Chapter 19: Past And Present

As Julian settled into bed, ready to rest after a long day of training and mentoring, he experienced an unsettling sensation. He felt as if he had been transported back to his old body—the body he had inhabited before his current journey as a Pokémon Trainer. Panic surged through him, and he couldn't shake the fear that washed over him.

This old body felt foreign to him, like an ill-fitting suit that no longer matched his sense of self. It was a disconcerting and confusing experience, and Julian struggled to reconcile the feelings and memories of his past self with his current identity.

As the realization gradually dawned on him, Julian's fear gave way to introspection. He began to ponder the significance of this unexpected return to his old body and the emotions it stirred within him. Questions swirled in his mind, and he knew that he would need to confront this strange turn of events head-on.

With a mix of trepidation and curiosity, Julian decided to explore this surreal experience further, hoping to uncover the truth behind his unexpected journey back to his former self.

Julian's thoughts raced as he grappled with the perplexing situation. The return to his old self had stirred up a whirlwind of emotions and questions. He couldn't help but reflect on the choices he had made when he initially entered the Pokémon world.

"I am feeling old again," Julian mused, his thoughts echoing in the quiet of his mind. "When I went to the Pokémon world, I had abandoned my old self so that I could relive my teenage years, which I didn't experience in my past life. But why am I so scared to return to being my original self again?"

He couldn't deny that the Pokémon world had offered him a new lease on life, a chance to relive his youth and experience adventures beyond his wildest dreams. The transformation into a Pokémon Trainer had brought him joy, challenges, and a sense of purpose he had never known before. It had allowed him to escape the limitations and regrets of his previous life.

Yet, as he lay in his old body, the comfort and familiarity of his past seemed to beckon him back, triggering a profound sense of fear and uncertainty. Julian realized that this experience was forcing him to confront the choices he had made and the reasons behind them.

In the midst of these swirling emotions, Julian knew that he needed to find clarity and understanding. He had to discern the purpose of this unexpected return to his old self and whether it held any significance for his journey in the Pokémon world.

As Julian found himself in the presence of the middle-aged man, he immediately recognized him as a divine figure, the entity responsible for sending him to the Pokémon world. It was a profound and surreal moment, leaving Julian in a state of awe and speechlessness.

The man began to brew tea, a serene atmosphere enveloping their surroundings. Julian, uncertain of what to say or do, chose to remain silent, his eyes fixed on the enigmatic figure before him.

After some time, the brewing was complete, and God carefully poured the tea into two cups. He placed one of the cups before Julian, who accepted it with a respectful bow. As he raised the cup to take a sip, he couldn't help but wonder what this encounter meant and what revelations it might bring.

The tea was soothing, and Julian felt a sense of calm wash over him, as if the divine presence had a reassuring effect on his troubled thoughts. He waited in anticipation, ready to listen to whatever message or guidance God might offer him in this extraordinary encounter.

God's inquiry about Julian's new life and his experiences in the Pokémon world prompted a moment of reflection. Julian realized that he hadn't actually died but had been brought to this ethereal realm by God Himself.

"It was a very fun and exciting experience," Julian began to respond. "I felt very alive and like a kid there, with nothing holding me back and no responsibilities."

God seemed to understand Julian's sentiments, and He asked a pointed question, "That's what you wanted, isn't it? To be a teenager again, to enjoy your life without the burdens of age?"

Julian nodded earnestly. "Yes, Lord, that's exactly what I wanted. I unknowingly left my old self behind and was living a life as a teenager, which I didn't even realize."

God acknowledged Julian's response with a simple "That's good."

However, Julian couldn't ignore the gnawing feeling of unease that had accompanied his return to his old self. He had felt like a stranger in his own body, and he needed answers.

"Lord, I have a question," Julian ventured.

God encouraged him to ask, saying, "Go on, ask what you want to know."

Julian took a deep breath before posing his question. "When I came back, I fused again with my old self, but it didn't feel right. Why did it feel like I am fake, and the Julian I have been in the Pokémon world felt so real?"

God's response was thoughtful. "Julian, why don't you tell me everything about your past life, but not the one you think is real? Tell me about your actual past life."

Julian was puzzled by God's request. "Lord, what do you mean by that?"

God encouraged self-reflection, urging Julian to delve into the depths of his memories and experiences. "Julian, you should ask this question to yourself. Look back on how you lived your life."

The divine encounter left Julian with a sense of introspection, as he contemplated his past and the complexities of his existence in both his previous life and the Pokémon world. The answers he sought might be found by revisiting the path he had traveled and the choices he had made along the way.

As Julian closed his eyes and embarked on the journey of recollection, he delved deep into the recesses of his memories, revisiting the life he had lived before his Pokémon adventure. The flood of images and emotions that washed over him was overwhelming, and tears welled up in his eyes.

His vision blurred as his eyes turned red, and an indescribable discomfort gnawed at his heart. The weight of his past experiences and choices bore down on him, and the pain of confronting his true self became palpable.

Julian's voice trembled as he finally spoke, his emotions raw and unfiltered. "It was all a lie—a lie I created to escape the cruel things I experienced."

