When Serena noticed Ash coming from the other side, for a moment all her worry faded. Somewhat excited, she fastened towards him.
"Hey Ash…" she said as her feet led her towards him. However, Ash simply moved aside and brushed past her, not sparing even a glance for her. Serena could only stare back at him, her lips curling downward from a smile to a frown.
Some days had passed now since the incident. Ash has refused to even look at her, let alone hold conversation. And realizing it was her mistake entirely, Serena could only feel ashamed of her behavior. She had been trying ever since to talk to him, but he always ignored her.
"Hey, Serena!"
A loud cry broke the honey haired girl's trance and she turned around. Dawn was rushing towards her. She stopped in front of her and Serena could not help but raise her eyes at her friend's frantic expression.
"You won't believe it!" Dawn said her voice loud and anxious. "Professor Juniper is demanding everyone to submit the draft of their projects within a couple of weeks!"
"What?!"
"It's true," Dawn said while breathing heavily. "Gary told me. Professor Juniper and Professor Oak were talking about it earlier today."
"You can't be serious," Serena said, her voice wavering. A look of disbelief came over her face. "What am I going to do now? I haven't even decided what to do!"
It was something she and Ash were supposed to work upon together. But the recent events had completely shattered the mere idea of the possibility of them working together again. And as much as she hated to admit it, without Ash's assistance she was completely helpless now.
"I'm so dead…"
"Gah!"
Ash gritted his teeth and clenched his arms tight as he stumbled back. The pain was too much for him to bear and he lost his balance right there and fell on the floor. His arms were completely turned red. There was a weird fiery sensation inside his arms earlier. When he tried to cool them down the pain only intensified.
"Hey, Ash! You in there?"
Ash heard Gary calling him. The sound of his footsteps was nearing him. A horrified look came over his face. Still gritting his teeth, Ash proceeded to roll the sleeves of his jacket down. Right when he finished, Gary entered, his mouth opened agape and eyes widened at the sight.
"Holy…Wha…What's going on?!"
Gary rushed to his friend's side. He knelt down and made Ash wrap his arm around his neck and placed his own hand around his waist before forcing him to stand up. He tried to lead Ash out of the washroom but Ash strained against him. His struggle was unexpectedly strong and he easily managed to slip out of Gary's grip before leaning against the wall.
Ash was still holding his arms but motioned towards Gary with his hand. "I'm fine," he said, breathing heavily. His voice was barely above a whisper. "Just… Just give me a moment…"
"I'm not buying that again!" Gary snapped and moved towards him. "What is going on with you? You have been acting very strange for quite some time now!"
"Trust me," Ash grumbled, "You wouldn't want to get involved in this one."
Gary furrowed his eyes and at that moment Ash regretted what he had let out. He looked away from him. The brief distraction was enough to make him surrender to the pain. Closing his eyes, he let out a long breath. He was so lost in his own world that he did not even hear footsteps moving towards him. His trance shattered when Gary placed his hand on his head.
"You seriously need to come with me," the brunette said. "You have a really bad fever." Ash opened his mouth to say something but Gary beat him. "Don't worry about the lectures. I will get you your history lessons…" he paused – a small, reassuring smile coming over his face as he continued – his hands resting on his waist, "…but at the rate you're reading books I don't think you might even need them."
Ash did not speak this time, nor did he protest anymore. Gary grabbed Ash's arm – completely ignoring as Ash winced silently behind him – and led him out of the washroom.
"You really need to take some rest right now," Gary said. "Just come with me to the infirmary and let me handle everything else."
"You don't have to do that," Ash said in a low voice from behind.
Gary looked at him with a blank expression before smiling slyly. "What kind of friend am I then?"
"So is everyone here? Perfect. Let's star-"
"Professor Juniper!" Gary interrupted with his loud voice echoing in the room. Professor Juniper turned into the direction of the voice and noticed Gary rushing towards her with the door open behind. With the eagerness in his movements and frantic expression over his face, nobody could help but wonder what was going on.
"He is still not here…" Serena muttered, her eyes gazing at the empty seat some rows ahead of her.
"Calm down at least for now," Dawn sighed, "Your whining is not gonna help you."
Serena could not argue back. But the feeling of anxiety would not fade away. She was growing worried. She was not looking forward to losing her marks because of something so silly. And Ash was nowhere to be found. He had completely isolated himself.
Still fiddling with her fingers, the honey-haired girl looked up and noticed Gary talking with Professor Juniper about something. She could not quite catch their words, but from the look on Professor's face, she knew it was something serious.
