LUMIOUSE HIGH (S1)- Forgiving Shadows

A Bridge of Apologies

Ash's POV:

Lunchtime, my usual relaxation period beneath the oak tree in the school backyard, feels peaceful, yet my emotions are anything but calm.

The familiar scene unfolds-the oak tree, leaves drifting down, the expanse of the blue sky, and the warmth of sunlight. Sitting on the grass is usually comforting, with leaves rustling in the breeze, but today, my thoughts are scattered.

Ever since Serena entered my class, my mind has been in disarray. It's like everything's jinxed.

I'm caught in a whirlwind of conflicting feelings. Should I be happy or upset to see her here? One part of me yearns to talk to her, while the other won't even allow me to look in her direction.

I let out a frustrated sigh. What on earth should I do?

"Pika?" Pikachu, sensing my turmoil, looks up from slurping his ketchup packet, concern etched across his adorable face.

He hops onto my lap, offering a perplexed "Pika," as if questioning the source of my inner conflict.

I turn to Pikachu, seeking comfort from my loyal companion. Leaning back against the oak tree, I ponder aloud, "What should I do, Pikachu?"

"Pika?" He tilts his head, clearly puzzled by my distress, unaware of the recent development.

Realizing I hadn't updated him in yet, I sigh and explain, "A new student joined our school today, buddy."

Pikachu's POV:

A new student? What's the fuss?

"Is this the reason your head's spinning like a Psyduck on steroids?" I quip, watching his gaze volley between me and the sky.

He nods, admitting, "Yeah, it wouldn't be a big deal if it were anyone else, but the problem is I know her... too well."

Curiosity sparks within me. First, a new face, which is a girl and now he claims to have history. Who is she?

Before I can squeeze her name out of him, he spills the beans, his voice filled with conflict. "Serena is here, buddy, and she's in the same class as me."

Hearing her name, my ears perk up, and my eyes widen. My ketchup packet almost slips from my hands. I can't believe my ears; What brings her here? And, of all things, in the same class as Ash?

"You mean Serena from your previous school!" I exclaim, seeking confirmation.

Ash nods, a tinge of sadness in his eyes.

Now I'm a bit lost too. What is Serena doing here? Is she here to make things between them right, or is it just a cosmic twist of fate?

Serena was once Ash's partner-in-crime; they were the dynamic duo, childhood BFFs. She treated me with kindness when I was a Pichu, her Pokepuffs used to be my favorite snacks, and we had lots of fun together basically, a second trainer in my world.

I don't know what soured their friendship, but they went from best friends to complete strangers, ignoring each other. Serena's Eevee and I tried to stitch back the torn threads between them, but the task was beyond our abilities, their wounds ran too deep.

Shaking my head, I took a sigh. Humans and their complicated feelings are like a puzzle that I may never decipher on my own.

Now, with her back in the picture, I can sense the storm brewing in Ash's heart. As his loyal Pikachu, I'll stand by his side, ready to support him through whatever challenges lie ahead.

I bounced off his lap to perch on his shoulders, nuzzling my cheeks against his in a comforting display of my affection and support. My small paws tapped lightly on his head, like a rhythmic beat to lift his spirits.