Ash x Serena Rise of the forgotten hero

Forceful Goodbye

In the heart of Lumiose City, right after the intense events of Pokémon XYZ, Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie found themselves together once more in the vibrant Kalos region. The group had planned a quick stop at Prism Tower to help Clemont repair the gym after their recent adventure. The city was bustling with its usual energy, but the atmosphere between the friends was warm and calm as they chatted along the way.

Just as they reached the tower, Ash's phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking the quiet rhythm of their steps. Frowning, he pulled out his phone, surprised—who could be calling him right now? His friends exchanged curious glances, and even Ash seemed puzzled as he picked up.

"Hello?" Ash answered, his usual energy momentarily stilled. He listened in silence as his expression shifted from curiosity to one of deep shock and concern. It was Lance, the Champion of Kanto, and his voice held a grave urgency Ash had never heard before.

Serena, Bonnie, and Clemont watched with growing anxiety as Ash's face grew increasingly serious, the carefree warmth draining from his features. "I'll be there as soon as I can, Lance!" he replied, hanging up abruptly. When he turned to them, his eyes were full of urgency and fear.

"I... I need to go back to Kanto," he announced, his voice heavy with concern.

Clemont adjusted his glasses, worry knitting his brow. "Wait, what? Who was that on the phone?"

"It was Champion Lance," Ash replied quietly, his gaze distant. "Team Rocket... they've launched an all-out plan to capture Kanto. Lance says it's serious."

His friends gasped, Serena's hand coming to her mouth as her heart raced. "Ash... what are you going to do?"

Ash clenched his fists, his voice cold and steady. "They've gone too far this time. I can't let them destroy my home."

The silence that fell over the group was tense and thick. Serena's shoulders slumped as she processed the reality of Ash's words. "So... you're really going back, aren't you?" Her voice cracked slightly, a sadness already filling her eyes.

Ash's expression softened as he looked at her. "I'm sorry, Serena. I don't want to leave like this, but Kanto needs me." He saw the shimmer of a tear in Serena's eyes, and his heart ached. He wanted to stay, to give her the time and words she deserved, but he knew he didn't have that luxury now.

The minutes ticked by, each one feeling heavier than the last. Finally, Clemont broke the silence. "You should get ready, Ash. It's already five, and your flight leaves at six."

Ash nodded, swallowing hard. He wasn't ready to leave his friends—his second family—but he knew there was no choice.

Serena's Thoughts

No... this can't be happening. We've only just reunited, and now he has to leave again? After everything we've been through... his battles, my performances, every moment we shared... he showed me so much, changed me so much, and now he's just... gone?

Clemont's Thoughts

First, the crisis with Lysandre, and now this. But if Lance himself is calling on Ash for help, it must be even more serious than we thought. Kanto's in danger, and the one person who can help is Ash...

Ash's Thoughts

After everything we went through in Kalos, now Team Rocket has to cause trouble in Kanto. I wish I could stay and say a real goodbye, but there's no time... Lance needs me. Kanto needs me. And I can't let them down. But it hurts to leave Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie here, knowing how much they mean to me.

Bonnie, ever the observer, noticed the heaviness around them and glanced up. "It's getting dark. Maybe we should head to the gym before it rains?"

Her voice pulled everyone out of their thoughts, and they glanced at the darkening clouds. "Yeah, let's go," Ash said with a nod.

Once they reached Prism Tower, Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena busied themselves tidying the gym while Ash packed his things, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Time slipped away until it was nearly six o'clock. Ash took a deep breath and went to find his friends on the battlefield.

He found Serena, Bonnie, and Clemont talking quietly together, their faces painted with worry and sadness. Serena's eyes were red from tears, and she quickly wiped them away when she saw him. He forced a small smile.

"Hey, everyone..." he began, his voice soft. Serena looked at him with trembling lips.

"Are you... are you really going?" she whispered, barely holding back tears.

Ash sighed, his voice tender but resolute. "I wish I could stay. I wish I could say a proper goodbye. But right now, I don't have a choice."

Serena's heart broke as she tried to put on a brave face, though her sadness was clear. She stepped forward, her hands trembling, and before she could stop herself, she wrapped her arms around him.

"A-Ash... I know you need to go and help, but..." She choked back a sob. "I just... I just wish we had a little more time."

Ash's eyes softened as he embraced her, his arms tightening around her as he whispered, "I wish we did too, Serena." He looked over her shoulder at Clemont and Bonnie, managing a small, sad smile. They had been through so much together, and he hated leaving them like this.

Clemont straightened, determination in his gaze. "Promise us you'll come back, Ash. Beat Team Rocket, and then come back here."

Ash's expression lightened as he nodded. "You bet!"

With a final, heartfelt group hug, they all walked with him to the airport. The farewell was bittersweet, with hugs and promises, and as Ash walked toward the terminal, he gave them one last wave.

Serena's Thoughts

There he goes. The boy who's meant so much to me since our days at summer camp... and I never told him. I never told him how much he means to me. I hope I get another chance someday...

As Ash disappeared from view, the Kalos gang stood together in Lumiose City, watching and waiting, as he took off to face a new battle.