Reflections

This is it.

The last few days have been frantic organizing. My wife, daughter, and I have decided that it has been time to organize everything in the house, since everything is just kind of everywhere right now. I gaze upon the boxes stacked on the bed, stuffed to the brim with clothing and small little knick-knacks. Then I gazed down on the book in my hands.

The words, "ASH KETCHUM'S PRIVATE DIARY" is written in giant letters on the cover, as if I would suddenly forget what this was. Or someone would find it and just, absolutely needs to know who wrote it.

I don't know when I wrote it, but I'm curious. I'm too curious. I give up on organizing for the moment and turn to the first page.

April 12, 2024.

This is it. This is it. Tomorrow is the day my life has been leading up to. My final battle against Lance for the championship in the Indigo League. After all of those adventures in all of those regions, all of those failed championship attempts, this will finally be it. I will not lose. I cannot lose.

I thought I wouldn't make it this far. I almost lost in the semifinals; my opponent tried using some specific tricks to manipulate the field, make me paranoid, and act irrationally. I was able to just barely win, though, after I finally realized what he was doing. He was a good opponent. I hope I'll see him again.

It's been, what, 5-6 years since I've started this journey? I've gone through the circuits and around the world. Is this where my adventure ends?

I wonder who was watching me? I saw Brock and Misty in the crowd, and I received a call from everyone else today wishing me luck. I really hope I win for all of their sakes.

The hotel I'm staying at is pretty neat, I'd like to say. It's a skyscraper hotel, the top floor being a penthouse and the walls are basically entirely glass up there. My room is on the 13th floor. The walls, flooring, and curtains are all similar colors of gold. The bed is large, mostly white. I never understand why hotels give you 30 pillows as if you're going to sleep on them. There's an old, mahogany desk and a TV on top of a drawer. All the channels are just covering the championships. There's a pool, gym, and spa all in the hotel. It's one of the best in the region!

I've been fighting with Pikachu, Charizard, Raticate, Snorlax, Kingler, and Muk. They aren't the strongest, but they're enthusiastic and listen to me. As long as I don't screw up, we're fine. I believe in them.

I just hope that believing is enough to win.

April 13, 2024.

I can't calm down I can't calm down I can't calm down

Okay I took a quick break and now I can actually write properly. I'm still very jittery right now, but at least I can compose my thoughts.
I won. I actually won! I'm the champion of the Indigo League! I couldn't believe it myself, but the shouting crowd made my accomplishment sink in. The moment I left the stadium I was mobbed into a hug by the crowd, and then one by Brock and Misty that was somehow more crushing on my bones.

Serena was the first to call me and congratulate me. I could hear the excitement in her voice, and I thanked her earnestly. Everyone else called me next, all of them super happy for my victory. Some were crying. Others were inviting me to go and challenge those leagues next. I think I might go on and do others now.

And now I'm going on tour! I'll be traveling around Kanto, meeting fans and gym leaders and people like that. It'll be fun!

April 20, 2024