Ash x Serena Rise of the forgotten hero

The return

The Next Day

It was a bright and bustling Wednesday morning, and the Kalos students were eagerly making their way to the cafeteria, the familiar sounds of chatter and laughter filling the air. To their surprise, they spotted Ash sitting at a table with the Alolan students and Professor Kukui, alongside Professor Sycamore. As they approached, however, the lively atmosphere fell into a heavy silence, and they couldn't shake the feeling of sadness that enveloped the group. Mallow and Lillie were gently resting their hands on Ash's shoulders, but he looked utterly defeated.

"We need to grab breakfast and sit with them," Serena urged, her heart aching for her friend. The group quickly filled their plates and settled at the same table as Ash, who barely acknowledged their presence.

Kiawe broke the tension first. "So, what happened? Professor Kukui told us to check on you, Ash. We're really sorry," he said, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"What happened?" Serena asked, worry etched across her face.

"It's none of your business," Ash replied flatly, his tone emotionless.

Calem, feeling the need to stand up for Serena, chimed in, "What's your deal, dude? She just asked what's wrong!" The irritation in his voice was clear, but Ash was on a short fuse today and wasn't about to let it slide.

"Why don't you all just stop interfering in my life? You don't know me, and I don't know you, so quit it already!" Ash snapped, his voice rising with anger.

Seeing the exchange, Professor Sycamore raised a hand, signalling the students to back off. "Let's respect Ash's privacy. It's a tough time for him," he said gently.

Kukui tried to steer the conversation back to calmer waters. "So, Ash, you sure you got everything before you leave?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Ash nodded, his gaze still focused on his belongings as he double-checked them. Today was the day he was supposed to fly back to Kanto, and the weight of that reality hung heavy over him.

Turning his attention to Sycamore, Kukui added, "This Friday, you'll also be returning to Kalos, if I'm not mistaken?"

Sycamore nodded, but some of the students behind him sighed. They weren't ready to leave the beauty of Alola just yet.

Once Ash finished his breakfast, he stood up to leave. "I'll meet you later at the airport," he called back to the professors, not looking back.

After he left, the atmosphere lightened slightly. The girls headed off to the mall for some retail therapy while the boys engaged in Pokémon battles, their laughter echoing through the cafeteria. But Serena found it hard to shake off her worry.

"Hey, Serena, are you alright?" Dawn asked, noticing her friend spacing out.

"I-I'm just worried about Ash," Serena admitted, biting her lip. "The way he responded this morning is so different from normal. I think it has something to do with what Professor Sycamore and Kukui told him yesterday. When I saw him in the hallway, he was crying, but the professors said he needed some alone time."

"You care for him, don't you?" Dawn said, her tone softening.

Serena nodded, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "When I'm around him, I feel different. He makes me want to be brave and go after what I want. He even stood up to Calem for me," she confessed.

"Speaking of Calem, what are you going to do about him? Are you going to break up with him?" Dawn asked, her brow raised in curiosity.

"I'll give it a little more time. If he doesn't change, then yeah, I'll have to reconsider," Serena replied, determination lighting her eyes.