Chapter 34: No Distance Between Us
A framed photo sat on the bedside table, capturing a fleeting moment of warmth. Ash and Goh sat cross-legged on the grass, while Misty, Serena, Dawn, and Chloe perched on a bench behind them, their smiles frozen in time. A memory from the school festival, chaotic, exciting, and unforgettable. A rare chance for all of them to simply be friends, unburdened by the weight of studies, exams, and the ever-present unpredictability of their world.
Serena adjusted her uniform in the mirror, smoothing out invisible creases. She checked her reflection one last time before nodding in approval. Satisfied, she glanced at the photo and smiled before slinging her bag over her shoulder and stepping out of her room. She paused briefly outside another door.
She knocked twice, her voice gentle but firm. "Time to go, Misty."
Not waiting for an answer, she headed to the kitchen. Two neatly packed bento boxes sat on the counter, a product of her morning routine. She picked one up and slipped it into her bag just as footsteps approached behind her.
Misty wordlessly grabbed the remaining lunch box, barely stifling a yawn. "Thanks."
Serena nodded. "No problem."
They stepped outside, the open-air corridor offering a breathtaking view of Vermilion's morning bustle. The city was already awake, buses trundling down the roads, early risers setting up market stalls, and distant ship horns echoing from the harbor.
As they descended the stairs, they talked about their increasingly packed schedules, the mounting tests preparing them for finals, and the struggle of balancing school with their ambitions.
Misty nudged Serena playfully. "Think we'll have another group study session for the final exam like last time?"
Serena slowed her steps, her gaze turning thoughtful. "I hope so."
Misty smirked. "Not that you need it. You're one of the last people who should be worried about grades. I wonder why you look so eager about it."
Serena's face flushed as she looked away. "It's nothing. I just… want to hang out." She quickened her pace slightly.
Misty chuckled, amused by how easily Serena could be flustered.
(๑• .̫ •ू๑)
A bus pulled up to the curb, slowing to a stop as passengers lined up for their morning commute.
Serena's eyes wandered absently, skimming over shop signs and the bustling sidewalks. Her gaze drifted toward the bus windows, barely registering the passengers, until something made her do a double take.
Her breath hitched.
"Ash?"
She took a step forward, confusion flashing in her blue eyes as she waved toward the window.
Ash blinked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he noticed her.
Misty crossed her arms. "Why are you on this bus? You're not going to school?"
Ash gave a small, reassuring smile. "I will. See ya later." The bus engine rumbled as he spoke.
His attention was briefly drawn away when an elderly man dropped his reading glasses near Ash's foot. Without hesitation, Ash bent down, picked them up, and handed them back with a polite nod.
By the time he looked back out the window, the bus was already pulling away from the curb. Misty stood there alone, her unimpressed stare following him until the vehicle disappeared down the street.
⸻
"So, Ash… where are we going?"
He turned sharply at the sound of Serena's voice, startled to see her settling into the seat beside him, adjusting her skirt.
Ash stared. For a full second, his mind blanked. Serena… was here?
His lips parted as if to ask how or why, but nothing came out.
There was a redness on her face... maybe due to running? But her hands were calmly clasped together, her posture steady.
"Wait... what? You...?" He finally managed, his voice laced with genuine confusion. "Why did you get on the bus?"
Serena hesitated. Why had she ended up here? She had just… acted. Yes, it was reckless and impulsive. She had classes, exams, and obligations… but the thought of Ash riding off somewhere alone, without clarification, unsettled her. It wasn't about school. It wasn't even about curiosity. It was something else. She knew exactly why. But she wasn't ready to admit.
"I, uh…" She swallowed, the faint blush on her face intensifying. "I just wanted to make sure you weren't ditching class."
It wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either.
Ash chuckled, shaking his head. "I wouldn't do that. "But yeah, I guess it must look weird, me heading this way, huh?"
Serena studied him, noting the way his expression grew more serious.
"Yeah…" Her voice softened. "Where are we going, Ash?"
For a moment, he didn't answer. His fingers tapped against his knee, his gaze distant.
(๑• .̫ •ू๑)
As the bus rolled to a stop, its brakes let out a sharp hiss, and the doors creaked open. Ash and Serena stepped onto the pavement, the soles of their shoes tapping against the cool concrete. The air was crisp with the scent of freshly cut grass, a stark contrast to the lingering tension in Ash's chest.
The side street was quieter than the bustling main roads of Vermilion, lined with tall trees whose branches whispered in the gentle morning breeze. The Pokémon Center stood ahead, its familiar red-roofed structure tucked behind a grilled metal fence. The large Poké Ball insignia above the entrance loomed overhead, its two halves gleaming under the sunlight, one bright red, the other stark white. A symbol of safety and healing. But today, it felt heavier, as if the weight of what lay inside pressed down on Ash's shoulders.
