Hearts Rekindled: An Ash and Serena Tale

chapter 3 : Whispers in the Rain: Ash and Serena's Loving Connection

It was dawn, and the rain continued to pour outside. Ash woke up in his lab to find Serena already awake.

Serena, her cheeks tinged with a blush, greeted him, "Good morning, Ash.

"Ash, his face turning a shade of red, stammered, "Good m-morning.

"Serena sniffled and said, "Achoo. Sorry, I guess I've got a fever, but it's fine.

"Ash looked upset as he replied, "I'm sorry. If only I had found you a little sooner. I didn't know the professor's lab was this big.

"Serena, offering a reassuring smile, responded, "It's okay. I'll be just fine before the fashion show.

"Ash said, "That's right! Clemont told me that you're participating. Oh man, I'm really sorry.

"Serena replied warmly, "Don't be. Seeing you again makes it a lot better.

"Ash blushed and became visibly flustered, his thoughts racing. "Man, my face is tomato red right now. How is she able to say this?

"Although Serena was feeling better than before, the fever began to take its toll on her once again. She started breathing heavily. Serena gasped, "Hah... hah... ah... hah."Concerned, Ash asked, "Serena, are you okay? Your temperature is rising. I should get some warm, wet towels."As Ash started to get up, Serena grabbed his arm and said weakly, "Don't go, stay beside me.

"Worried about her fever, Ash hesitated but ultimately decided to remain by her side. Serena continued to breathe heavily and eventually fell asleep once again.Ash woke up Pikachu and Sylveon, asking them to bring wet towels and find a couch to put Serena on. Pikachu and Sylveon returned with a bowl of water and some dry towels. Ash then brought a couch from the waiting area into the room.

Just as he was settling Serena onto the couch, the lab's phone rang. Ash answered the call, and it was Professor Sycamore on the line. Professor Sycamore's voice came through, "Hello, this is Professor Sycamore. I'm leaving this voice message for you, Nurse Joy. Thank you for looking after my lab while I'm gone. I'm almost done with the advanced Mega Evolution research. Garchomp and I found some excellent clues and resources. Unfortunately, the storm is strong, and I will be stuck in this Pokémon Center until it calms down. Please take care of the garden for me; there are some special berries which I planted.

"For some reason Nurse Joy wasn't in the lab.

Ash decided to take responsibility for both Serena and the garden, but for now, Serena was his priority. He arranged the couch and laid Serena down on it, with Pikachu and Sylveon assisting with the wet towels. Ash then asked Pikachu and Sylveon to go take care of the garden, which had a sealing.

As Pikachu and Sylveon headed off to the garden, Ash noticed that some of Serena's clothes were still wet and needed to be removed. He felt a little embarrassed but knew it was necessary to keep her comfortable. Ash gathered up his courage and began to carefully undress Serena. He started by removing her high-thighs as well as her boots and then her sweater. As he was taken her shirt off, he couldn't help but notice her red nose and cute face alongside her exposed shoulder, making it harder for him to concentrate.

Another thing he noticed was that she wasn't wearing anything under her shirt. Ash immediately stopped and laid Serena on her stomach, his face flushed as he called for Sylveon and asked her to change Serena's last piece. Sylveon nodded, which meant no, and Ash told her that he couldn't possibly do it. Sylveon shook her head again and pointed with her ribbons to Ash's shirt. Ash understood that Serena didn't bring any extra clothes. Ash immediately took off his shirt and gave it to Sylveon. Sylveon understood the situation and gave Ash Serena's almost wet sweater he had taken off before to wear, as it was better than wearing nothing.Ash wore it and went to help Pikachu out.