We'll Meet Again

The New Old Journey

The moist air encapsulates Ash and Goh as they look upon Pallet Town. His phone rings with calls about project Mew. Ash tilts his head in his direction with a puzzled expression. Goh smiles in response sheepishly as he answers the phone.

"Hello?...Mhm, I'll be there as soon as I can." Goh finishes the call and sits on the ground.

Ash would have asked if that was about Project Mew, but he already knew the answer to that. He sits beside him in complete silence. Despite Ash being a chatty individual, he seemed to have no words for this. With every new journey came a goodbye, yet none of them seemed ready for it.

"Well…"

"I don't want you to go." Ash admits suddenly.

This selfish request was unlike him, they both knew it. Goh's face did not seem content about how Ash had worded it.

"You knew this would happen eventually? We are our own people with our own goals."

Originally when saying that he didn't expect the other to get so upset. His true intentions being to express his sorrow for their department.

"I know, I'm just saying that I'd miss you…" Ash mumbles.

This wasn't him, missing his friend and begging them to stay. Ash wanted to stop himself, but couldn't. He felt like he needed Goh to enjoy the rest of his journey.

Goh puts his arms around Ash in a desperate hug. This would be the last they'd see of each other for a long time. They wanted to cherish their last moments. Both knew what to do instinctively, their hands meeting with each other's. Goh leans in and gives Ash a quick kiss on his cheek.

"Goh?"

Regret plastered over his face, he moved away and stood up. Ash tries to reach his hand out to him, but he'd already run for it. One running away, the other chasing. None knowing what this kiss meant to them. The confusion blurring out the shouts of his research fellow. His ex research fellow.

Minutes later Ash and Goh both laid over gasping for air. They needed to go their separate ways, they knew this. This attachment to each other was stronger than anything they'd felt before. It was some new scary feeling.

Ash pants heavily as he shouts one last thing, "I love you, Goh!"

"I'm sorry. We'll meet again..." Goh replies as tears fill in the corners of his eyes.

Just like that, he had vanished. He'd attempted to guilt trip his friend to stay with him. All he could wonder was how clingy he had gotten when it came to Goh. Ash broke down into a sob, knees onto the wet grass floor. A new journey was to begin.

~Present Time~

Years have passed since the research fellows have parted ways. Goh had now become Sonia's research assistant. Ash was now the official strongest Pokémon trainer in the entire world, with the champion title alongside it. Both traveling the world separately.

People and Pokémon from around the world flocked around Ash as he walked out of the Battle Stadium. His partner Pikachu on his shoulder. With every win fans would wait for him outside to meet him. Amongst the crowd of fans a dark haired guy stood out. His face contorted into a smile, yet the other's face stayed serious.

"Ash Ketchum, I need to speak to you. In private."

For the first time he had referred to him by his first and last name. A wash of nervousness comes over Ash as he walks to a restaurant with his old friend at toe. His mouth feels dry as he's found himself lost for words.

Ash clears his throat, "How have you-"

"Sonia's said that she needs your help with something." Goh declares as they sit at a table.

This wasn't exactly how Ash expected this to go. Deep down he had hoped that Goh just wanted to reunite with him, but that appeared to not be the case. Pikachu nuzzled Ash's hand in an attempt to comfort him. A fan appeared from nowhere, walking towards their table.

"I'm such a big fan, Champion Ash! Can you sign my Pokéball?" The little boy asks with a Bonsly by his side.

"For sure? What's your name?" Ash replies, grinning widely.

"My name is Itsuki, and this is my partner Bonbon."

Goh's once serious face softens while he watches the interaction unfold in front of him. A feeling hidden within him opened itself up again. This feeling warmed his heart.

Itsuki points directly at Goh, "Who's this?"

"That's Sonia's assistant. Now let's stop bothering these young men and let them eat." The boy's mother suggests as she drags Itsuki away.

"That's why Sonia told you to get me! Now you're her assistant? Congrats!"

Even though he was glad to be praised by someone as amazing as the Champion, jealousy was mostly all he felt.

"You're the Champion, so it's not as impressive as that." Goh sighs.

"It's still a great accomplishment! How is Project Mew going?"

Since they've separated there was some progress with finding Mew, but not enough that it kept Goh entertained enough. They kept hitting dead ends on their research, which made him come to the conclusion that he should give up. Without Ash he felt less inspired and would give up much more easily. Now he spends his days researching Pokémon, researching Mew secretly with his own studies of the Legendary. 

"Fine."

A nerve was hit, so Ash backed down and didn't push him further. His expression was written with a sad expression. Maybe things weren't going as well as he'd hoped.

The food arrived shortly after, both grateful that this awkward tension would be lifted. Goh ate his food silently while enjoying the tasty flavors. Ash on the other hand shoved all the food down his throat in one massive gulp. Some things never change.

"How are your Pokémon doing? Caught more Pokémon?" Ash asks in an attempt at a conversation.

Goh chuckles lightly, "They're doing great, they stay in Sonia or Cerise's place most of the time. I've caught almost every Kanto, Sinnoh, and Galar Pokémon. Their places are pretty packed now."

"Good for you!" Ash compliments, a gleam sparkling in his eyes.

The assistant researchers face heating  the constant praise from an old partner. Ash puts his finger against his chin while thinking for a while.

"Why does Sonia need me anyway? She could have just messaged me since we have each other's numbers. We've worked together before." Ash questions while licking his fingers.

Goh's food fell from his mouth in shock. Sonia had sent him to get Ash just so that they'd speak again. She seemed to really want them to get along again. It wasn't an impossible feat, but Goh's jealousy and what he said to Ash before leaving blocked any possible friendship between them.

"Give me some time to finish my food, then we'll go speak to her."