Serena hesitated, her fingers brushing against the strap of her bag. "I hope it's okay," she murmured, uncertainty flickering across her face.
"Yeah," Ash replied, though his voice lacked conviction. His attention was already drawn toward the building, his chest tightening at the thought of what awaited him inside.
The automatic doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing a pristine white lobby bathed in warm artificial light. The scent of disinfectant and herbal medicine lingered in the air, foreign to Serena, making her rub her nose lightly.
Unlike her, Ash remained unbothered; it was a scent he had grown all too familiar with during his time in the Breeder's Club. Scanning the room, his gaze landed on Brock, who sat alone at one of the tables, hunched over his phone, absently swiping through something...
Ash motioned for Serena to follow, his steps deliberate as they approached.
"Sir Brock," Ash greeted, his voice steady but lacking its usual energy. "This is Serena, my classmate."
Brock glanced up, slipping his phone into his pocket as he stood. His sharp brown eyes softened slightly. "Hey, nice to meet you."
Serena offered a polite nod. "Nice to meet you too, sir."
Brock wasted no time. With a quick gesture, he beckoned them down the hallway, leading them past rows of closed examination rooms until they reached a large viewing window.
Beyond the glass, several Pokémon rested within advanced medical capsules, their spherical, glass-like domes pulsing with soft green energy. The glass was slightly fogged from the gentle mist circulating within, designed to aid in healing and breathing. The soft beeping of heart monitors blended with the occasional flicker of energy, a mechanical symphony of restoration.
Ash's gaze locked onto one Pokémon in particular.
Charmander.
The small Fire-type lay curled up inside one of the capsules, his orange body barely stirring beneath the thin medical blanket. His tail flame, once vibrant and lively, now flickered weakly, dim but steady, a fragile light refusing to go out. The sight made Ash's chest clench.
Serena's brows knit together in concern, her lips parting slightly at the pitiful state of the supposed fiery Pokémon.
"How is he?" Ash's voice was quieter this time, as if speaking any louder would shatter the stillness of the room.
Brock exhaled, arms crossing. "Recovering. He'll need to stay here for the rest of the day." His gaze lingered on the capsule, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "But he's stable."
A soft whoosh sounded as the doors to the recovery room slid open. Nurse Joy stepped inside, moving with practiced efficiency as she checked Charmander's vitals. Her expression remained calm, though she lingered slightly at the dim tail flame before making a note on her clipboard.
She soon exited, stopping before the trio outside the window. A gentle, reassuring smile rested on her lips. "Charmander is doing much better. We'll be transferring him to the recovery ward soon, where he'll have more space to rest."
Ash didn't respond right away. His gaze remained locked on the small Fire-type, his mind replaying the moment he had found him, scared, hurt, pushed beyond his limits. He clenched his fists at his sides, jaw tightening.
Serena, standing beside him, silently observed his reaction. She didn't say anything, but she noticed, the tension in his posture, the way his fingers curled just slightly, as if suppressing something. She filed it away in her mind.
Brock, ever the professional, gave a small nod. "Thanks, Nurse Joy."
As she walked away, the seriousness on Brock's face cracked, just slightly. His gaze trailed after her retreating figure, his lips twitching upward for half a second before he caught himself. He cleared his throat, shifting his stance as if nothing had happened.
Serena arched an eyebrow but decided not to comment. Instead, she turned her attention back to the matter at hand. "Sir, what's going to happen to the students who did this?"
The question cut through the moment like a blade.
Ash tensed immediately, his hands clenching tighter, this time, not from concern, but something deeper. Anger.
Brock caught the shift in his demeanor before answering. "That'll be decided by the principal today." Then, with a glance at the clock, he added, "Speaking of which, thanks for coming, but if you two don't hurry, you'll be late."
Reluctantly, Ash pulled his gaze away from Charmander. Serena checked her phone, her lips pressing together at the time. "I think we'll be late for math class."
Ash groaned. "Ms. Chrysa's gonna be mad."
Serena smirked. "I can only imagine."
Then, after a beat, Ash's lips curled into a small, mischievous grin. "Might as well not show up at all."
Just as they stepped outside, a Brock called after them.
"Need a ride?"
They turned to see him, keys in hand.
Ash and Serena exchanged glances before nodding. "That'd be great," Serena admitted.
They followed Brock to his car and got in. The weight of the morning still lingered, but with Brock driving, and Serena beside him, it didn't feel quite as heavy.
