My name is Rylee. I hope some of you are already very familiar with who I am. If you've been with me since the very beginning, then I'm terribly sorry; for you, and for myself. Such a wonderful story came to a tragic end, and now I'm in a place neither of us wants me to be.

Many things have changed since that day. I was summoned by my father, Brand, to begin my training to become a Pokémon Knight, the highest rank a Pokémon Guardian could receive. My brother, N, received the rank as well. A Pokémon Guardian's role is to be the balance between people and Pokémon and bring aid and protection to them. N and I, because of our ranks, now have the privilege to take part in the fun of being Pokémon Guardians. We're sent on missions, such as what I went through yesterday with infiltrating a thief hideout, where we're generally tasked with stopping big, bad guys from getting away with their schemes.

I am nineteen years old. It's been two years since the end of my great journey. It started when I met three wonderful people who were on a journey of their own to achieve their greatest desires. They invited me in, and together we traveled across the Unova region. Many friendships were established, many memories made, and many events cherished.

Ash Ketchum first started the journey in hopes of becoming a Pokémon Master. He was a cheerful, optimistic, and encouraging young boy, although at times he was very naive and foolish. He began to travel throughout the Unova region to earn eight Gym badges in order to enter, and hopefully win, the Unova League.

Iris was second to join him. She was an eccentric little girl who loved to tease others. Our similarities and differences brought us closer. We loved to poke fun at our friends, share in our discomfort, and giggle at silly things like a pair of normal girls. She was like a younger sister to me.

However, I am far from being normal. Ever since I was born, I was a special individual. My father is also Reshiram, the Legendary Vast White Pokémon, and he possesses great power. I inherited much from him when I was born, and I was given extraordinary powers. To sum it up in a few simple words: I am half-Pokémon. Like my father, I have my own Pokémon form- the Legendary Time Travel Pokémon, Celebi. I am able to communicate with Pokémon, use their moves, and transform into one. My mother, Delilah, is fully human, and N inherited more from her. Despite that, he also can communicate with Pokémon, like me.

My journey was everything I dreamed of; such a thrilling and wondrous adventure, filled with excitement, happiness, and surprise! As it continued, I realized something else had leaked into the mix of such emotions. It had settled in my heart since day one, and it only grew with each day: unmistakable and irrevocable love.

But, like the idiom says, all good things come to an end. The day had come when the journey was over, and I had to say goodbye. Perhaps if it were to strangers, I wouldn't have so much as bat my eyes when I departed from them. Not only was the goodbye directed to those I called family, it was to the one who captivated my heart.

Cilan. He was the first of the three that I met. At first, we were only friends, but soon it flourished into something much deeper. With the goodbye that took place in the Vermillion City train station, so also was taken my heart, my happiness. My everything.

It's been two years since I last saw him. I was seventeen when I began my Unova journey. Two long years have passed since that heart-wrenching day. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. Not a day goes by that I don't think about his smile, his touch, and his kindness. Not a day goes by that my love for him grows stronger and more painful. I love him. He loved me.

Despite all my family's and my own wishes, I know it's in vain. If such an event ever did occur, and I found myself looking into his face again, I know what would happen: Resentment. Disappointment. Hatred. I had crumbled up his heart and stomped it into the ground when I walked away. I was certain his love had boiled into anger towards me. I wouldn't be surprised if he declared us bitter enemies. Cilan hates me for what I've done to him; this I can assume with much of my soul.

I dream about each of my friends and the memories of our adventure together. Every dream brings fleeting happiness, and when I wake up I am met with the cold harshness of reality. The girl I once was is long gone. She disappeared from that train station two years ago. I wonder if I'll ever find her again.

I apologize for such melancholic beginnings. Let me try and direct to something more positive.

The Pokémon I traveled with during my journey underwent amazing changes. Zorua, my beloved and number one partner, evolved into Zoroark, and my shiny Eevee, which was a gift from N, evolved into a Sylveon. Leavanny was returned to my mother, for she is her Pokémon. My father's Pokémon is Articuno, who was given to me and participated often throughout my Unova journey. As for her whereabouts...