However, her expression changed suddenly into a more understanding one. Serena could not help but wondered what really was going on. The school has always been a mystery to her. There was always someone hiding something from her.
"Okay everyone," Professor said after a long pause, her hands clasped together. Gary walked towards his own seat, the one next to Ash's. "Before we start today's lesson, I have an announcement for you. It has been over some weeks now since I have given you your projects. Now, I would like to see your progress on them…"
The entire room was filled with disappointed moans and students soon broke into whispering. The quiet room became noisy in no time. With the words finally out of her mouth, Serena felt herself weakening already. She slumped her head down on the table, groaning.
"…but you don't have to worry. I am giving you another week. All I need is the draft of your progress, but make sure to make it presentable."
"What am I going to do now?"
"Well…" Dawn breathed, but Serena did not seem to notice her. She seemed truly troubled and desperate at the moment and Dawn pitied her. She smiled downwards and turned ahead. She flipped to the last page of her notebook and started writing something. When done, she tore it off, crumbled it up in a ball and carefully – making sure that Professor Juniper wasn't noticing – threw it forward.
The paper ball hit Gary head on and then fell down into the hood of his jacket. Gary placed his hand on the back of his head and then inside the hood, looking for it. He grasped the paper, pulled it out and opened it. As his eyes scanned what was written in it, he finally realized what he was meant to do.
He turned around and noticed Dawn looking at him anxiously. He grinned and gave her thumbs up. He mouthed her 'gotcha!' and Dawn sighed in relief.
"Is there something you would like to share with us, Gary?" Professor Juniper's voice broke his trance and he turned forward again – bowing down his head apologetically while Dawn giggled quietly at the misfortune of her brunette friend.
"What do you mean he would listen?"
"I never said he would listen," Dawn breathed before continuing. "Just give him some time. Gary said he would figure it out."
"If you say so," Serena sighed. She grasped the straps of her bag as she walked in the long hallway. "…but I don't know. Why would he even listen to anyone anymore?"
"Relax!" Dawn pestered. "It's Gary we are talking about. If anyone can convince Ash to do anything, it's him!"
Serena blinked and glanced at her blue haired friend blankly. "Honestly. Why is Gary even willing to help?" she asked, curious. "Last time I remember he never owed me any favor."
"Don't be ridiculous," Dawn said, her voice ended with a bitter tone. "Of course he isn't doing this for you. There is someone else on the other side as well."
"You mean…"
Dawn sighed. "As long as it helps Ash, Gary would do anything." She placed her hands behind her head and looked up. "Gary has always been like that. I don't even know how he and Ash managed to become such close friends. Honestly, if it was me instead of Ash I would have freaked out by now."
"They do seem close…" Serena muttered, her grip on the straps tightening as she stared down the hallway.
"I don't understand any of it. Maybe it's a boy thing?"
"Maybe…"
Truthfully, Serena did understand most of it, if not all of it. She was once his friend as well. Best friend – precisely. But the Ash in front of her now wasn't the same boy she remembered.
He changed.
Maybe that's why she couldn't hold onto him anymore. But what could have happened to him? She remembered asking this to Dawn and Lara many times. Lara did not seem to know anything but Dawn outright refused to talk. Everyone was keeping secrets from her. She had never felt so isolated.
"I know something!" Dawn suddenly halted and Serena glanced at her, confused. "Today is Saturday. How about I come to your place?"
"My place?"
"Yeah. Tomorrow is a day off. I might even stay for the night," Dawn nodded. "So. What do you say?"
"Uh, sure," Serena muttered. "I don't have any problem with that."
"Perfect then!" Dawn exclaimed. "I will see you after school!" And with that excitement bubbling inside her she took off to her next class.
Serena sighed and shook her head. A small smile came over her face. If not for Dawn, she had no idea how she would handle herself. Dawn made all her worry dissipate – albeit temporarily.
When Serena looked up at the clock, she realized that it was nearly time for their next class. But as far as she was informed, Professor Elm was absent and there was no substitute either. Professor Oak had asked her to see him during her free time. So she moved, her feet leading her to the awfully quiet and dark hallway.
"Strange," Serena muttered as she walked. Her eyes glanced at the rather dark clouds – through the window – moving towards the school. She could see the lightning at some distance. As the wind blew inside the building, berating everything in its way, Serena was tempted to rub her widely exposed arms. The sudden change was rather apprehensive to her – as if she was certain something was about to happen. "Was it supposed to rain today?"