(๑• .̫ •ू๑)
The gentle hum of the car engine filled the space between them as Ash and Serena sat in the back seat, their school bags resting between them.
Ash had been absently watching the streets pass by, eyes flicking toward familiar landmarks, until he noticed something off. The turn Brock should have taken toward the school came and went, the car instead veering onto a quieter road leading away from their intended route.
Frowning, Ash leaned forward slightly. "Uh, Sir? Where are we going?"
Brock, keeping one hand on the wheel, casually replied, "I thought you two were skipping first class since you were already late."
Ash blinked. "Wait, what?" He exchanged a quick glance with Serena before shaking his head. "That was just a joke!"
Serena sat up straighter, concern flashing across her face. "Sir Brock, we can still make it..."
Brock chuckled, unconcerned. "Oh? Well, sorry about that." His tone was light, but there was a teasing glint in his eyes. "But we're already here, and by the time I turn around and get you to class, it'd be a few minutes away from finishing anyway."
Serena let out a small sigh, lowering her gaze to her bag. Ash slumped back against the seat, arms crossed. "Guess we're really doing this, huh?"
Brock smirked but didn't answer. A few moments later, the car slowed to a stop at a small park nestled between the quiet streets. The parking lot was mostly empty, save for a few morning joggers. Sunlight filtered through the trees, dappling the pavement with shifting patterns of gold and green.
Ash stepped out first, stretching with a lazy yawn. "Man, I guess this is better than running straight into class late."
Serena adjusted her bag over her shoulder, exhaling. "Ms. Chrysa's scary when she wants to be."
Brock locked the car, giving them an amused glance. "Well, as a club advisor, I really shouldn't be encouraging this." He gestured toward a small coffee stall near the park's entrance. "But since we're here, I'm grabbing coffee. What do you guys want? It's on me."
Ash perked up. "Latte."
Serena hesitated, then smiled slightly. "Espresso."
Brock nodded and strode off, leaving Ash and Serena walking at a slow pace toward a wooden bench.
The park was still waking up, early joggers passed by, a few people walked their Pokémon along the winding trails, and a gentle breeze rustled the branches overhead.
Serena exhaled, taking in the moment. It was rare, just the two of them, without the usual distractions of school, friends, or battles. A part of her wanted to take advantage of it, to bring up what had been on her mind lately.
'Next year…'
She still wasn't sure if she'd be coming back to Vermilion. Her mother hadn't decided yet, and that uncertainty gnawed at her. She glanced at Ash, who sat on the bench, elbows resting on his knees, gaze distant.
'Maybe now is the time to say something?'
But as she observed him more closely, she hesitated. His thoughts were still lingering on Charmander—on what happened, what would happen next. Even if he wasn't saying anything, she could tell. His hands were loosely clasped together, but every now and then, his fingers tightened, like he was gripping something just out of reach.
'Maybe… not right now.'
She sighed inwardly, choosing to let him think.
But to her surprise, Ash suddenly shook his head and sat up straighter. "You know what? I don't really wanna think about all that right now." He turned to her with a more relaxed grin. "Let's talk about something else."
Serena blinked. "Huh?"
"Final exams," Ash said, stretching his arms behind his head. "Do you think we should have another study session like before?"
Serena tilted her head. "That's actually funny, you and Misty were on the same page."
Ash perked up. "Oh yeah?"
"She brought it up earlier. We're both in."
"Great!" Ash's grin widened. "We'll ask Chloe, Dawn, and Goh later. If we all get good grades, maybe that'll help our chances of staying in the same class next year."
Serena felt her breath catch for just a second. Same class next year…
'This is it. The perfect moment.'
She could tell him now, about her uncertainty, about how she wasn't sure she'd even be in Vermilion next year, let alone the same class.
She swallowed, then took a steady breath.
"…Ash."
He turned to her, blinking at the sudden shift in her tone.
She hesitated for just a second before forcing herself to continue. "I… don't know if I'll be coming back next year."
Ash stared at her, unprepared for that. "Wait, what?"
She looked away, clasping her hands together over her bag. "My mom hasn't decided yet. She's considering enrolling me somewhere else in Kalos, maybe Lumiose. It's not up to me."
Ash was quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. "…You're not sure?"
Serena forced a small, hollow laugh. "Yeah. So… don't worry about it, okay? We'll stay in contact no matter what."
But her hands trembled slightly. She curled her fingers together to hide it, telling herself she shouldn't be an extra burden on Ash's already full plate. He had enough to think about. Enough to deal with.
But then, she felt warmth over her hands.
She looked up in surprise.
