. Those being Ash and Lillie, because over the course of their time together at the Pokémon School, the two of them had grown so close to each other that they both had developed feelings for each other, much to Ash's confusion as to what he was feeling. When he first began having these feelings, he simply brushed it off as something familial, but that quickly turned to Ash as his feelings for Lillie kept getting stronger and stronger with each passing day. Soon he had a talk with Prof. Kukui about what he was experiencing, Kukui then deduced that Ash was falling in love with Lillie. Lillie had the same talk, but with her mother, Lusamine. She gave the same answer that Prof. Kukui told Ash, that she was falling in love with Ash. Although they were given the answer they wanted to hear, they both denied the evidence and continued, but in almost every instance that they were alone, their hearts began beating so fast and their faces erupted with blush and couldn't even formulate a solid sentence. After a bit of thinking alone, they had finally accepted the fact that they were in love with each other. But now, this battle could make their friendship stronger and could even turn it into a potential relationship, or it could go the other way and destroy the friendship they worked so hard to make together.

"The matches will begin tomorrow at noon, so stay tuned for the next day of the league!" Hala announced as the crowd cheered, while Ash and Lillie were relieved that their battle would be held tomorrow. As everyone left the stadium for the rest of the day, Ash had thought of a really good idea since he knew what today was. He just had to get back to the Pokémon Center to make a call back to Kanto. Soon, Ash arrived and made a beeline for the phone to call Prof. Oak.

"Professor!" Ash started as the screen then showed the famous Kantonian professor.

"Ah, Ash, my boy! To what do I owe the pleasure?" Prof. Oak said as Ash then smiled.

"Do you still have that Pokémon I found during my journey in Sinnoh?" Prof. Oak then nodded with a smile.

"Of course. Why do you ask?" Ash then elaborated.

"Well, I think I finally found the perfect trainer for her. After I saw her getting tormented by such a horrible trainer, I thought that my friend would be better for her than her original trainer was." Prof. Oak then nodded.

"I see. So you really think that this trainer you speak of is the one for this Pokémon?" Ash then nodded with a confident smile.

"Yes. If anyone can be a great trainer for her, it's my friend." Prof. Oak's smile then grew a little more.

"Alright then. Just give me a little bit to get her ready for transfer."

"Okay, thank you professor." Oak then left to retrieve the Pokémon in question. After a minute, he then returned with a poké ball.

"Alright, I have her right here. I'm sending her to you now." Ash then nodded and waited for the poké ball. After a couple of seconds the poké ball then appeared and Ash grabbed it and showed it to the screen.

"I got it, professor. Thanks for your help." Ash said as Oak smiled.

"Not a problem at all, Ash. Good luck in the semi finals." Ash then nodded as the call ended. He then looked at the poké ball. 'I know you're going to love your new trainer. She is the kindest, smartest and most thoughtful girl I know. I just hope Lillie likes this.'

"Hey Ash! Come on, or we're gonna be late!" Ash then heard Prof. Kukui's voice from upstairs as he then smiled.

"Coming!" He shouted as he then climbed back up to the main floor.

Location Change: Pokémon Center

Night had now fallen on Alola, as Lillie, Gladion and Lusamine walked in, each dressed in kimono.

"Mother, I must ask, why are we here?" Lillie asked as Lusamine then turned to her daughter with a smile.

"You'll see sweetie. Don't you worry." She said as Gladion nodded.

"She's right." He said, though that only made Lillie even more curious. When they got into the main area, it appeared dark, no one in sight, until…

"ALOLA SURPRISE!" The lights then turned on, party poppers had popped and confetti fell from the ceiling above a very surprised Lillie and a happy Gladion and Lusamine. All of her friends were there, all dressed in kimono as well. Everyone was wearing kimono of their respective color, but the one that stuck out the most to Lillie was Ash. He wasn't wearing his hat this time and to her, the kimono made him look better than he already did in her eyes. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LILLIE!" From just the sight of this display, it caused Lillie's eyes to well up with tears as they started to stream down her cheeks. Ash saw this, smiled, walked over to Lillie, placed his hand on her cheek and wiped the tears from her face.

"Happy birthday, Lillie." Ash said as Lillie then dawned a tearful smile, then she jumped into Ash, wrapping her arms around him and cried into his chest. Ash was a little surprised by this, but kept his smile, now with a noticeable amount of blush, then wrapped his arms around Lillie and used his hand to run through her hair to try and calm her down. 'You know, the fact that I imagined how smooth her hair was without feeling it, should've been the most obvious clue as to my feelings for her.'

