As I stood at the base of the stony slope leading up to the Ruins of Hope, a surge of nervous anticipation coursed through me. The exterior of the ruins was a sight to behold, a mixture of weathered stone and patches of vibrant coral scattered haphazardly around. The proximity of the ruins to the vast ocean was evident in the fragments of coral strewn across the landscape, as if nature itself was reclaiming this ancient place.

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest, as I prepared to descended the slope. Each step felt heavy, as if the weight of my expectations and fears were physically pressing down on me. I had come here in to see my dad, hoping to connect with him once again through the power of Tapu Fini. As I descended, the stones beneath my feet shifted and crumbled, reminding me of the fragility of the world around me. The sound of crashing waves echoed in the distance, a constant reminder of the relentless power of the ocean. The occasional gust of salty wind brushed against my face, mixing with the warmth of the sun on my skin, creating an eerie and yet strangely comforting atmosphere.

Reaching the end of the slope, I found myself standing before the entrance of the ruins. The structure was worn, its stones weathered by time and the elements. Moss and vines had claimed the cracks, adding an otherworldly touch to the ancient architecture. It felt as though I was stepping into a realm where the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. With a mixture of trepidation and determination, I stepped inside. The air felt heavy, charged with an unseen energy that sent shivers down my spine. The soft glow of sunlight filtered through the cracks in the ceiling, casting ethereal patterns on the walls. The silence was profound, broken only by the distant sound of dripping water.

As I ventured deeper into the ruins, I could feel the weight of the past pressing upon me. The remnants of forgotten rituals and offerings lined the corridors, telling the stories of those who had sought solace and guidance here. I couldn't help but wonder if my dad's soul had also been here, seeking answers or simply finding peace. Finally, I arrived at the heart of the ruins, a sacred chamber bathed in a soft, blue light. Before me stood a magnificent shrine of Tapu Fini, I approached with reverence, my breath catching in my throat.

With trembling hands, I offered my plea to Tapu Fini, beseeching the deity to allow me to see my dad. I already knew that my wish will be accepted, but still the anticipation and nervousness that had accompanied me throughout this journey reached its peak, my heart pounding like a drum in my ears.

Suddenly, the air in the chamber changed, as if the very fabric of reality was shifting. A mist began to envelop me, swirling and dancing in the ethereal light. My pulse quickened as I realized that Tapu Fini had heard my plea, and the veil between life and death was about to be lifted. Within the mist, shapes and figures materialized, wisps of memories and echoes of the past. And then, amidst the haze, I saw him. My dad, his form translucent but unmistakably him, appeared before me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out.

Words failed me as I stood there, in the presence of my dad. The emotions that had been building inside me over the years surged forth, overwhelming and bittersweet. It was a moment of connection, of closure, and of hope. In that sacred chamber, in the Ruins of Hope, I found solace. The nervousness that had consumed me was replaced by a profound sense of peace. Tapu Fini had granted me this extraordinary opportunity, allowing me to see my dad and to carry his memory with me always.

"Dad... I... I did it," I stuttered, choked up in emotion. "Savage, the man who took you away from us... my pokemon, they... they took his life."

My dad paused, his ethereal form radiating a mixture of concern and understanding. "Ash, my son... I'm here. I'm listening. Tell me everything."

"It was... it was in the heat of battle, Dad," I began to explain, voice trembling. "We had tracked down a captured ally, and... and he ambushed us with Lysandre, Team Flare's leader. It was clear that he would never show remorse for what he did... I couldn't really handle seeing him and had a panic attack, before fainting. He was a monster, Dad, and I couldn't let him escape justice. But... but it was my pokemon who struck the final blow, not me. All while I was unconscious."

"Ash, listen to me," he told me softly, with a kind smile. "You must understand that in that moment, it was self-defense, and the protection of their trainer. Your pokemon did what was necessary to ensure that no one else would suffer at his hands. It's a heavy burden to bear, but you are not alone. Your pokemon are extensions of your will, and they acted to keep you safe."

"I know, Dad, but it still weighs on me," I gasped, teary-eyed. "I never wanted my pokemon to take a life in my name, or any life at all! It feels like I failed them, failed to protect them from such a dark path."

"Ash, my brave and compassionate son, you did not fail them," he told me reassuringly. "Your pokemon understand the love and trust you have for them. They know the choices they made were necessary. It was not a decision they took lightly, and I'm proud of you for shouldering this burden with integrity."