At that instant, a loud voice echoed in her ears. She stood there half dazed, unable to register what just happened. She was tempted to accuse the stormy clouds but the noise was far more suspicious.
She took another moment to realize that the voice came from somewhere around. She glanced at the corner up ahead. Without giving another thought she rushed for it.
"So you think you can play it cool, huh?"
As much as curious she was to inquire the commotion, she knew there was a right place and a right time for everything. Her movements halted right at the edge of the corner. She stood there, breathing shakily before peaking around the corner.
A blue haired boy had pinned someone against the locker. She didn't need a closer inspection to realize that it was the same boy who was trying to hit on her some while ago. But she was curious about the other boy who was surrounded by a few.
The blue jacket – which she considered warm – had a hood which was mostly covering the face of the boy. For a moment, she thought it was Gary. The jacket was far more familiar. But she doubted someone with connections to high authorities would be bullied by someone so easily. Gary was too good to get dragged into something like this. And even if he would, he would make his way out without much trouble.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you punk!"
The blue haired boy – didn't Gary said he was Damien? – stepped back, seemingly agitated. He attempted his best to act intimidate but the said boy could hardly affect the other one. When no response came from him, Damien snatched the boy's bag off his shoulder.
A brief line of sight showed her that the boy was hardly interested in the event. His hands were inside the pockets of the hooded jacket. But most importantly, he was leaning against the lockers rather lazily.
Serena could hear the sound of ruffling as Damien shuffled through the bag of the boy. She glanced at his hands and – isn't that bag –?!
"Damn it!"
She felt like her breathing stopped when Damien threw the bag towards the boy. The bag berated the locker before falling down. When Damien stepped back again – out of frustration – Serena finally noticed the victim. Her eyes widened and her mouth slightly opened agape.
One of the boys noticed a book coming out from the bag with a few papers – slightly visible – stuck between it. He knelt down and took it. As he scrolled through it his eyes rose in confusion. However, he never anticipated Ash to suddenly lunge at him.
But he was pushed back before he could snatch the book.
Damien raised his eyes with interest before his lips curved into a smirk. He took the book and hover it in front of Ash as if teasing him. Ash only gave him a blank expression. There was no frustration or irritation but an unreadable expression.
"This will ought to teach you not to meddle with our business," Damien said and motioned with his hand to hand him something. One of the boys reached out in his pocket and brought up a lighter. Before Serena could comprehend anything, let alone decide to interfere, flames were ignited in front of her eyes.
Serena clutched the edge of the wall tightly. Her heartbeat fastened. But her body felt numb. Even in her right mind, she was unable to move. Her eyes wouldn't move away. She could not help but watch – helplessly – as Damien kept the lighter below the book. The edge of the book finally turned black and flames started spreading up.
Ash's eyes never left Damien's as the book burned between them. But finally, he let go, closing his eyes briefly as he sighed. His head tilted to the left and as his eyes opened, the edge of his lips curved into a very faint smirk.
Before anyone could understand the meaning behind his laid back attitude – even now – the flames suddenly fastened. The whole book was engulfed into it, not within a moment and Damien found his hand caught up as well. It took him a moment to realize it but as he felt his arm heating up, starting to burn him – he reacted. Letting out a loud grumbling sound he shook his arm. The book dropped and Damien stepped back. His hand was constantly beating the flames but they refused to die. Still groaning in pain, he stepped back and against the locker.
His friends came to his rescue and attempted to beat the flames down but were failed. After a certain point, they even became petrified of it. The flames would not let Damien go, no matter what.
For a brief moment, Damien noticed Ash gazing at him. His eyes were still unreadable but he could swear he noticed an unfamiliar glint among them. His auburn eyes momentarily felt like raging as fire and Damien let out a loud cry. He completely succumbed to the pain – unable to put a stop to it.
"Stop-it-Stop-it-Stop-it-! Damn it! I beg you please stop this-"
Words came out of his mouth on their own, and never did Serena saw someone so terrified before. His voice was completely wavering and he was on the verge of tears. The pain was abundant in his voice but the petrified look on his face as he looked up at Ash – never did Serena realize how horrific Ash was looking at the moment.
Ash closed his eyes and let out a sigh. A gush of wind came out of nowhere and tugged hard on everyone. Serena felt her knee length skirt moving along with it and quickly pressed it down. Her hair swayed wildly but she couldn't care less.
Blinking her eyes through the hazy vision, Serena was able to look back up at the situation. Her eyes widened when she realized that the fire had dissipated as if it was never there at the first place. But the burn marks were the evidence of his suffering, his horror, and his humiliation.
