This was hard to read, but necessary to understand Ash in your story. Thank you.

Hiya! Great to see you back writing here again! And, may I say, you haven't lost your touch!

I really think the emotion you were going for shone through brilliantly; my heart legitimately broke for Ash, especially at those key moments when his friends were leaving. I hope we get to see more in future chapters about Ash's transition from "normal" to cold, as he still seems a bit more raw right now than the Ash we see years later in the main story.

I'm also just incredibly excited about seeing more Missing Years; it seems to be a fertile ground for a lot of potentially gripping scenes (Sharpedo's rescue, for instance, or Machamp's backstory). Best wishes as you gear up for your big return to the main trilogy! Cheers, my friend!

-NanobotEX

I'm sad to say I teared up...emotional chapter even knowing most of his Pokémon left, those traitors...

Soo sad

Oh yeah updates from the best Pokémon story writer?!

Erm... eventually?

The lost master is one of the best Pokémon story out there

Please update

I enjoyed this, I like seeing some of Ash's backstory. Keep it up!

Enjoyed reading. Great job as usual.

Well, we all know how this one is going to end. *Sad Face*

I wonder if Pikachu will end up blaming himself when his plan to get Ash back to his old self when his bluff of a plan fails completely. I can only imagine the psychological torture he'll end up putting himself through after believing that he was the one who drove Ash away.

I'm pretty sure Pikachu saying Ash is dead, besides him saying that the old Ash is gone, was more like he was just too ashamed of himself, while being unable to explain where Ash even went. Pikachu probably truly believed that he really would come back, and when he didn't, I'm sure he was absolutely devastated or shocked (no pun intended, hehe)and likely fell into extreme depression.

Not eating, suicide attempts, self abuse, nightmares/inability to sleep, denial, sadness, and lack of motivation is the least of what I'd expect from the poor yellow guy after how close he and Ash were. I mean, what meaning does his life hold after his trainer leaves him behind - life would just keep passing him by and all he'll be able to do is count the days until eventually death takes him. But not only that, I'm sure the other pokemon that returned to Oak's ranch will try to blame him for making Ash leave as well.

Gods, this is going to be really really sad to read, but it has to happen. Its only a matter of time .

hopefully you still remember my request (from PMs). Whether or not you fulfill it is, as always, up to you.

Okay, just because your writing is so good I'll bear with you xD Great chapter as always!

These stories have come to be some of my favorite on this website. I also want to suggest Delia's reaction to Pikachu saying Ash is dead

This is great! Excited to see more!