Into The Unown

The Dream

When Ash woke up, something about Serena felt... different. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the air around her seemed shifted.

Next to him, Gary was still fast asleep, his snores rumbling like a Snorlax. Ash rubbed his temples and glanced at Serena, who sat by the bay window, gazing out at the crashing waves. The moonlight illuminated her figure, casting a soft glow that made her look almost ethereal.

"Hey, are you feeling alright?" Her voice was soft, her lips curled into a gentle smile.

Ash blinked. "Yeah... I think so. Are you?"

She rose gracefully, a kettle in her hand, and walked toward him. Her movements were fluid, almost too perfect, as though each step was rehearsed.

"I made you some tea," she said, pouring the steaming liquid into a cup and handing it to him.

"What is it?" Ash asked, staring at the cup with suspicion.

"Ling tea," she replied, settling at the foot in of his bed. "I read somewhere that the leaves from the ling plant in Orre can cure heartache and help with bone pain. Figured you could use it."

Ash sniffed the tea, the earthy aroma almost pleasant, but the moment the liquid touched his tongue, he gagged. "Ugh! That's disgusting!"

Serena laughed lightly. "Yeah, sorry about the taste. There's not much I can do about that. Drink up, though. You can't protect me if you're falling apart."

With a grimace, Ash gulped it down, forcing himself to swallow the bitter liquid.

"Wow," she teased, her voice light with amusement, "so you'll chug something awful just because I ask? Good to know I can make you do things so easily." She trailed a nail along the curve of her face, her laughter melodic but... wrong. It wasn't her laugh.

That's when Ash felt it—something was off, and the more he looked at her, the more the feeling intensified.

"Who are you?" he blurted, the words leaving his lips before he could stop them.

Her smile faltered, her expression shifting from playful to deadly serious in an instant. "How do you know?"

Ash stiffened, his instincts screaming at him to move. "Where is the real Serena?"

Xenos grabbed his wrist with startling strength, her grip cold. "Stay away from her," she hissed, her voice layered with something ancient. Her dark eyes gleamed with malice. "She has a purpose, something far greater than you could ever comprehend."

Ash yanked his hand back, his heart racing. "Why now? Why are you here—after two years, why now?"

Xenos smiled. "I came to make sure she remembers who she is."

Before Ash could respond, his vision blurred, and a sudden heaviness overtook him. He blinked once, twice, and then—darkness.

Ash jolted awake, his breath coming in sharp gasps. His head snapped toward the bay window, where Serena was sitting, her knees drawn up to her chest.

"Serena?" His voice trembled

She turned to him, her face her own. "Hey," she said gently. "Did you have a nightmare?"

Ash stared at her, his pulse still racing. "Yeah... something like that."

Serena offered him a small, reassuring smile. "Get some rest. I'll be right here."

Ash's eyes stayed on Serena as his chest rose and fell, still shaken from the nightmare. She must have noticed because she got up from the bay window and turned to him.

"I'll make you some tea," she said softly, her voice was distant, like she was keeping her own demons at bay.

As she moved toward the door, Ash suddenly felt a wave of déjà vu. Something about her gesture, her tone, triggered a memory he didn't want to recount.

"Wait," he called out, his voice hoarse.

Serena paused, turning with a questionable look. "What is it?"

"Don't go," he said quietly, his gaze meeting hers. "Just stay here...

Her expression softened. "You sure? You need to rest—"

"I'll rest better if you're here," he admitted.

She hesitated for a moment before walking back to him. "Alright," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "You're burning up," she said, placing her hands on his forehead, "I'll make you some Ling—"

"I'll be cured if you sit closer," he said slyly, shifting to make room for her.

Serena gave him a small smile and slid under the blanket beside him. She settled next to him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "You're stubborn, you know that?"

Ash gave a faint chuckle, his eyes growing heavy. "Maybe... but you stayed."

Serena rested her head lightly against his. "I'm not going anywhere, Ash. Just sleep."

With her warmth beside him, Ash felt himself relax completely. He closed his eyes, letting the déjà vu fade as peace finally took over.

Authors note:- Sorry for the late chapter! I had a terrible writers block 😭😭 also guys if possible please comment!