Time Heals All Wounds, Right?

I'm Home

   It feels free to fly the skies, gives one the feeling that nothing can hold you down. Sooner or later however everything comes down. After the encounter with my old friends I decided to head home. I'm currently riding on my Noivern and we're just soaring the skies for now. I've spent five years of my life dedicated to training all on top of the frozen peaks of Mt. Lanakila. I've learned to control my power as some would call it, but I know what it is. Aura, I was never good at using it at first but practice makes perfect. I can now use it to do a variety of things besides giving myself and Pokémon a temporary boost. I've learned to mega evolve my Lucario with it, I can harness ultra aura to use Z-Moves. It's all cool and all but, it can't replace the void in my heart. I don't think anyone ever will and I've learned to accept that.

"Noivern, we're here. Bring us down by that house." He nodded and started to lower our altitude at a steady pace. When I said home I thought about going to Alola, but I really wanted to go home. Now here I am, a couple of feet above Pallet Town. It was late so everyone was probably asleep.

"Set us down gently please". Noivern landed without much of a sound.

"Thanks Noivern, take a well deserved rest." I walked towards the door and as I reached for the nob I froze. Last time she saw me she thought I had died. After a day with her I left once again. When people thought I wasn't alive there was no reason to worry about me, but since she found out, how did she feel? I turned around to walk away when the door behind me opened up. I jumped to the side and hid in some bushes.

"Thank you for the meal" said a red haired girl walking out first.

"Yes, thank you Mrs.Ketchum" said the fellow walking behind her. It was Misty and Brock. I'm relieved to know that my mom hasn't been alone all this time.  I got up and was about to head towards the woods to camp out when Misty and Brock noticed me there.

"Hey there, are you lost?" I turned to see Misty walking towards me, Brock trailing behind her.

"Not really, you can say I've been around here before."

"Well it's nice to meet you," Brock came forward. " I'm Brock and this is Misty."

"Nice to meet you both. I'm Red and I'm from the Alola Region."

"I've heard about you, what's a Champion doing here?" Brock asked me in a curious way.

"Just here to feel free. But I'm sure I'm not the only one with talent here am I? Brock a well known and respected Pokémon Breeder, and  Gym Leader Misty, one of the strongest if not the strongest gym leader in Kanto." They looked at me in surprise.

"How did you know?" Misty came forward.

"Word travels fast and far distances. Well if you excuse me I'm tired it's time to get some rest."

"Where are you staying?" Misty asked.

"I'll figure it out."

"Can you do us a favor?"

"What would that be?"

"Can you stay in this house? The woman in here sleeps alone and it would probably make her happy for someone to stay with her for once. And that way you also get a place to stay."

"I'm not sure, it isn't in your place to let me stay at someone else's house is it?"

"I know, it's just we lost our friend years ago and well it hurt her to know he wasn't coming home. We do our best to give her company but our responsibilities keep us busy. Just think about it. We have to go now, it was nice meeting you bye."

"Bye Red." Brock added.

"I'll think about it, see ya." I turned to face my house once more. I guess I could. I walked up to the door once more. Once my friends were far enough away I raised my hand and rang the doorbell once. I turned my back to the door and waited for an answer.

"Hello how can I help you?" I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

"I need a place to stay tonight, do you mind if I stay here?"

"Of course come inside." I walked in looking at the floor. I heard the door shut behind me, I was about to thank her when she talked first.

"I tried not to worry you know?" I didn't have to say a single word. I turned around and gave my mom a hug which she returned with force. "Welcome home my boy."

"Glad to be home mom. Glad to be home."

I went to sleep in my room which hadn't changed much after all these years. I woke in the early hours of the day. I have to admit that I hadn't slept  much in years. Most nights I would toss and turn and then end up taking a walk around while Lucario and Pikachu sleep soundly.  I got up off my bed and headed downstairs. When I turned the corner a small entered my nose and I basically floated all the way to the dinner table.

"Well you're finally awake. I made some breakfast so help yourself." She said with a smile. I sat down and stuffed my face with as much food as I could. This is all too good. I haven't eaten like this in years.

"Hey Ash, this letter came in the mail for you earlier this morning." I took it from her and began to read,

Dear, Red K.
You are invited to the first ever Pokémon Master Tournament. The winner will receive a large amount of money and as well as the official title of Pokémon Master. This will take place on a new man made island. If you do indeed wish to participate please head to your local Pokémon Center and present your invitation.
Sincerely,
The Pokémon Association.

"Looks like a new journey." My mom spoke from behind me, "You better get ready."

"Thanks Mom." I left up stairs and grabbed my bag which already had all my stuff inside. I rushed outside and called for my Noivern once again. "Lets go, time to fulfill my own dream."

I got on and with a tremendous amount of force we lifted to the skies.

Serena POV
   Who was that person, why did my heart feel heavy when he left? It's not possible to be Ash since he… He died in my arms. I felt a tear form in my eyes, I think I'm losing the rest of my hope. But if that were so why don't I feel like all is lost. "Why am I so confused?" I let out with a sigh.

"You felt it too didn't you?" I turned my attention to Calem who was ,meaning against the doorway.

"Feel what?"

"That Red guy, we knew him for maybe an hour," he walked over towards me, "But it's like we've known him for years."

"Yea… it does."

"When you ran after him did you get your answer?"

"No," I said, shaking my head. "He wouldn't let that thing come off of him."

"Do you think he's still out there then?"

"I don't know anymore," I said with a strong sadness. "I think I've looked far enough."

"How about one more time?" He added handing me an invitation.

"Why are you  helping me?" I had to know now, he knew what would happen if I found Ash.

"That night six years ago. When you kissed me I was walking in when I heard you arguing. I was there for it all and I also knew that the moment was hurting you both so I stepped in. And when you did kiss me, the only emotion that flew through the kiss was regret." I looked down at the floor. " You deserve to be happy too."

"What are you saying Calem?" He looked out the window to the stars above.

"We both have a chance to be happy." Many things flew into my mind from the fact that I was relieved and also that we both understood each other.

"Thank You Calem." He nodded and walked back towards the door.

"We leave tomorrow morning." And then he left shutting the door behind him. I looked up at the stars. They sure are pretty tonight.

"The world sees you as a failure Ash. You failed the Kalos League. How do you think people would react towards me if I started a relationship with the runner up? DOESN'T MY DREAM MATTER TO YOU"

I really thought I could move on. Yet my own words haunt me.

"I'm really sorry Ash… I hope to find you and if I do, I hope you give me a second chance. Goodnight."