Ash had placed his hand over hers, firm and steady. His expression was softer now—not as surprised, not as unsure. Just certain.
"No distance is gonna set us apart," he said. "We'll call, we'll keep each other updated, I won't let being in different places change anything."
Serena met his gaze, searching it for something more. And the truth was… they both knew what he meant.
But still, she couldn't help but wish for more.
And yet, she couldn't ask for a better response from him.
It was both reassuring and sad at the same time.
But she chose to focus on the former.
She smiled, letting a single tear slip down her cheek. This time, she didn't bother hiding it. She allowed at least this much of her true feelings to show.
Ash noticed, frowning slightly. He reached into his pocket, pulling out his handkerchief, but before he could hand it to her, she had already wiped the tear away with her sleeve, a bright smile returning to her face.
"Thanks, Ash. I've been meaning to tell you, and the others too, I just didn't have the courage."
Ash hesitated. He could tell.
Her smile wasn't real.
And so, he forced one too.
Both smiled. Forcefully.
And they were both aware of it.
Just then, Brock returned, carrying three covered cups. "Hope that's what you guys ordered."
Ash and Serena instinctively reached for their drinks. "Thanks," they both said in unison.
But as their fingers curled around the cups, neither immediately took a sip.
The warmth seeped into their hands, but their thoughts remained elsewhere.
Serena traced the rim of her cup absentmindedly. Ash stared at his drink, his expression briefly clouded, as if he wanted to say something but lost the words before they could form.
Brock sat down beside Ash, setting his own cup aside. He didn't say anything at first, simply glancing between them. He wasn't oblivious, he could tell something was off.
But he didn't comment on it.
Instead, he reached into a small paper bag and pulled out a box. "And fresh, jelly-filled donuts," he announced casually.
Ash blinked, as if snapped from his thoughts, before grabbing one. "Sweet! You're the best, Sir."
Serena, still holding her cup, lowered her gaze slightly.
The moment had passed.
For now, she'd just let this morning be what it was, one of the few moments she got to spend alone with Ash.
Well, mostly alone.
But Brock wasn't hovering. He gave them space.
And for now… that was enough.
(๑• .̫ •ू๑)
The rumble of Brock's car engine softened as he eased into the school's vehicle entrance, rolling to a smooth stop just outside the main drop-off point.
"Alright, you two. Go on ahead," Brock said, leaning back slightly as he glanced at them through the rearview mirror. "I'll find a parking spot. See you later, Ash."
Ash unbuckled his seatbelt, grabbing his bag. "Thanks, Sir Brock." He opened the door, stepping onto the pavement, and Serena followed closely behind.
They walked side by side across the schoolyard, their steps slow, unhurried. The usual morning bustle surrounded them, late students rushing to class, the occasional calls of Pokémon from their Poké Balls, but Ash barely noticed any of it. His focus was on Serena, on the warmth of her presence beside him, on the quiet that existed between them.
He knew how limited the time they had left together was. She had told him she wouldn't be returning to Vermilion next year, and the thought gnawed at him.
Serena wasn't just another friend.
She had become part of his every day. Someone who grounded him, who had been there in the quiet moments between studies, their training, their conversations during lunch, and every opportunity they had. The idea of those moments simply stopping, of waking up one day and realizing she wasn't in their class or at school at all, felt like something he wasn't ready to face.
So he stayed close. Not obviously clinging, but near enough that their arms occasionally brushed. A silent attempt to hold onto what little time they had left.
Serena noticed.
And she didn't pull away.
Instead, she accepted it completely, allowing herself to walk in sync with him. She knew why he was doing it, and it hurt, because she felt the same. She didn't want to leave him, either. But some things weren't in her control.
If this was all they had, she wouldn't waste a second of it.
Above them, from the second-floor window of the administration building, a pair of narrowed eyes watched.
(๑• .̫ •ू๑)
Damian stood with his arms crossed, barely listening to the furious voice behind him.
"You wasted the opportunity of your life, Damian! Not only are you expelled from this school, but you're blacklisted by the Pokémon League! You will never become a trainer!"
His mother's voice was sharp, each word laced with rage, but he had long since tuned her out.
His fingers curled against his sleeve as his gaze locked onto Ash below.
'That idiot… walking so casually, like nothing had changed. Like he hadn't ruined everything.'
Then, he saw the girl beside him.
His scowl twisted into something else.
A slow, knowing smirk crept onto his face.
(๑• .̫ •ू๑)
A/N: Thanks for the new subs and comments!
Charmander is recovering—but what's next for him?
Serena has finally dropped the news about her next enrollment. But will she convey her feelings?
Damian is blacklisted by the Pokémon League. So what's his next move?