Hall of Fame (Going For Glory Sequel) - An Amourshipping Fanfiction

Chapter 22 - Drowning in Sorrow

Ash came rising back up on Charizard, Serena's hat tied to his back and he was carrying her body in his arms, holding Serena close to his chest. Everyone turned as Charizard landed and Ash hopped off, holding his Pokeball behind his back for a brief moment to return Charizard, before walking forward, the storm and his wet hair covering his eyes as he looked down at the floor. There was complete and utter silence as everyone watched Ash walk up to the tables that had been set up. Ash gently laid Serena onto the table like he was putting a baby into a cot, before putting his hands on his face. Ash stared at the blood on his hands, watching it wash away in the pouring rain. He stood and stared at his own hands as someone finally moved.

"Serena...she isn't dead...right?" Bonnie spoke slowly, walking up to the table. She snapped her head up to Ash upon asking the question. 

Ash didn't reply, he reached into his pocket and put the note on her chest, before walking off. Pikachu decided not to follow him, staring at Ash as he headed away from the scene. 

In the background, Bonnie began to wail, crashing to her knees. Many of the gang began to cry, but some of them just stared into space, feeling unsure about how to react. Gary was the only person in the group that seemed to be taking it with no reaction, hands in his pockets. However, he had a grim look on his face and suddenly began to walk in the same direction that Ash was going, without saying a word.

Ash continued until he came across a forest and then he sat down on a log that had fallen, resting himself on it. Ash took the time to actually look at himself. His clothes had some blood stains, but there was also dirt and rubble covering his body and his face. Ash took off his hat and put it down in front of himself, before taking Serena's hat from his back, placing it next to his own hat. Ash stared at both of the hats as a memorable scene with Serena played in his head. 

He had just lost to Wulfric and spiralled into uncertain depression. Serena had made it her duty to find him and the confrontation sent them both away in anger. But, Serena had actually helped Ash and the final form of Ash-Greninja was born. 

"Ash" Serena's voice came from in front of him. 

Ash snapped his head up in response and there she stood, Serena, completely alive and well. 

"What...what is this?" Ash's face became visible as his eyes widened. He stared at Serena, who slowly took a few steps forward.

"Why have you been crying?" she tilted her head in question, seemingly confused by Ash's behaviour. 

Ash said nothing more, he took one giant step forward and put his hand out towards Serena. As he expected, the image of Serena faded through his hand and Ash collapsed onto his knees. Even though his emotions were spent, Ash found himself crying once more. The image of Serena had made him believe for a moment, but that was because Ash wanted to believe. He knew deep down that she was not coming back, no matter what.

"I am so stupid" Ash murmured to himself, wiping the newest round of tears from his face.

"Come on, get up" Gary's shadow formed over Ash as he entered the scene. 

"Huh?" Ash looked up at Gary, disbelief still all over his face. Gary reached out a hand.

"I said get up, I am not going to let you suffer alone" Gary helped Ash up and then walked over to the two hats. He picked up Ash's and then gave it to him. "Put it on, you will get a cold in this rain"

Ash slowly put it on and then Gary picked up Serena's hat and handed it to Ash.

"She wouldn't want you to be like to this, Ash. Let's show Serena the type of person you really are. I want to see that 'never give up' attitude" Gary was staring at Ash with a serious expression and Ash noticed the plaster on Gary's face.