"I... thank you dad..." I smiled, tears in my eyes, as I wrapped my arms around him. I laid my head on his chest, like I always used to do as a child, and almost broke down crying again. I used to love to listen to his strong and steady heartbeat... but even with my head on his chest, I could not listen to it anymore. "Dad... I have something for you," I told him, voice choked with emotion, as I finally let him go. "When I found Savage, he was wearing a trophy around his neck. It was your Rapidash's horn, the one he took from her when he killed her. I... I recovered it, Dad. I buried it alongside your body, as a symbol of justice and closure."

"Thank you, Ash. Thank you for bringing back a part of her, a part of our bond. You honored her memory and mine. It means more to me than words can express." He told me with a warm smile, as he gently patted my head- just like he used to when I was a kid.

"I just... I wanted you to know, Dad," I sniffled. "I wanted you to know that we avenged you and your pokemon. But it still hurts, and I can't shake this guilt."

"Ash, my Champion. You've always had a pure heart, a heart that seeks justice and protects others." His look of pure pride had my heart aching. All I ever wanted was to make his memory proud, so knowing he was proud of me, meant the whole world. "As a Champion, you will face difficult decisions, just as I did as a ranger. I've always been grateful that you hadn't needed to make such a hard call until now. But, my son, if you wish to continue holding your position, you must learn to reconcile with these choices."

"I understand, Dad. I will learn, and I will grow," I assured him, wiping away my tears. "I will carry your teachings with me, as I continue to protect and fight for what's right."

"That's my boy," he said proudly. "Remember, Ash, your heart will guide you. And I will always be with you, watching over you, and supporting you. You are strong, Ash, and you will find your own path to forgiveness."

I took a deep breath, knowing that our time was running out. "Thank you, Dad. Thank you for being here, for guiding me, and for helping me forgive myself. I will honor your memory and your pokemon's sacrifice in all that I do."

"Farewell for now, my son. I am proud of you, and I know you will continue to do great things. Walk your path with courage and compassion. Until we meet again." Dad faded away, but a sense of peace and love lingered.

As I emerged from the Ruins of Hope, heart heavy with the weight of the conversation with my dad, I saw Gary waiting for me. His eyes filled with concern as he saw the tears streaming down my face. Without hesitation, he opened his arms, and I collapsed into them, allowing myself to release the torrent of emotions that had been building within me.

I sobbed like I hadn't since the day of my dad's funeral. Every tear that fell was a testament to the love I had for him, and the grief that still resided within me. It felt like saying goodbye to my dad all over again, and the pain cut deep.

Gary held me tightly, his arms providing solace and warmth amidst the storm of emotions. His presence was a lifeline, grounding me in the reality that I wasn't alone in this journey of healing. I cried until exhaustion overtook me, and I fell asleep in his comforting embrace.

When I woke up, the residue of sadness still clung to my heart, but I felt a sense of lightness, too. The weight of guilt and the burden of unspoken words had been lifted, replaced by a profound peace that settled within me. I had mourned my father with every single tear, and in doing so, I had released a part of the pain that had consumed me.

As I gazed at Gary's face, his eyes filled with love and understanding, I realized how fortunate I was to have him by my side. He had been my pillar of support throughout this journey, offering unwavering strength and compassion. In his arms, I found the courage to confront my deepest fears and confront the complex emotions that held me captive.

Saying goodbye to my dad for a second time was bittersweet. The ache of his absence remained, but I knew that his spirit would always be with me, guiding me through the challenges that lay ahead. I carried his love and teachings within me, a legacy that fueled my determination to be the best version of myself.

With each passing day, I would continue to honor his memory and the bond we shared. The sadness and grief would ebb and flow, but I was no longer weighed down by the unresolved emotions that had haunted me. I had faced my guilt, forgiven myself, and embraced the healing journey.

As I looked ahead, a renewed sense of purpose filled my being. My dad's words echoed in my mind, reminding me that as a Champion, I would encounter difficult decisions. And while the weight of those choices would be immense, I had the strength and resilience to navigate them.

The road to healing was a winding one, but with Gary by my side and my dad's spirit as my guiding light, I knew I could face whatever lay ahead. Together, we would continue to grow, love, and honor the memories of those we cherished. And as I took a step forward, I carried the weight of grief with a lighter heart, ready to embrace the future with hope and determination.