Ash's Return: A Pokémon Story

Epilogue: Goodbyes

It was a calm, warm day. A light breeze was blowing, and the BrockJoy Reserve was peaceful. The only sounds that could be heard were the water flowing down the small river and the occasional squawk of a Pidgey.

The office was quiet; everyone was outdoors. The shiny golden trophy engraved with Ash's name made a nice addition to the decor. He had decided to display it there for now; there wasn't space in his room for the trophy of the Pokémon World Champion; it was rather big.

Ash stood with Brock, Misty, Joy and his five remaining Pokémon: Charizard, Blastoise, Venasaur, Hitmonlee, and Raichu. They looked out across the landscape together. Ash took a deep breath and turned to his Pokémon.

"It's done, my friends. We did it together." His Pokémon nodded their assent and looked saddened by what was coming. The final parting.

"This is a wonderful place. No more battles. You can rest, and play, and start families. I...I'm going to miss you all." He walked to each Pokémon in turn and stood in front of them.

"Hitmonlee. I'll miss our sparring. You won't have to let me win anymore," he said, smiling. The Pokémon gripped his shoulder and Ash gripped back.

"Venasaur. Remember the Hidden Village?" Ash said, patting the Pokémon on the nose. Venasaur groaned deeply at the memory and nudged Ash with his head.

"Blastoise, maybe you can form another Squirtle Squad here, hey?" He chuckled, remembering the large sunglasses the Squad wore. Blastoise licked the side of Ash's face in reply.

"Hey, girl," he said to Charizard. "Finding you on that rock was one of the best things that ever happened to me." He stepped forward to hug the Pokémon around the neck. Charizard placed her powerful arms around Ash and squeezed hard. Ash wiped a tear away.

"Be happy, my friends." One by one, they turned away slowly and trudged down into the expanse. Charizard spread her wings and soared into the air, shooting fire all around her. Ash turned to Raichu and crouched down in front of him.

"You should go too, brother," he said, smiling weakly. "Find a lady Raichu and settle down."

"Raiii..." said Raichu, shaking his head.

"It doesn't matter how far apart we are; you will always be my best friend. You'll be happy here; you can be with your own kind."

"Raiii..." Raichu said again, starting to sob.

"I'll come visit you all the time!" said Ash, tearing up. This was the hardest thing he had ever done. Raichu nodded slowly. He placed his paws on Ash's face and tried to communicate something with his eyes. Ash understood.

"See you soon, brother," Ash said, standing up. Raichu gave Ash one last look, then turned and walked slowly away. Ash was close to breaking down. Misty took his hand and Joy took Brock's.

Ash stared after Raichu. His mind flashed with all the memories of their time together. All the battles, the victories, the adventures. None of it meant anything compared to his friendship with that Pokémon. He turned away; watching Raichu leave was too difficult.

"Rai-chu!" said a voice. Ash turned. Raichu was running back towards him. Ash ran forward and held out his arms. Raichu leapt up and soared into them.

"Raichu, Raichu!" said the Pokémon. He wanted to stay. Ash wanted him to stay.

"Okay, okay brother. There's no parting Ash and Raichu, right? Together, forever, right?" said Ash, laughing and hugging the Pokémon tight.

"Raiii!" the Pokémon yelled. He climbed onto Ash's shoulders and sat there, by his friend's side, where he belonged. Together, they watched the sun set on the beautiful scene, as Ash's Pokémon acquainted themselves with their new home. Charizard flew with another Charizard, and they began dancing around the sky together. Misty leaned her head on Ash's shoulder and Brock put his arm around both of them.

Ash sighed. What an adventure.

Celebi flew over Ash's head, invisible. It had very much enjoyed the exchanges between him and his Pokémon.

'Well, that was nice, wasn't it?' It thought.