Long Story Short

All of the Girls You Loved Before

The brown velvet walls of the café contained a space decorated with multiple sets of mahogany tables and chairs. Relaxed patrons sipped on their tea and coffee in silence. Waiters and waitresses were quiet in their pacing while attending to the guests so as not to disturb the atmosphere of harmony. The only sounds were of the crackling fire from the fireplace near the café's entrance and the soft voice of the musician performing for the café tonight.

His voice captivated the audience, but one line resonated with a trainer lounging alongside his Pikachu. "Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you," the singer's melodic performance expressed a sad yearning.

Ash glanced at his reflection in the cup of Galarian Tea he ordered. He saw a subtle weakness in his eyes that he turned away from as soon as he noticed. Ash's moment caught Pikachu's attention. Ignoring the music, the mouse asked, "Pikapi?" He wondered if Ash was feeling alright.

His best friend mustered a reassuring smile, "I'm fine, Pikachu." Pikachu's ears wriggled with his beady eyes still fixed on his trainer. The Electric-type tilted his head as if he didn't believe him. The trainer nodded with reassurance. Ash preferred not to get into the details, "The musician sings well, doesn't he?"

Pikachu could feel Ash was trying to change the subject. He was his best friend. The mouse knew when something was off. Nonetheless, if Ash didn't feel ready to discuss it, then he wouldn't insist. Everything came at its time. "Chu," Pikachu gave a soft remark. He patted Ash's arm to address whatever ailed him.

"Thanks, pal," Ash appreciated Pikachu's affection. Of all the things he was sure of, the bond between him and Pikachu was the thing that would always prevail. The mouse knew what ailed him without needing to tell him, and he was thankful for the space Pikachu would give at times like this. His little friend supported him through every difficult moment, and this was no different. What would he do without him? Ash and Pikachu's attention returned to the performer of the night.

"I've seen your flag on the marble arch, and love is not a victory march," his voice hinted at angst as if he pictured the pain while he sang.

*I'll say,* Ash related to the lyric. He placed his elbow on the table and rested his head on his hand. The boy recalled his shortcomings. No matter how much time passed, he never forgot his first dance with the notion of love. He thought of what left him and what he left behind. He learned love was powerful, but Ash's dream remained more powerful. The pursuit of his dream brought him here. However, the desire to rewind time and return to the girl he loved never faded. It bubbled underneath his dream like a pot waiting to overflow. One day, he would have to address it too. His mind wandered off into the past. It linked him to the sources of his thoughts.

Serena's glistening eyes reflected the moonlight. Her voice held a gentle sadness. "Just because I have feelings for you doesn't make it your obligation to have feelings for me. I've accepted that despite how hard it was. That's the reason why I need time away from you, Ash."

Serena's words echoed in his mind. He'd never forget the crack in her voice. It was the first time a friendship strained, but despite how much Serena insisted it wasn't his fault, he still blamed himself. Regardless of what happened, he swore he would make it up to her someday. It would be the day when they were both ready.

Yet, the kind-hearted Kalos girl only remained as half the story.

May made her feelings known through her words and sapphire eyes. She couldn't be with Ash, and Ash couldn't be with her. "You're born with the right to chase what brings you happiness. Don't let anyone take that away from you. Stick to it above all else."

The flashbacks came with such force that it almost seemed like he was reliving them. He clenched his fist to get a grip on himself. Ash lowered the brim of his hat to hide his sad eyes. There was uncertainty surrounding the love that boiled inside him. The road was long, and no matter how much time passed, he felt no closer to discovering what waited for him at the end of it. At times, he feared running too fast and missing his exit. He asked himself what he should do. Would he ever get a chance to see Serena and May again? His thoughts got tormented by the foggy future.

Suddenly, the café's musician uttered one of the closing lines that reminded Ash of what counted most. "And even though it all went wrong, I'll stand right here."

That's when Ash Ketchum remembered who he was. His moment of regret was replaced by what he knew. The only direction to go was forward. No obstacle would hinder their journey. He could overcome anything, including this. His devotion was the quality that enamored Serena and May. His devotion was the quality he would never lose. Whatever outcome awaited him, he and his best friend would still stand. The sun would remain for another day.

The young trainer rubbed his eyes with his forearm and raised his head, revealing his gleaming auburn eyes. His fist relaxed when he recognized his strength and the strength that his friends gave him. Ash scratched Pikachu behind the ear as the mouse listened to the song's final notes. "Cha," the Electric-type cooed with content, making Ash chuckle.

The musician breathed a sigh to close his song. Patrons of the café applauded the man as he stepped off stage. Ash swore he could see tears hanging from some of the guests. After the clapping subsided, the trainer sipped the last of his tea, which had gone cold. He stood up with his eyes on Pikachu, "Let's get going, buddy."

"Pi!" Pikachu leaped off the table. It was getting late.

Ash and Pikachu thanked the busboy on their way out. With reinvigorated spirits, Ash stepped out into the breezy Wyndon night. There was one final realization he made while sitting in the café. Once again, May and Serena recognized something before him. Ash knew that true love doesn't stop one from pursuing their dream. However, he also realized that while the love was strong, whether as friends or more, it would remain there upon return. Ash knew in his heart that they would see Serena and May again. It's written in the stars of the night sky he gazed at when they stepped out. Their journeys were intertwined.

Pikachu smiled at him, "Pika pikachu."

Ash's hopeful smile stood out to Pikachu. "Yeah, pal. Let's go find Goh." Without a moment's waste, the pair dashed into the night. New and exciting adventures waited for them.