StrangeFryingPan's Book of Pokemon One-shots

Bienvenido a Paldea!

AN: With Pokemon Journeys almost over and with a new generation on the horizon, we can all look forward to a (hopefully) exciting and (hopefully) memorable new anime series to go along with Gen 9! This short is my hopes for how we can start it out. Enjoy amigos! (Dear Spanish speaking readers: Yes I used Google Translate. Please suggest corrections if needed, I'd appreciate em.)

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The Cerise Laboratory, Vermillion Region, Kanto

Ash stood before his bunk, shoving various possessions both old and new into his backpack while Pikachu watches patiently.

 It has been a few weeks since the end of the World Coronation Series, and most of the excitement has died down, finally giving Ash time to breath. He thought back to his battle with Leon. It was extremely close, with both champions giving their all in order to claim their title as the world's strongest trainer. To say it was an incredible battle would be an understatement. It made all of Ash's previous battles, be it gym, league, rival, or anything else look like child's play in comparison.

'Heh, I was shaking in the bath when I got back here. My heart is still pounding from all that.' Ash thought to himself, as he packed one final item, a framed photo of him and Leon shaking hands post-battle as a sign of good sportsmanship. Ash carefully placed the frame into his bag and zipped it up before slinging the bag onto his shoulders. "Come on Pikachu." Pikachu dashed over and hopped on his trainer's shoulders as the two take one last longing look at the room that as been their home for perhaps one of the most exhilarating legs of their journeys.

Ash slowly walked down the stairs to the living room where he found Goh waiting. The latter had his arms cross with a solemn but sad look on his face. "So today's the day huh?"

Ash darted his eyes away before replying "Believe me man, I don't want it to come either. But I have my journey, and you have yours. We can't complete them without separating paths at some point."

Goh let his arms drop to his sides and sighed. "Doesn't make it any easier. It was so great to regularly hang out with someone other than Chloe you know. It's going to be tough doing research missions solo. With you off region and all."

Ash placed a hand on Goh's shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. "Hey, if it makes you feel better, we're bound to see each other again. With you traveling all around the world, and me staying in one place. I never really got to explore Galar properly, and I want to give the next region I explore some justice."

"Yeah, can't doubt your logic there. So I guess this is a goodbye?"

"Only a goodbye for now, Goh. We'll see each other again. I can't wait to hear all the stories you'll have to tell when that time comes." Ash extended his hand for a handshake, which Goh reciprocated.

"The feeling is mutual Ash. I'll be seeing you."

The two friends stare at each other for a few seconds, feeling sadness at this inevitable separation, but their hearts glimmering with hope of eventually reuniting.

"Goodbye Goh. I'll stay in touch." Ash then opened the main doors and jogged down the staircase to Main Street, catching a bus home.

Pallet Town, Kanto, 1 Hour Later

Ash hopped off the bus and thanked the driver. He and Pikachu looked down the familiar dirt path at their hometown, just as peaceful and beautiful as ever. Sucking in his breath, Ash sprinted down the dirt path and before long arrived at the front door of his house and opening his door.

"Mom! I'm home!" Ash called out.

Delia ran out of the kitchen, her face as brightening up to the sound of her son's voice. "Welcome back Ash! Professor Oak's in the kitchen waiting for you. I'll prepare some snacks!"