It’s been about 24 hours and I’m still “electrified”. I couldn’t believe how powerful and moving the episode was.

Yesterday’s episode wasn’t just about a battle, a tournament, or a victory.

What happened yesterday was the epitome of perseverance, partnership, and friendship.

When the Pokémon from earlier seasons surrounded Pikachu and Ash said “everyone is on our side.” I felt like part of me was there too, saying “Come on Pikachu. You can do it!”

My journey with Ash and Pikachu started in 1997, after moving to Canada at age 5. Since then, I’ve graduated elementary/high school/university; started working; gotten married; and just had our first kid. Somehow, through so many years, I’ve still been invested in Ash and Pikachu.

Based on what I saw on social media (and mainstream news) yesterday, I’m sure a lot of you felt the same way — like this was a culmination for us all.

I’m not sure what will happen next. Part of me wants Ash’s journey arc to be over. Part of me doesn’t want to say good bye to a piece of who I am.

What I do know is: from whenever our journey with Ash and Pikachu started, to the monumental triumph we witnessed yesterday — we are all “Partners”.