N and I got new additions to our team when we became Pokémon Knights. Each of us received a special Aegislash that can revert into its previous evolution forms, Honedge and Doublade. Each evolution form has a special attribute: Honedge is strength, Doublade is speed, and Aegislash is defense. They are our main fighting partners, but that doesn't mean I've completely forgotten about my other Pokémon. They are all important to me.

As I trained to become a Pokémon Knight, I have developed my powers as well. I've learned to turn invisible and shield myself from the eyes of people- similar to how a Meloetta does it. If I linger too close, however, they are able to feel my presence despite not being able to see me. I learned the move Imposter so, like my Zoroark, I am able to transform into any person or Pokémon.

I pray for relief from my troubles. I'm getting tired of feeling nothing but... nothing. I hope that I'll finally dig myself out of this hole I was pushed in. I know you feel the same.

Perhaps there is something bright heading my way. Perhaps I'm heading towards something that will bring me out of my sorrowful state and heal the pain I've built up for all these years.

You can't blame me for hoping. It's all I have left.


~ASH~

"Ash Ketchum, it's time to wake up!" my mom, Delia Ketchum, cried as she pounded on my bedroom door. She opened it and glared at me. "I told you to get up half an hour ago! You're going to be late!"

I sat up in my bed and rubbed the sleep from my eyes.

"All right, Mom." I said with a yawn. "I'll come down in a little bit."

"Hurry up, or else your breakfast will get cold! I hung up your clothes in the closet."

"Thanks!" I said as Mom closed the door. I stretched for a few more seconds and jumped out of bed. I opened the closet doors. I grabbed the multiple hangers my clothes dangled from with a smile. "Pikachu, wake up!"

My partner, Pikachu, slowly opened his eyes. He yawned and stretched like a cat before focusing his eyes on me.

"Whaddya think?" I said, holding my arms out to display my new clothes. I wore a blue jacket with white lining along the zipper and sleeves, a black t-shirt with white sleeves underneath, gray jeans, and red and black sneakers. I reached out and snagged my cap from Pikachu, who slept with it over his head, and slid it on mine. Pikachu chattered excitedly.

"I'll take that as a definite yes." I chuckled. I have to admit, I miss being able to understand what he was saying. Of course, because of the strong bond we had, I had a pretty general idea, but it was a good friend of mine with amazing powers that allowed me actually hear Pokémon speak.

It's been a long time since I set foot in the Unova region. I had an awesome adventure with awesome friends: Iris, Cilan, and Rylee. Rylee's father is the Legendary Pokémon, Reshiram, and so she was born with really cool powers, like being able to talk to Pokémon and even transform into one! After my journey in Unova came to an end, I stayed home for the next two years.

Now, I'm fourteen-years-old, and Pikachu and I are getting ready to begin an all-new journey. We're heading to the Kalos region, and I am so stoked about it! A journalist from the Kalos region, Alexa, is going to meet me when I arrive, and we're going to head to Professor Sycamore's lab so I can get started on my journey.

Have I mentioned how excited I am?

I grabbed my backpack and headed downstairs. My mom laid out a plate of eggs, bacon, and milk, and I scarfed and chugged it down as quickly as I could.

"Not so fast, Ash!" Mom said. "I don't want you to get a stomachache."

"I can't help it! I just want to get going right now!" I said.

"All right. But, before you go, make sure you stop by Professor Oak's lab."

"Okay. Bye, Mom!" I hugged her tightly, and she returned it. I pulled away and Pikachu hopped onto my shoulder. I ran to the door, throwing it open, and ran outside and down the street.

A new adventure is waiting for me. Kalos region, here I come!


~?~

"Inhale... exhale... As you breathe out, image the concerns of the world flush out of your mind, and feel peace and happiness fill your soul as you breath in new life." a voice said.

"I appreciate your guidance, Elder, but I am fully capable of handling my own meditations." I said, opening one eye. "Besides, talking kind of ruins it."

Elder smiled. "Of course. I apologize. I'll be quiet from now on."

I smiled back and closed my eyes. My face fell back into default as I took deep, slow breaths. Inhale... exhale...

The doors opened abruptly, and a man and a small girl scurried into the room. I opened my eyes. The man and girl fell to their knees and bowed, pressing their faces close to the floor.

"O, Ganesha, bestow your mercy and knowledge upon us." the man said.

