Dearest Ash,

I'd like to say we'd meet again, Ash, but I can't. As you read on, my reasons will become clear. Please trust me when I say that writing this letter breaks my heart.

I still think back to our days together, Ash, all the time. You caught me when I was just a tiny Caterpie. I wasn't much back then. Hell, you didn't even need a battle to catch me! One Poke Ball was all it took. Truth be told, Ash, I was always the runt of the litter. Some of my brothers and sisters had evolved into Metapods, even Butterfrees, before we'd even met. But I was the first you ever caught, Ash, and I know that meant the world to you.

You gave me a family, Ash. You let me ride your shoulder, let me be part of your fledgling team. Looking back, I still can't believe what I managed to achieve- with your help and support. Like the time when I defeated Team Rocket. They'd stolen Pikachu, laughed at me, belittled me. Bet they regretted doing that, huh Ash? Later on, I even managed to help you win the Cascade Badge from Misty. A scrawny little Caterpie, defeating a Gym Leader. Who would believe that, Ash? I certainly couldn't! My own children don't even believe me when I tell them these stories; they just think Daddy's telling tales. Ha, I think. If only you knew.

We had our difficult moments, mind. Like the time when that swarm of Beedrill attacked us. You left me behind. God, I felt so abandoned, Ash. You'd think you'd get used to the rejection, but being forgotten about by you felt like a dagger to the heart. Yet I didn't leave you because you forgot about me, Ash. I'd never want for you to think that. Because, Ash- I forgive you. Entirely and wholly. You're the kindest, most honourable trainer a Pokemon could wish for. We all make mistakes.

But, Ash, I'm no fool. I know you've always been a dreamer. You've always yearned for bigger and better things. I still remember how, with Brock and Misty, you'd talk in hushed and reverential tones about how you wanted to defeat the Elite Four one day, and become the Pokemon League Champion. Let's be honest for a second here, Ash. What good would a Butterfree be against a Dragonite, or a Gyarados? Deep down, maybe I always knew I was destined for a box in a PC. I had to break free when I did, Ash. And I've no regrets.

And yet, from time to time, I get overwhelmed with yearning and nostalgia for our beautiful days together. Marge, my one true love, tells the children that Daddy's going on a trip. And then I come and find you guys. Somehow, I always know exactly where to find you. I guess the bond between a Pokemon and trainer is just that strong. I travel through the night. And, when I find you, I just float there, careful not to make a sound. Just happy and content to be in your presence, even if you are asleep.

You won't believe how hard it is for me to leave you there, Ash. God, I'd love for you to wake you up, to see me, to know I'm doing okay. I think you do know that I'm fine- our connection is that strong, how could you not? But I'd love you to be able to know for certain. Yet we will never meet. If we did, I don't know if I'd ever come home, Ash. I have my own family now. I know, right? Dweeby lil' Caterpie, man of the house. It would tear me in two if I ever had to chose between you again. I wish you could see my children though, Ash, you'd love them so much.

You won't be seeing me again, Ash. At least not in this world, anyway. Who knows? Maybe in the next one, old friend. When we do meet, all I want is for you to hug me, Ash, to say how much you've missed me. To call me 'my Butterfree'. I know you will, Ash. I can't hardly wait.

Forever and always your friend,

Butterfree.