Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or its characters. I do however own this idea (no for real)
AN: I have used "If Only Tears Could Bring You Back" by "Midnight Sons" if you have it hit the play button on your CD player or other audio device when you see "Ash started to run"
On with the story…
Chapter 2 – A New Path
June 14, 2004
I leave Pallet Town on my final journey. I am returning her Pokémon to her sisters in Cerulean. I also must break the news to many other people before I return home. Though, I may decide never to come back. There are too many memories. Gary begins his duties as a Pokémon Master in 2 days. The Elite Four has given me 6 months leave, with pay, before I have to come in myself. But I won't stay long. I'm renouncing my title in a year.
He had left all his other Pokémon except for his Pikachu, who wouldn't leave him for anything. Ash had walked this way before. It was exactly the same as it was when he first passed this way. Before his eyes he saw the image of his younger self, leaving his home town on his first adventure outside of Pallet, full of hopes and dreams. But now, he is laden with the weight of the world, along with a heavy heart.
They went in total silence, only broken by his footsteps on the dirt road. He carried a vibrant red bag slung across his shoulder. Pikachu perched on the other. Hours passed slowly. Both trainer Pokémon and absorbed in their own thoughts. Lunch passed in similar fashion. Over the years Ash had developed some kitchen skills, creating an edible meal. Farther on, they came to lush green field, a swift river flowing near by, one solitary boulder on the bank.
The memory of a boy flying out of the river flashed in his mind.
Ash started to run, Pikachu leaped down. He didn't get far before he slipped on the wet grass. The contents of the bag spilled out. Several Pokéballs slipped out, along with a picture. Obviously this picture was kept safe, preserved carefully within its hard plastic covering. Carefully he picked it up and examined it.
How will I start tomorrow without you here?
Whose heart will guide me while the answers disappear?
Is it to late, are you to far gone to stay?
Best friends forever, should never have to go away!
What will I do? You know I'm only half without you!
How will I make it through?
The image captured was the day that Ash was awarded 2nd place in the Hoen League.
If only tears could bring you back to me!
If only love could find a way!
What I would do, what I would give if you,
Return to me, someday, some how, some way!
If my tears could bring you back to me!
Brock, May and Max kneeled down in front while Ash held one side the silver cup high over his head.
I've cried you an ocean if you'd sail on home again.
Wings of emotion will carry you and all they can!
Just let love guide you and your heart will chart the course,
Soon you'll be drifting into the arms of your true north!
Look in my eyes; you'll see a million tears have gone by!
And still they're not dry!
On his right a fiery red-head held the other.
If only tears could bring you back to me!
If only love could find a way!
What I would do, what I would give if you,
Return to me, someday, some how, some way!
If my tears could bring you back to me!
They all had large smiles plastered on their faces.
I'd hold you close inside the words I've only whisper before,
for one more chance, for one last dance, inside of me!
That I would like and love!
On the back it read: "Ash, my first and only love".
If only tears could bring you back to me!
If only love could find a way!
What I would do, what I would give if you,
Return to me, someday, some how, some way!
If my tears could bring you back to me!
Memories and emotions flooded through him. Ash sat on the rock buy the river and wept bitterly. Tears flowed as freely as the river. This was where it all began. This was where he met her. This was where he fell in love with Misty.
Write from the Heart