'His embrace is so calming, so warm. This is something that I want to feel forever.' Lillie thought as blush then slowly creeped on her face, still smiling. After a few more seconds of crying and enjoying their embrace, they then separated, but their arms remained wrapped around one another.

"You really look amazing, Lillie." Ash said as that made more blush appear across Lillie's face, but her bright smile still shined through.

"Thank you, and you look as dashing as ever, Ash." Lillie said as now more blush appeared across Ash's face.

"I-I do?" He shyly asked as Lillie giggled.

"Yes. You do." She said as Ash's smile grew a little bit more.

"Thanks, Lillie." Ash said as Lillie's smile grew a bit more as well. Both of them enjoyed what they were experiencing. Although, everyone else who was present was a little uncomfortable because they were being ignored by both Lillie and Ash.

"Are you two just gonna stand there, or are you two gonna kiss already?" Mallow commented as it broke Ash and Lillie's moment, as blush exploded across their faces.

'Darn you, Mallow.' They both thought in their heads as the party then got underway. Everyone was having such a good time. Now it was time for Lillie to receive her presents. Most of the people present gave her some cool stuff, ranging from a Rotom Phone, to a new dress. All that was left was Ash's gift.

"Here Lillie. Happy Birthday." He said with a smile on his face as he handed her the poké ball, which initially confused her.

"Why are you giving me a poké ball?" She asked as most of the guests were confused as well. The ones that weren't were Prof. Kukui and Prof. Burnett.

"It's not just the poké ball. It's the Pokémon inside as well." He said. This then intrigued Lillie. She then threw the ball into the air and it released a quadrapod with light blue fur (Glaceon). Almost everyone was in shock, but none more so than Lillie and her family. Back in her childhood before the Nihilego incident, Lillie grew up surrounded by so many different Pokémon including two Eevees that frequently visited her estate. One of the Eevee grew very close to Lillie while the other became Gladion's Umbreon, until Nihilego showed up. That was when those visits turned into more of observation from a distance. As time passed, the Eevee stopped visiting, either because it was captured by a trainer, or it evolved into one of its eight forms and forgot all about Lillie. But now, seeing this Glaceon was being given to her as a birthday gift from her crush, it filled her heart with the most joy she had felt ever since she got over her fear of Pokémon. Glaceon then turned to Ash and rubbed its head against his leg.

"Glaceon, this is your new trainer. She's still new to being a trainer, but she is definitely one of the most gifted people I know." Glaceon then moved to Lillie's leg and rubbed its head against her leg. Lillie was very moved by both Glaceon and what Ash said. So much so, that she then jumped into Ash, wrapping her arms around his body.

"I love it, Ash! Thank you!" She said through her tears of joy. Ash then smiled and rubbed her back.

"You're welcome, beautiful." Ash said. That caused Lillie to back off with a prominent amount of blush on her face. Ash then realized what he said as blush then covered his entire face. Everyone started laughing at Ash's embarrassment, everyone except for Lillie. She still had blush, but her expression changed from a surprised expression to a thoughtful one.

'Ash just called me 'beautiful'. I didn't think he would see me the way I see him.' She then smiled and then hugged him for a second. "Thank you, handsome." This time it was Ash's turn to be surprised by what Lillie said.

'Wow. She really called me 'handsome'. Maybe she does like me that way.' He thought with a smile emerging from the blush.

"Ash, do you think we can go for a walk outside?" Lillie asked, which surprised Ash.

"Oh, uh, sure." Lillie smiled at Ash's answer. She then wrapped her arms around his arm as they walked out the building. Everyone was happy, but none more so than Lusamine, Prof. Kukui and Prof. Burnett. The three of them were so proud of their child/surrogate son.

Location Change: With Ash and Lillie

Ash and Lillie were walking toward the body of water near the training areas as they then stopped to stare at the stars above.

"Man. Even though it has been almost a year since I arrived in Alola, I still can't believe that the night sky is this beautiful." Ash said with a smile.

"Yes. It really is." Lillie said as Ash then turned to her.

"But, I can think of one thing that beats this when it comes to beauty." He said as Lillie grew curious.

"And what would that be?" She asked as Ash just smiled.

"You." Lillie then blushed and started to playfully punch his shoulder.

"Ash, stop it. You're embarrassing me." She smiled as Ash chuckled. Just then, a thought reappeared in his mind which caused Ash's smile to vanish. "Ash? Is something wrong?"

"In all honesty, I'm worried about tomorrow. Mostly because we have to battle each other. What's gonna happen if one of us gets too heated during the match? What if that person says something to the other that that person would 100% regret? What if…" Ash's rambling was then interrupted by a hand on his left cheek. He turned to see Lillie with a smile on her face.

