Ash x Serena Rise of the forgotten hero

A Bond Blossoms, A Stage Set

Serena's heart pounded as the words escaped her lips. "I... I love you, Ash," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper yet filled with sincerity.

Ash froze, his eyes widening in surprise. He opened his mouth but no words came out. Serena's nerves began to spiral. Had she just ruined their friendship? "Ash, if you don't feel the same, you don't have to say anything—"

Before she could finish, Ash gently placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her racing thoughts. "Serena," he began softly, his voice steady. "You caught me off-guard with that... I didn't expect you to ask something like that, at least not yet."

Serena blinked, her expression torn between hope and uncertainty. "Not yet?" she echoed, her voice shaky.

Ash nodded, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of warmth and honesty. "I always thought something like this would happen at, I don't know, a special place... like Lumiose Tower or maybe at the Prism Tower's light show," he admitted with a small, sheepish laugh.

Despite the situation, Serena couldn't help but giggle softly at his unexpected yet endearing response. "So... I threw you off your game?" she teased, her nerves easing slightly.

"Yeah," Ash admitted with a grin, scratching the back of his head. His smile faded into a more thoughtful expression. "Serena, I've always known how much you've cared about me. It's something I've felt for a while now. But hearing you say it like this... it's different. It's real."

Serena nodded, waiting patiently as he continued.

Ash took a deep breath, his hand slipping from her shoulder to his side. "Is it okay if I give you my answer later today?" he asked, his tone careful but sincere. "I just need some time to think... not because I don't care, but because I want to make sure I give you the answer you deserve."

Serena felt her heart flutter, the nervous weight lifting slightly. "Take all the time you need, Ash," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "No matter what you decide, no matter what you say, I'll always be here. I'll always be with you."

Ash's eyes softened at her words. "Thanks, Serena," he said quietly, offering a small but genuine smile.

As they resumed walking, Serena's mind swirled with emotions—hope, relief, and an unwavering faith in Ash. She knew he'd give her an answer from his heart, and no matter what it was, their bond would only grow stronger. Their journey, after all, was far from over.

As the group journeyed toward Gloire City, their spirits were high, the excitement of the master class and the Kalos League fueling their steps. When the sun reached its peak, they decided to take a break for lunch. Finding a serene, shaded spot in the forest, they set up a cozy picnic beneath a canopy of rustling leaves. The air was filled with the chatter of Pokémon and the occasional giggle from the group as they shared stories and enjoyed their meal.

After lunch, Serena stood, brushing off crumbs and straightening her skirt. "I think it's time to get some practice in," she announced with determination. "Altaria and I need to perfect our mega evolution—it's my secret weapon for the master class."

Ash grinned. "Sounds good! I'll get some training in too. The Kalos League isn't going to win itself," he said, pumping his fist in the air. The group nodded in agreement, scattering to focus on their respective goals.

Serena moved to a quiet clearing nearby with Altaria, her Mega Stone gleaming faintly under the sunlight. She practiced her commands, encouraging Altaria as they tried to summon the energy needed for mega evolution. Time and time again, they pushed, but the transformation eluded them.

Meanwhile, Ash was hard at work with his Pokémon, sharpening their skills and coordinating their strategies. He glanced over occasionally, watching Serena from a distance. After some time, he noticed her movements slowing, her head hanging low. Concern flashed in his eyes.