Goodbye, Raichu

Epilogue

Ash slowly sat down on the grass, bent his head low, and put his hand over his face. "I wonder if I'll ever see Pika -- I mean Raichu -- again," he muttered.

Misty's face was concerned, looking at how hard Ash was taking the loss. "I'm sure he'll come to visit, once they've settled down. I bet you'll even get to see his children."

Ash imagined a litter of little yellow Pichu scampering about, tried to smile at the thought, but found he could not. He looked up at Misty, and dared to reveal his feelings.

"But Misty, it hurts so much. How will I ever cope without him?"

Misty crouched down next to him and took his hand comfortingly. "You know, Ash, I think it'll hurt for a while. You've always got your friends and your other Pokémon you can lean on. We all care how you feel."

Ash was taking in Misty's words. They made sense.

"And you'll always remember all the great times you had together," continued Misty. They'll always be a part of both of you."

Strange... when things were going well, Misty's advice had always sounded so ridiculous. Why did it sound so helpful now? But Ash could not afford to dwell on that now.

Misty then stood up without letting go of Ash's hand. Gripping it a little more tightly, and tugging gently, she asked him, "How about going for a walk back to the gym. We can talk some more if you want."

All of a sudden, Ash was filled with perplexity. "What!? You want to walk holding hands?"

Misty didn't reply. She just looked at him hopefully.

Her voice sounded warm and caring, Ash thought. It suddenly felt as if it had always been so. Why had they argued so much in the past? What's more, it felt as if her warmth now had a special relevance to him.

Without letting go of her hand, Ash stood up, his uncertainty making room for a new awareness, a new source of confidence.

"Sure, Misty. Let's go."

They walked off together.

"You know, Misty, if you give me a job, I'll finally be able to pay you back for that bike."

They both smiled at each other.