God, in His infinite wisdom, urged Julian to continue sharing. "Tell me, Julian, about your real life."

With tears streaming down his face, Julian began to recount the painful truths of his previous existence, a life that he had sought to escape and reshape through his journey into the Pokémon world. This moment of reckoning was the first step toward understanding the complexities of his past and the reasons behind his choices.

Julian's voice trembled as he bared his soul, recounting the harrowing tale of his past life. His words were heavy with the weight of unimaginable suffering and loss, and his tears flowed freely as he relived the traumatic events that had shaped his existence.

"I was born into a happy family," he began, "living with my father and mother happily. I was just 10 years old at that time, but the happiness didn't last. War broke out, and our village, located near the border, was the first to be attacked."

He described the heart-wrenching moment when he witnessed the brutal murder of his parents, their lives extinguished in a senseless act of violence. Julian's voice cracked as he continued, "I was lucky to be rescued just in time, sent to an orphanage where I met my friend Alex."

Julian's story unfolded further, revealing the horrors of war that had forced children like him and Alex into the army. The chilling account of how they had been thrown off cliffs when deemed expendable shook him to his core.

But amid the darkness, Julian recounted a beacon of hope: the love he and Alex had found in Mary, their first love. He spoke of the unbreakable bond between friends and the promise they had made to each other, a promise that ultimately led to Alex and Mary's marriage and the birth of their child.

Tragedy struck once more, as terrorism tore apart the lives they had rebuilt. Julian's injuries from the explosion left him physically scarred and mentally scarred. In his grief and desperation, he had forged a new identity, one where he believed he was Brendan's father and Mary's husband, a world he had created to escape the painful memories of his past.

As Julian concluded his heartrending tale, he wiped away his tears, his emotions laid bare before God.

God listened in silence, acknowledging the profound pain and suffering Julian had endured. He then gently spoke, "Thank you for sharing your story, Julian. Now, it's time for you to confront the truth and decide how you wish to move forward."

As Julian poured out the painful truths of his past life to God, he felt an immense weight lift from his shoulders. It was as if he had unburdened himself of a heavy load that had plagued him for years. The act of sharing his story had brought a sense of catharsis, and he felt lighter, almost rejuvenated.

Julian's astonishment knew no bounds when he looked down and realized that he was back in his young body—the body he had inhabited in the Pokémon world. It was a profound and unexpected transformation that left him in awe.

Turning his gaze toward God, Julian sought answers, and God responded with a warm smile. He began to explain the transformative process that Julian had undergone.

"Your past life," God began, "was a construct you created to escape the harsh realities you faced. When your new soul fused with your old self, you resisted it because you didn't want to relive those horrors. You felt scared, Julian, because you had lost so much, and your new soul was beginning to recognize the weight of those losses."

God's words carried a profound wisdom that Julian absorbed. It was becoming clear that by sharing his story and confronting the traumas of his past, he had initiated a process of healing and liberation.

God continued, "As you shared your life's story, you began to sever the karmic ties between your current life and your previous one. This act of releasing the past has set you free from the horrors that held you captive."

Julian's heart swelled with gratitude and relief, and he nodded in understanding. It was as if he had been granted a second chance to truly live his new life without the burden of his past haunting him.

With a newfound sense of purpose and a lighter heart, Julian was ready to embrace his journey in the Pokémon world with a renewed spirit, unencumbered by the shadows of his previous existence.

As God's words washed over Julian, a profound sense of transformation and renewal coursed through him. He listened intently, absorbing every word, as God imparted wisdom and clarity to his understanding.

"Julian," God continued, "now you have been reborn again, and this time, it is not just your body but also your soul that has been rejuvenated. You are no longer the old man who clung to delusions about his life. Now, you are a young man with a fresh perspective, eager to explore the world and grow stronger. This is the new you, Julian."

Julian's turbulent emotions had now subsided, replaced by a profound sense of serenity and self-acceptance. He gazed upon his youthful form, acknowledging the true essence of his being—the new Julian, unburdened by the shadows of his past and ready to embark on a new journey in the Pokémon world.

With newfound confidence and a sense of self-assuredness, Julian declared, "Yes, I am Julian, a young man with wisdom greater than anyone at the same age," and laughter bubbled up from within him. His laughter was a testament to his newfound happiness and clarity, and it echoed through the space between him and God.

God, too, smiled warmly, observing Julian's joy with an affectionate gaze. He spoke words of farewell, acknowledging the uncertain nature of their future encounters. "My child, it's time for us to say goodbye. If the mother of fate deems it so, we will meet again."

Julian reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his hope for future reunions. "I also hope to meet you again and talk about my new, exciting life."

As their conversation drew to a close, God extended his hand in a farewell gesture, and Julian felt himself gently descending into a dark abyss. When he opened his eyes once more, he found himself back in the familiar surroundings of his bed—the place where he had closed his eyes and embarked on this remarkable journey.

With a deep sense of resolve and a heart full of determination, Julian declared his newfound identity: "I am Julian, as I live in the present and create a future where all will remember me, and my past will never bind me, as I am reborn."

This proclamation marked the beginning of Julian's journey into a future unburdened by the shadows of his past, as he embraced his new life with vigor and purpose.