Somehow managing to stand back up to his feet, Damien merely paid any attention to anyone and ran away – the rest following him with the somewhat equally petrified look. Damien turned around the corner and ran past Serena – showering the floor with the sprinkling tears from his eyes – but did not even notice her.
Still somewhat shaken up, Serena managed to catch up with her senses and quickly turned around the corner. Her feet, however, halted right at the edge as she stared at him.
Ash knelt down and placed his hand on the book. Considering how much flames were devouring it – it looked rather fine. But the damage initially done in front of him was already done. The burn marks were still present. His eyes then landed on the lighter that Damien had dropped earlier along with the book. He held it – the book as well – and stood up.
It was then that he realized that he has an audience. He looked up and noticed Serena around the corner where Damien had run off to, at some distance. Her mouth was slightly opened as she stared at him. He was unsure of her expression. He could not quite catch it. Nor that he cared. With his eyes dropping down to the floor he walked past her and down the opposite corridor.
With the darkness dawning over the school – Serena soon lost him from her sight.
Serena did not visit Professor Oak right after. She took a detour. She had to. With a lot of things running in her mind she was certain she wouldn't be helpful to the professor in any way. The image of Damien bullying Ash was something she did not want to witness. She knew that blue haired boy was no good – but attempting something like that was rather unacceptable.
But the thought wasn't in general – but specific and personal. It wasn't about Damien, but Ash. And it made her double check her priorities. Not only was it so because he was bullying Ash but his attempt backfired in the most bizarre way she could think of.
Ash wasn't even fazed – not even when Damien's arm was on fire. If something, he looked completely neutral. And to her, he looked very sinister. It wasn't the Ash she knew. It wasn't the boy she thought he was.
And then there was something about those flames – Damien wasn't only hurt but terrified as well. The flames did not seem to affect him as much as Ash did – and so without doing anything. Damien's words as he cried – Serena was certain Ash had some sort of involvement. But she could not prove it. She had no evidence.
In the end, it was only her intuition that she could hardly believe.
Serena was surprised to see the familiar sight on the desk of the professor when she entered the Principal's chamber. Professor Oak began to greet her but was put short.
"Wh-Where did you get this from?" Serena asked suddenly.
Professor Oak let out a sigh. He did not seem suspicious or even mad at her but decided to answer instead. It was something he would do whenever they were alone. He might be the school's principal, but only in front of them.
"Ash…"
That was all he said, his voice was slightly above a whisper. She knew he wanted to continue and he was about to continue, but something stirred inside her at that moment. And before Professor Oak could even open his mouth to speak something Serena beat him to it.
"This… This wasn't Ash's fault," she said not only suddenly but rather loudly.
Professor Oak found himself staring at her with a confused expression. His eyes dropped a little as he breathed and then glanced down at the half burnt book and a lighter in front of him. He looked back at her.
"What do you mean? This is reported by a teacher," he said.
"Ash didn't do it, professor. Trust me," Serena said as she walked towards Professor. Caught up in the moment she slammed her hands on the desk – something the old man was used to by now out of their familiarity but never complained. "Damien was the one."
"Damien?" Professor wondered, now more interested. "Are you certain?"
"I saw it, professor," Serena persisted. "He was harassing Ash. But when he did not respond Damien burned this book. I… I think there's something inside the book." Serena grabbed the book and scrolled through it. However, the ashes of the burnt pages flew around as the pages ruffled against each other. Serena could not find anything either.
Professor Oak sighed longingly. His eyes were rather dim and his shoulders very, very relaxed. For a moment, Serena feared he did not believe her.
"But… But I swear there was something!"
"I'm not saying I don't trust you. And knowing Ash… He might have taken whatever it was with him," Professor replied calmly, his expression never changed. Serena could not catch a lot from his expression but she was certain he seemed too tired for his own good. "You can take a seat."
Serena took a long breath. Her shoulders relaxed and her breathing rate became much more normal. She silently sat on a chair opposite to him.
"Now. Tell me more about it. In detail."
"I… I was coming to see you when I saw them," Serena started after a long pause. "He was harassing Ash for some reasons. But Ash looked like he wasn't even interested. Damien was trying to get on his nerves but Ash never responded and… and when he noticed that book… he just burnt it. I don't know what happened after. His clothes caught up the flames and he was hurt… petri–" She could not bring herself up to continue. A sense of insecurity dwelled inside her. She knew the consequences of it as well. "P-paralyzed too. When the flames died he ran away…"
Professor stared at her for a moment. His eyes were neutral and noticing her from every expects as if reading her.
