Ash walked out of the Pokemon Center. Yet another time when he came to yet another region, Pikachu got sick and he shocked a girl or her bike.
Imagine that.
And Ash thought back to those who he'd met on his journey: firey Misty, stoic Brock, bubbly May, studious Max, emotional Dawn- and so many more, too many to name.
He'd had to leave them behind to find new adventures, to conquer his dream.
But, he thought, he didn't leave them behind. Not really. Because no matter how far apart they'll ever be, he'll always return. And they'll be waiting.