When dreams aren't achieved.

The Battle Within

Hey guys, I am back! ofc with a new chapter. Anyways, let us go! Why did I sound like Mario? Anyways enjoy the chapter.

Serena's POV

I stared at him, my expression blank as the events of the past few minutes replayed in my mind. Ash was busy organizing his things, and the silence hung heavy between us until he finally broke it.

"So, what's your answer?" His serious tone sent a shiver down my spine.

"Uh..." I stammered, scrambling for the right words.

"You—you’re joking, right?" I managed a nervous laugh, hoping he’d chuckle and say it was all a prank. But the gravity of his expression made my heart sink.

He sighed, stepping closer and grabbing my arm, our faces inches apart. I could feel his breath, and heat rushed to my cheeks. "Do I look like I'm joking?" His gaze was intense. "Serena, please don’t make this a joke." I could sense the anger simmering beneath his calm facade.

I looked away, unable to hold his gaze, fear creeping into my heart.

"I’m sorry..." he said, loosening his grip and sitting down, his voice softer now. "So, have you decided what’s your answer?"

"No..." I replied, my voice barely a whisper, avoiding his eyes.

"Huh? Excuse me?" His incredulity was palpable.

"I said no!" I shouted, frustration boiling over.

"Why, Serena? Why? Don’t be so stubborn! You’ll just end up sad and regretful!" His voice rose, echoing in the small locker room.

"Regret what? That I loved you?" I shot back, anger flaring.

"Yeah, and your future husband is a pathetic loser!" His words cut deep, the annoyance in his tone stinging.

"Husband?..." I repeated, feeling heat rush to my face.

"Yeah! I was going to propose to you!" He blurted out, his expression shifting to one of desperation. "I had it all planned. When I became champion, I would rush over and propose right there in front of everyone!" He facepalmed, clearly frustrated with himself.

"You were going to propose to me???" Shock washed over me.

"Yeah," he admitted, pulling out a small box.

My heart raced at the thought of him actually proposing.

"By winning this league, I wanted to prove I was worthy of you," he said, moving closer. I felt like I was teetering on the edge of something monumental, and I closed my eyes, waiting for the moment to unfold. But then I heard something hit the trash can.

"Bruh..." My heart sank, pulled back to reality.

"But all of that is wasted now. What will people say? A loser marrying the Kalos Queen? They’ll say, 'This boy had another chance, but he couldn’t win even this time!' You know, every time I go back to my town, I hear it—my mom has to bow her head in shame while walking with me!" His voice trembled, trying to keep control.

"I... I’m sorry, I didn’t know," I said, guilt flooding through me. "But you need to understand that I don’t care what the world thinks. The only thing that matters to me is loving you for as long as I live." I reached out, wanting to comfort him, but he pushed me away.

"Tsk!"

"What was that?" I whispered, taken aback.

"Stop being so freaking annoying, Serena!" He punched the locker in frustration. "If I think about it, the most regrettable part of my life is spending time with you. It’s my fault. Serena, you have so much to offer, so please just stop following me..."

His words crushed me, and I felt my legs give way.

"I’m nothing but a waste of time to you," I thought, shattered.

"Sorry, but this is the truth, and I’m done with you. It’s over... Bye. I hope you find a better partner than me." With that, he stormed out, leaving me speechless.

I dropped to my knees, tears spilling over. After a while, I managed to calm myself and thought,
This may be over for now, but I’ll come back with the motivation you need, Ash. I’ll make you mine.

I walked to the trash can, pulling out the small box that contained the ring. I placed it beside my head and cried again. "You baka..."

---

The Next Day...

Ash's POV

"Man, I’m really tired. I can’t wait to go home," I mumbled, exhaustion weighing heavily on me.

"Pikaaaa..." Pikachu sighed in agreement. "I know, buddy. You’re exhausted too. How about an ice cream break?" I suggested, earning an enthusiastic reply.

"Chaa!!!" Before I could finish, Pikachu dashed off, and I called after him, "Hey, no fair!"

At the Ice Cream Parlor

"You’re such a cheater, Pikachu!" I huffed, trying to catch my breath. As we entered the parlor, my eyes landed on a girl with cerulean blue eyes.

"Hey, Ash. What a coincidence!" she said, flashing that familiar smile.

"..."

"It’s okay. Don’t feel like talking. Just take this." She handed me something. "It’s a good luck charm I made for you, just like Misty gave you her chibi-size bait and May’s half contest ribbon that you still carry around."

"Pikachu, let’s go. I can’t stand here any longer..."

"Okay, but this isn’t our last meeting, Ash. If ‘fate’ has anything to say about it... Who knows!" The blonde girl called after me.

"If only karma wouldn’t be such a b*tch," I thought bitterly and left towards airport lounge area.

Alright, Kanto. Let’s see what you’ve got in store for me.

*******

I guess it was a cringe chapter, does it? Anyways thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. a big shout-out to everyone who voted on the previous chapter.
Till then,
peace.