"Is that all…?" Professor said. Serena was certain there was more than just curiosity behind those words and she momentarily paused. Her mind raced and she found herself on the middle line, unsure where to lean on.
Should I tell him? Or should I not?
He was just like a family. Not only has he known her for so long he has known Ash for longer. Surely he would understand.
But in the end, her insecurity won over. She could not betray Ash over something she feared herself.
"There were a few more guys with Damien…" Serena added quietly. And that was all she said. She refused to give up under Professor Oak's glance which seemed to be asking for more.
Professor Oak finally let out a sigh and pressed his hands against his head, his arms resting on the desk.
"I will go through it, thank you for your help," Professor said. Serena quietly nodded.
"You wanted to talk about something?" she asked after a while.
"Ah-Yes…" Professor said. He seemed to brighten up a bit but the expression faded soon and an apologetic look took over. "Unfortunately… I am very tired right now. Can you possibly come over another day?"
"O-Of course," Serena replied. She stood up and stepped aside from the chair before bowing down to him. "Have a good day," she said and with that, left the chamber.
As the door closed behind her, Professor Oak finally let his eyes wander on the book. A lighter was placed right next to it. He took it and brought it closer, inspecting it.
"No commotion but an accident," he muttered to himself. "What are you up to now son?"
They were indeed stormy clouds, just like she had expected. The rain was pouring down heavily and even with the windows closed, she could feel the wrath of the heavy rain.
The school ended shortly after her talk with Professor Oak. Serena met Dawn on the way who made sure to remind her of her arrival. By the time they reached the entrance – it was already raining heavily. Lara was kind enough to let Dawn under her umbrella as they parted from Serena and headed to their respective buses. But Serena had to wait.
She spent most of her time standing against a pillar – her back leaning against it and her hands crossed behind her, watching students leave. Some of them were over enthusiastic and straightforward jumped in the rain. Some did not seem too fond of rain. She even noticed some more students assisting others – a few them came out to be cute couples.
But she noticed him too.
Ash did not glance at her but did seem to notice her. He decided to stand on the other side of the entrance, watching the downpour with an uncertain expression. He stood there just like that for a while and Serena continued to glance at him.
The wind suddenly fastened and water drops came after them as well. Serena did not bother to move but Ash reacted rather impulsively. He quickly took a step back and zipped up the jacket. He wore the hood up and placed his hands quickly inside the pockets of the hooded jacket. At that moment, Serena felt like he was overdoing it. He acted like he hated rainwater with every ounce of his heart.
The school started to get empty and no sooner the two were standing together – alone. But Serena did not dare move, however, the thought of communicating with him came soon after she realized he was unable to leave, just like her.
And no matter what he would do, she knew, he wouldn't be able to run away this time.
She stood straight and took only a step when someone came and patted Ash on the back.
"I thought you would have left," Gary said as he tugged his arm around Ash's neck and pulled him closer.
"Can't even if I want to," Ash said with a smile, trying to get free from Gary's grip. "You have got something?"
"Yep!" Gary raised his other arm and revealed an umbrella in his grasp. It was completely black. He opened it and – surprisingly – it opened wider than Ash had thought. "Get in already," Gary said as he stepped out, the umbrella hovering over him.
Ash followed behind but was nearly pushed out by Gary. Gary let out a hearted chuckle as Ash glared at him. In the trance of the moment, Gary looked around and noticed Serena standing on the other side of the porch.
"Hey!" Gary waved his arm wide. "You wanna get in? There is a lot of space."
"No that's okay." Serena shook her head. "My mom will be coming soon," she added and then gave a brief glance at Ash. The raven haired boy wasn't even looking at her and for the first time in a while, she felt the familiar sadness dwelling inside her heart. She took a long breath, inhaling the sweet scent of rainy air – her hands clasped behind her back and held tight.
"If you say so…" Gary responded. He gave her a quick wave before the two boys walked off. She stared at them until they turned around and left her sight.
And Serena found herself all alone.
She was lucky, though, as her mother came right after. And such she found herself sitting in the front seat of the car, the seatbelt strapped around her. She was pulled out from her trance when the car bumped over – seemingly a rather big stone in the way.
Serena leaned her head on the window and sighed, thinking about the events of the day. The day was – strangely – tiring. Maybe a hot shower would do it… She thought.
"Mom," she called, not looking back at her. When her mother hummed in response, she continued. "Can Dawn stay for the night? She is coming over today.