I stood up. "Please, bowing is not necessary. Stand." I said. They obeyed. "What brings you here?"

"It's my wife. She's become terribly ill. I fear that... that she will not make it." the man said, bowing again. His voice cracked halfway through. "Tell us, please, will she live?"

My heart filled with compassion. I walked over and rested my hand against the man's shoulder. He looked up.

"Take me to her, please." I said.

The man nodded quickly, and he and the young girl led me out of the sanctuary and into the fresh air. The sun shone midst white clouds and blue skies. I walked behind the two, my hands held together in front of me. Those who looked our way lingered their eyes on me and bowed. I replied with a gentle smile. Once I passed by, they returned to whatever they were doing. We arrived at the house, and the man opened the door for me. The young girl led me to her mother's room, where she lay in bed. Her face was as pale as paper. She lifted her glazed eyes at me, and they immediately brightened. She reached her hand out to me.

"Ganesha." she said weakly.

My heart overflowed, and a few tears trickled down my face. I knelt at her bedside and clasped her hand in mine. As I felt her frail skin, my mind filled with encrypted letters. Slowly, the letters formed into readable English sentences. I opened my eyes and smiled brightly.

"Don't worry." I said. "Your time is not up yet. Rest and your sickness will pass."

Tears brimmed the eyes of the three people in the room. The woman kissed my hands and wept, her tears staining my skin. I smiled warmly as more tears rolled down my cheeks. I squeezed her hand and stood up. The man firmly shook my hand, and the young girl tightly embraced me. I returned the embrace as the family filled the room with thanks and praises. I quietly exited the building and returned to the sanctuary, where the Elder waited for me at the front door. She nodded to me.

"I'm proud of you, Iris." she said.

I grinned. "Thank you, Elder."

"What for?"

"For seeing me as who I really am. You're the only one who still calls me by my real name. I'm grateful to have you in my life."

Elder returned the smile, and we entered the sanctuary again.


~?~

"Every day, I worry more and more about him."

"And you think I don't? He's my brother, too!"

"I know that. I can't imagine what he's going through. I don't know if anyone can."

"I can think of one person... What are we going to do?"

"I... don't know. Perhaps we should just give him some space. Time is the best antidote for a broken heart."

"It's been two years! You think time is going to fix something like this?!"

"Calm down. You having a tantrum is not going to make anything better."

"At least I can sympathize with him, even if it's just a little bit."

"I can hear you, you know." I said.

The other side of the door was quiet with embarrassment. The doorknob turned, and my two brothers entered the room. The three of us wore matching outfits: white, button-up shirts with the sleeves rolled to our elbows, black trousers, brown dress shoes, and ties, each with a different color. One brother had blue, and the other had red. Mine was green. The two standing in front of me bowed their heads shamefully.

"Did you purposefully make it so I would hear your conversation?" I said, crossing my legs and arms as I leaned back in my chair.

"Uh..." one of my brothers stuttered, his face as red as his hair and tie.

"You can't blame us for worrying about you." the other said, sweeping a piece of blue hair out of his eyes.

I turned my back to them and stared out the window. "Thanks, but... I don't need it."

Two hands rested on my shoulders. I closed my eyes and bowed my head.

"Come on, man. Won't you come out? There are people who would like to see you."

"I know you're hurting, but maybe it's time you let that go and-"

"Cress."

"Maybe some other time." I said, shaking off their hands.

There was a pause. Finally, their footsteps shuffled out of the room and the door closed. I heard the smack of something hitting another object.

"Ouch! What was that for?!" a voice yelped.

"'Maybe it's time you let that go'?! Why not just stab a dagger into his chest while you're at it?!" another voice hissed.

The argument quieted as my brothers walked down the hall. I lifted my eyes back up to the window and swallowed hard at the beaming sunset.

Know that you are more important to me than life itself. I care about you... enough to let you go.

Those words, combined with the sweet voice that spoke them, shot through my heart once again. A tear streamed down my cheek as I thought of her face; it was the only thing I could think about for the past two years. The sunset only made my heart sting even more, if that was possible. It was unbearable to gaze at something that used to bring me such hopeful awe and inspiration. Now, it gloated and left a bitter taste in my mouth. I stood up and closed the curtains.