Ash x Serena Rise of the forgotten hero

On the Edge of Tomorrow

Serena, Dawn, and May walked back to the Pokémon Center in heavy silence, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on them. May and Dawn exchanged worried glances, their hearts aching for Serena. They knew how deeply she loved Ash and how unbearable the thought of losing him was for her. Every now and then, Serena let out a quiet sniffle, her mind consumed by spiraling thoughts. She couldn't stop imagining the worst—what would she do if Ash didn't make it? Even the mere idea of that reality made her tears flow faster, her chest tightening with grief.

As they approached the Center, the soft glow of its lights offered little comfort. Inside, Gary, Clemont, Paul, and Bonnie sat at a table in the lobby, their faces tired and solemn. Serena followed Dawn and May as they walked over to join the group.

"So... how is he?" Gary asked cautiously, his voice low.

Serena froze at the question, her composure cracking. Tears welled up in her eyes again, and without a word, she turned and walked briskly toward the stairs. "I'll go with her—you explain," Dawn said softly to May, quickly following Serena.

May took a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking. "The doctors said... if his heartbeat doesn't improve soon, he won't survive."

Gary's eyes widened, his expression grim. "So it's that bad..." he murmured.

May nodded, her voice catching slightly. "There's nothing more they can do. It's all up to him now."

The group fell into silence, the weight of the news pressing on them like a storm cloud. Even Paul, usually so stoic, lowered his gaze in uncharacteristic thoughtfulness. They sat together for some time, each lost in their own reflections on the possibility of Ash not making it. After a while, as the clock ticked closer to midnight, they wordlessly agreed to head to their rooms.

With Serena

Serena ran into her room, shutting the door behind her with trembling hands. The quiet hum of the room was deafening. She wandered over to the balcony, stepping out into the cool night air. The stars twinkled above her, indifferent to the pain coursing through her heart. She clutched the railing, her tears falling freely now as she whispered, "Oh, Ash..." Her voice was barely audible, a tremor of anguish carried away by the night breeze.

"Why you?" she murmured. "Why did they have to go after you, of all people? Why couldn't they just leave you alone? Why did they have to ruin everything?" Her voice cracked, and she sank to her knees, sobbing harder, her hands gripping the cold metal of the railing.

A few moments later, Dawn quietly entered the room. She glanced around and saw Serena's figure hunched on the balcony, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. Dawn's heart broke for her friend, and without hesitation, she rushed over.

"Serena..." Dawn said softly as she knelt beside her, pulling her into a comforting hug. Serena leaned into Dawn's embrace, burying her face against her friend's shoulder as fresh tears fell.

Dawn gently stroked her back, whispering words of reassurance. "He's strong, Serena. He'll pull through. I know he will."

Serena nodded weakly against her, but her fears remained. What if this time, strength wasn't enough? She pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes. "I want to believe that... I really do. But... what if—"

"No," Dawn interrupted firmly, cupping Serena's face. "No what-ifs. He's been through so much, and every time, he's made it. He'll make it this time too."

Serena gave a small, shaky nod. "I just... I don't know what I'd do without him," she whispered.

Dawn smiled gently and stood, pulling Serena to her feet. "Come on. Let's get some rest. You need it."