Ash x Serena Rise of the forgotten hero

Convergence of Strength

As the first light broke over the horizon, Ash was already awake and restless, barely having slept. He decided to start his morning with some intense training, hoping to clear his mind. After grabbing a bottle of cold water from the Pokémon Centre's cafeteria, he and Pikachu made their way to the beach, where he released his Pokémon for a morning run. Together, they pushed each other, sprinting down the shore, then began sparring to practice dodging and hone new moves.

Meanwhile, Serena tossed and turned in her bed, sleep eluding her as her mind replayed the events of the previous day. When she finally checked the clock, it was 6:30 a.m. Deciding there was no point in lying awake, she quietly slipped out of the room without disturbing the other girls. Once outside, she called out Sylveon. "Let's go for a walk," she said softly, and Sylveon entwined its ribbon-like feelers around Serena's arm as they strolled down toward the beach to catch the sunrise.

As she walked, Serena noticed a trainer in the distance, surrounded by Pokémon. She could make out a Pikachu and a Greninja among them. Could it be... Ash? she wondered, her heart catching a little. She moved closer, and sure enough, it was Ash, locked in intense sparring with his Lucario.

"Alright, Lucario, use Power-Up Punch!" Ash called. Lucario hesitated, concerned about hurting his trainer, but Ash reassured him. With each strike, Ash staggered slightly more, grunting in pain as Lucario's blows grew in strength. Finally, after the fifteenth punch, Ash staggered back, coughing up a little blood. "Alright... that'll do," he said, breathing heavily, and gave Lucario a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

Serena was shocked by Ash's recklessness, concerned as she watched. She knew he pushed himself hard, but this level of intensity felt different—reckless even. She wanted to step in but paused when she heard Ash say, "Greninja, let's try to master that power together." Serena's curiosity grew as she watched.

With a focused cry, "Together!" Ash and Greninja synced, and a watery vortex surrounded Greninja, transforming him into Ash-Greninja. The red markings along Greninja's body began to flicker as they attempted to deepen their bond. Ash closed his eyes, trying to focus, but memories began flooding his mind, emotions he hadn't sorted through fully. Pain surged through him, causing him to cry out as he and Greninja collapsed to the ground. Pikachu and the other Pokémon quickly rushed to his side.

Seeing Ash collapse, Serena gasped and ran over, with Sylveon at her side. Garchomp and Tyranitar stepped forward defensively, not recognizing her. Sylveon quickly stood protectively in front of Serena, and Pikachu stepped in, signalling to the two Pokémon that she was a friend. With their suspicions eased, Garchomp and Tyranitar stepped aside, allowing her to approach Ash. Kneeling beside him, she carefully checked on him until, after a few moments, he and Greninja regained consciousness.

"Agh... what happened?" Ash groaned, rubbing his head.

"You and Greninja powered up, but then you suddenly cried out and passed out," Serena explained, her face slightly pink as she looked him over. Ash glanced up, surprised to see her there.

"Serena? What... what are you doing here?" he asked, still slightly disoriented.

"I couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk with Sylveon to watch the sunrise," she replied. "Then I saw you training, and when you collapsed, I was worried."

Ash nodded, avoiding eye contact as he muttered a quiet, "Thanks." Serena's heart sank as she looked into his eyes, which seemed distant and conflicted—so unlike the confident, determined eyes she knew. They held a trace of loneliness, confusion, and even... betrayal?

With a heavy heart, Serena watched as Ash recalled his Pokémon and began to walk away.

"Where are you going?" she called after him, hoping he might stay and talk.