After dinner, the Water types washed up, the Trainers set up their tents and the other Pokémon went off to collect firewood. This system made quick work of all the tasks that needed to be done, meaning they were all set before nightfall.

Braixen lit the campfire and everyone crowded around it, glad for the light and warmth it provided them. Despite the huge revelation that Clemont had made not too long ago, the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed. The only missing thing was Ash, but while everyone was worried for him, those who knew him knew he could take care of himself and would be back soon.

Serena placed a pot over the fire. "We can leave this for Ash so that he's got something warm to eat when he gets back," she said. "That's a good idea," Clemont nodded.

"So where do you think he is now?" Bonnie asked. "Well he seemed pretty upset when he ran off, so I'm guessing he's still in the forest," May shrugged. "Why did he even run off?" Max questioned.

The group fell silent and looked to Clemont. "He... Uh... I guess he's just worried about Greninja," Clemont said, not technically lying. "Yeah, that's probably it."

"Just let him have some time to himself so he can get everything through his head," Serena adviced. "A lot has happened to him lately. He needs time to figure it all out and take it in."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Bonnie agreed, holding out her hands to warm them by the fire. A comfortable silence fell over the group, the crackling fire and the quiet chatter of the Pokémon being the only sounds they could hear.

~•~

Pikachu was sat at the edge of the group, upset. Ash was gone and there were no more of his Pokémon around. Yeah, he could always talk to the others, but it just wasn't the same. He sighed slightly, wishing Ash had taken him too.

"You okay?"

He looked up to see Sophie smiling down at him. "Yeah, just a little worried about Ash," Pikachu sighed again. "The boy? I don't think you need to worry about him," Sophie said. "The Pokémon in this forest are really friendly and there's a human town not too far from here. Chances are he found it, got some food and is enjoying a big dessert right now."

Pikachu chuckled. "That does sound like Ash." "See? He'll be fine, so there's no reason to worry and feel sad!" Sophie smiled as though this fixed all their problems. Actually, Pikachu realised, it kind of did. He was feeling a bit better now.

"Yeah. Thanks, Sophie," he smiled slightly at the Eevee. "No problem," she grinned, hugging him. He laughed and hugged her back. "You really like hugs, don't you?" He remarked.

"It's how you show people you care about them," Sophie stated, squeezing him affectionately. "Plus it can calm people down, which you probably need if you're upset or worried. And nobody can resist an Eevee hug, because we're so fluffy and soft and cuddly!"

"Yeah," Pikachu laughed, rubbing his cheek against her fur. "You really are."

They pulled apart again and sat together, watching everyone. Pikachu couldn't help but notice Chespin glaring at him, jealousy clear in his eyes.

Noticing where Pikachu's gaze was, Sophie followed it. "Is... something wrong with Chespin?" She asked, a little worried. "Nah, he's just jealous," Pikachu shook his head. "Of what?" Sophie just seemed confused now.

"Well... we hugged and Chespin wants a hug, too," Pikachu decided to put it. But Sophie realised what was actually going on and looked between Chespin and Pikachu. "Do you think he like-likes me? Sylveon and Glaceon said he does."

"Uh... I don't think it, I kind of know it," Pikachu rubbed the back of his head. "He definitely has a crush on you. He's jealous because I have your attention and not him."

"All he has to do is ask if he wants a hug, there's no reason to get upset," Sophie shrugged. "I just want everyone to get along and be happy."

"Well you can't always please everyone," Pikachu pointed out. "I know," Sophie nodded. "Some people just don't want to be pleased. They're not happy unless they get their way all the time, but that can't happen for everything."

"Do you think Chespin is one of them?" Pikachu asked. "I've seen the way he looks at food, I think there's hope for him," Sophie giggled. Pikachu couldn't help but laugh.

"Right, I'm gonna go hug Chespin before looks figure out how to kill," Sophie smiled, standing up. "But if you ever need more hugs or someone to talk to or whatever, I'll be your BFF; Best Fluffy Friend."

~•~

By the time everyone else had gone to bed, Ash was still missing. Pikachu refused to join Serena in the tent she and Ash were to stay in, too worried for his Trainer and friend.

Sophie stayed with him, curled up beside him. She didn't want him to be out there alone.

"He'll be back soon," Sophie reassured him. "He's just having some alone time. Everyone needs it every now and then. Besides, it's not like he'd abandon you all or anything."

Instantly Pikachu's mind turned to the worst. Seeing that she'd said the wrong thing, Sophie felt bad. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that. But I mean it, he'd never do that."

"No, it's fine," Pikachu shook his head. "I know you're just trying to help. I appreciate it." Sophie couldn't help but sigh in relief.

A gust of wind caused Pikachu to shiver. "You should go inside before you catch a cold," Sophie suggested, noticing it. "No, no... I'm not ready to go in there just yet," Pikachu shook his head, but when another gust of wind caused Pikachu to curl up tightly, shivering, Sophie knew she couldn't leave him there to freeze.

"Come with me," she said, standing up. Her extra thick fur helped protect her a little against the cold, but she wasn't immune to the chill. "I know somewhere we can go. It's warm and it's close by."

"Okay," Pikachu sighed, getting up and following her.

Little did they know, they had someone watching and following them both.