Time Heals All Wounds, Right?

It's Ok To Cry Sometimes

Ash POV
"Yes mom… thank you… no I'm alright… yeah… thanks, I have to go. Bye." I clenched my phone in my hand and threw it out to the sea in front of me. I stood up and stepped towards the edge and looked at the waves crashing down against the rocks and then looked back up and admired the nature around. It's just a beautiful world around me, and it feels like it's better without someone like me in it

"Pika!" I heard my best friend run up behind me and I knew he could tell what I was planning to do.

"Go back Pikachu, I just want to be left alone."

"Pika…"

"I SAID GO!" I could feel tears streaming down my face. All this pain, I wanted it to go away.

"Ash."

"Not you too Lucario."

"I can feel what you feel Ash, this is not the way." I turned to look at my faithful friend and anger was rising within me.

"I'm tired Lucario… I've fallen so many times. Over and over again. This damn cycle never ends."

"But you always manage to get up."

"I'm tired of getting back up!." I turned back and looked towards the ocean. I took in a deep breath and savored the ocean's scent. "I really thought she was the one. Some people have the privilege to say they fought for someone, but only few can actually mean it."

"Ash. Just try to move on. It will be better for her and better for you."

"I can't move on Lucario. There will always be something that reminds me of her. Just look out there." I pointed out towards the water. "The pure color of the water reminds me of her eyes, the calmness of the water reminds of how caring she was. It just hurts so much."

I fell to my knees and let the tears roll. It didn't feel wrong, I didn't feel weak. Crying and accepting that it's ok to cry. That is one of the hardest things to do.

"So what do I do next?"

"You live life."

"Ok… ok. Please let me spend at least a little time alone." I watched as Lucario walked away and I knelt down looking at the ocean. I felt the time go bye. When people are sad, some need seconds, others need minutes, and most need time. Not a specific amount of time. Just as long as they need. I sat down for hours just thinking of what to do next.

"Ash!?" I didn't bother opening my eyes. I already knew who was looking for me.

"Ash… please… I'm sorry." I could hear Serena slowly sob.

"I thought Nurse Joy said you wouldn't be able to walk." The words coming out of my mouth were dead. I recognized them for a past me that I thought was gone long ago."

"No Ash, I'm here, I want to make things right."

"It's too late Serena, I'm going home. I'm done trying to win battles, I just want peace." I stood up and turned to look at Serena. Her eyes were red, there were some black marks under her eyes which meant she hadn't slept.

"Please don't go, I'm sorry for everything Ash… please forgive me." She was cut off by her own crying and this time I couldn't take it so I walked over to her and pulled her into a hug.

"Serena… I've made up my mind."

"But what about your dream?"

"What dream?"

"To become a Pokemon Master."

"Serena… I am one."

"Wh-at?"

"Professor Oak taught me that a title doesn't make you a Master. To be one is to understand people and Pokemon alike. To be able to create bonds with them, to feel their love, their pain. To feel compassion for every living thing around you. It's not just a title. It's a part of what we are."

"Ash… I lov-" I gently placed my hand over her mouth, cutting her off and I looked into her eyes.

"Please don't… I feel broken right now and I need time to find the pieces." I released her and gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I don't know when I'll see you again. So don't wait for me."

"I'm sorry Ash…"

"Serena. I forgive you…"

"Then don't go…"

"I forgive you Serena, but it's up to you to forgive yourself."

Part 2 End