"Ash, listen to me. Whatever happens during our battle, nothing is going to come between us, regardless of the outcome. Whether you win, or by some divine miracle, I win, you and I will always be friends." Those last words in her sentence put a little hole in not only Lillie's heart, but also Ash's. She might've accidentally friend-zoned him, which was not the intention. "Promise me that, Ash." Ash was surprised, but then sported a smile, regardless of how Lillie's earlier statement may or may not have implied, it did not distract Ash from seeing how beautiful Lillie looked in the moonlight.

"I promise that whatever happens tomorrow, nothing will come between us." That alone made Lillie smile grow more.

"Thank you, Ashton." Ash then blushed. Hardly anyone ever calls him 'Ashton', except his mother.

Playing I See The Light (Tangled)

Lillie: All those days, watching from the windows.

All those years, outside looking in.

All that time, never even knowing, just… how blind I've been.

Now I'm here, blinking in the starlight. Now I'm here, suddenly, I see. Standing here, it's all so clear.

I'm where I'm meant to be.

And at last I see the light, and it's like the fog has lifted.

And at last I see the light, and it's like the sky is new.

And it's warm and real and bright, and the world has somehow shifted.

All at once, everything looks different.

Now that I see you.

Ash was completely blown away by Lillie's amazing voice as she sang. Lille then turned to him with a bright smile that could melt any Pokémon out of ice. "Ash, there's something that I want to say." Ash, still stunned by Lillie's singing, just nodded for Lillie to continue. "Ever since you came to Alola, you've made my life not only more exciting, but also brighter. I've finally gotten over my fear of Pokémon, you helped me and my brother save my mother from Nihilego and you inspired me to become my best self. I honestly don't know if you feel the same way that I do, but…" Ash then put his hand on her cheek while sporting a calm smile.

"Maybe not. But, I'm starting to understand." Lillie's eyes then started to well up with tears as Ash then started singing.

Ash: All those days, chasing down a daydream.

All those years, living in a blur.

All that time, never truly seeing things, the way they were.

Now she's here, shining in the starlight. Now she's here, suddenly I know.

If she's here, it's crystal clear.

I'm where I'm meant to go.

Ash & Lillie: And at last I see the light. (Ash: And it's like the fog has lifted.)

Ash & Lillie: And at last I see the light. (Lillie: And it's like the sky is new.)

Ash & Lillie: And it's warm and real and bright.

And the world has somehow shifted.

All at once, everything is different.

Now that I see you…

Now that I see you.

Both of them had stopped singing as they stared into each other's eyes. Suddenly, drawn by their emotions, they moved in closer, feeling their heartbeats increase in speed. Ash then placed his hand on Lillie's cheek again as she wrapped her arms around Ash's head. They both took in what was transpiring, they were blushing, but with smiles on their faces. Their heads then moved even closer, their eyes closing with each inch they took. Their lips puckered as they then connected in a sweet, tender, and loving kiss.

'He's kissing me! He's really kissing me!' That was all that was going through Lillie's mind as she kept her lips pressed against Ash's.

'Wow, her lips are softer than Serena's. Although, Serena's kiss was filled with adrenaline. Lillie's right now, is basically baked with love and passion. I could honestly get addicted to this.' They held their position for a few more minutes, only to part from it due to the lack of air in their lungs. They both then looked into each other's eyes, both shimmering in the moonlight.

"Ashton Ketchum. I love you."

"Lillie Aether. I love you too." Tears then fell from Lillie's eyes with a bright smile still piercing through the night. She then pressed her lips against Ash's once again, pulling him into another kiss.

"Vul. (Mama. I'm so proud.)" Snowy said as Pikachu looked at her.

"Pika pika. (I'm proud of Ash as well as Lillie.)" Pikachu said as Snowy looked at Pikachu and nervously circled the ground under her with her front right paw.

"Vul. Vulpix. (Pikachu. There's something I want to tell you.)" Pikachu was a little confused as Snowy continued. "Vulpix, vul. Vul, Pix vul. (Ever since I hatched, I was a little stuck up, but it was thanks to our friends that I changed, and most of that change was thanks to you. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I love you, Pikachu.) Snowy then did something that shocked not just Pikachu, but Ash and Lillie as well. The Alolan Vulpix then pressed her lips against Pikachu's. Some of the Mouse Pokemon's fur then turned a bright shade of red, while other parts mellowed into a soft pink. Though through all that blush, Pikachu closed his eyes and began to return Snowy's kiss. Both trainers looked upon their partner Pokémon and smiled.

"Looks like we're not the only ones to get together tonight." Ash joked as Lillie giggled.

"Seems that way. Come on, let's return to the party and tell everyone the news." Ash then nodded as he, Lillie, Snowy and Pikachu walked back to the Pokémon Center.

Location Change: Pokémon Center

The two new couples arrived back at the party and told everyone the news of not just Ash and Lillie, but also Pikachu and Snowy. Everyone was shocked at first, but then…

"Finally, you two got together!" Mallow exclaimed.

"The fact that you two didn't get together until now, was honestly nerve wracking. But congratulations!" Sophocles said.

"Way to go, you two!" Kiawe cheered.

"The bouquet predicted this! And now it has begun!" Lana said.

"Way to go, Ash!" Prof. Kukui said.

"I'm so happy for you two." Prof. Burnett said.

"Oh, my sweet little baby is growing up right before my eyes!" Lusamine said with comedic tears. Her words embarrass Lillie, but she still retained her smile.

"Congratulations sis, Ash." Gladion said. Though that surprised the new couple. They both thought that Gladion would be the one to take this the hardest, because of how overprotective he was of Lillie, so this was a shock, but a welcoming surprise.

"Thank you all." Lillie said as Ash followed.

"Yeah, thanks guys." He said. The Pokémon were also congratulating Pikachu and Snowy, though some were teasing them a little (mostly Tsareena and Primarina), but either way, everyone was happy for the newest couples. The party kept going until 11PM, everyone then returned to their respective rooms, except for Ash, Lillie, and Lusamine.

"Well, we should probably get some sleep." Lillie nodded her head in agreement, although she would've liked to spend the night with Ash, she knew that it might be overstepping her boundaries. But Lusamine had different plans.

"Well, if you're going to bed Ash, why not bring Lillie with you?" That shocked Ash and Lillie, both sporting prominent blush across their faces.

"Mother!" Lusamine giggled at their embarrassment.

"While it was funny to see you this way, I'm also serious. Lillie, I trust Ash, so I know that he won't do anything that either of you would regret in the future." Lillie then looked towards her new boyfriend. Her brain was telling her that her mother was just joking, but her heart would be lying if she said that she wasn't interested in that.

"Ash, I'd honestly be lying if I didn't want to sleep with you." Ash's eyes widened, but then a smile had dawned on his face with a slight amount of blush across his face.

"Well, if you are actually alright with it. Then we can give sleeping together a try." Lillie's blush then increased as her smile did as well.

"O-Okay then." She tenderly takes Ash's hand and they head for Ash's bedroom for the league. They change into their pajamas, yet they just stand at opposite sides of the bed, as blush dominates their faces. "S-So, how do you want t-to do this?"

"W-Well, I figure that I should get in first, then you rest on top of me. If that's okay with you, Lillie." Lillie let out a soft chuckle, still sporting a shy smile.

"Well, I think that sounds wonderful." Ash's face is now a tomato as a goofy smile is drawn on his face. He slowly got under the covers and laid in bed, waiting as Lillie got under the cover, resting her head on over Ash's chest. "Mmm. You feel so warm, Ashton." Her smile grows as she snuggles deeper into his chest. Ash's smile grows as he wraps his arms around Lillie.

"So are you, Lillie." Lillie's smile grows as sleep starts to take control of them.

"Goodnight, Ashton." She then closes her eyes, drifting to sleep.

"Goodnight, Lillie." Just before sleep took a hold of Ash, he planted a kiss on her forehead. Then, he fell to sleep, unknowingly Lillie was still conscious and smiles as she drifts into the best sleep of her life.

Timeskip: Ash and Lillie's Battle

After Gladion had defeated Kiawe in a fiery display, the time had come, Ash and Lillie's semi-final battle. Ash and Lillie then take their positions, ready for their big battle. Hapu then steps forward as the ref.

"The battle between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and Lillie Aether of Melemele Island will now begin! Each trainer may use up to three Pokémon with substitutions allowed. The battle will end when all Pokémon on either side are unable to continue. Trainers, are you ready?"

"Ready!" They both declared.

"Alright then, battle begin!" Hapu declares as Ash and Lillie throw their first Poke-Balls to the field as time seems to stand still.

"Yep, that's us. Now, you're probably wondering, just how me and Lillie got to this point?" Ash narrated.

"Well, to answer that, me and Ashton have to regale you with the tale of our love, blooming over the course of Ash arriving in the Alola region." Lillie narrated.

"So join us, as we tell the story of our love. A story we like to call…" They then started to say their story name in sync.

"Ashes Upon The Snow"

Next Time: Memories of Aureli-Us! Part I: Blushing Beginnings!