The raven head teenager let out a quiet sigh as his fingers rapidly tapped the school desk in front of him. His other arm lazily supported his drooping head as he used the wall on his right to support his drowsy body. Listening to the ramblings of Brock and his horrible love tales, who was sidetracked from teaching about evolution in animals.

Finishing his latest story on his dreadful search for love, Brock barked, "Ok class. Pair up with the partner I selected yesterday." Hearing this, a couple of students sent deadly glares at their teacher, still annoyed with his little stunt yesterday. The glares made Brock sink into his chair, intimidated by his students. However, he quickly recovered and ordered, "I said to pair up with your partner. Or else you will all get detention."

Immediately, the class pulsed into life with everyone dashing to their chosen partner. Ash quickly moved one row back to the spare seat next to Serena. Which would usually be occupied by Calem. But fortunately, he wasn't in class today. Busy with the suspension Brock had given him the day before. Letting Ash breath easy as he sat down next to Serena. The two greeted each other and quickly settled.

When the class settled, Brock explained, "From now on, these classes will be used to work on the project. But you will need to work outside of school as well. Remember, this task was created to relieve some of the stress school life can bring. And it will be graded on how you present your information. So be creative and think outside the box. Do the project on something you both enjoy. The draft is due this Friday.  If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask."

As soon as Brock finished, the class erupted with excited chatter, like lava spewing out of a volcano. Serena then turned to her raven-haired partner, asking, "So, about this project, I've been thinking..." As she continued to blabber on about their project, Ash couldn't help but let his mind wander into the millions of thoughts in his hand. Occasionally, he hummed and noded to seem like he was paying attention to what Serena was saying. But in reality, he didn't register a single word uttered from her mouth.

Many questions about last night circled in his disordered mind. But very few of them had answers. Was it just the common cold? But a common cold doesn't change how a person acts. Did Giovanni do something? It would be an understatement to say Giovanni hated Ash. But why would he do anything to Delia? To get back at him?

When the raven head went to check on her the following morning, Delia seemed to have mostly recovered from her illness. Her skin was still clearly pale but when compared to last night, it was a huge improvement. She even apologized for her actions last night when Ash brought up soup and medicine for her. Explaining that she didn't know what came over her. But that explanation only fulled Ash's desire to answer the question,

What happened to her?

She rarely yelled at her son. She only raised her voice a couple of times. But that was when he was being a nuisance around the house.

"So what do you think?" Serena asked, as his chocolate brown eyes turned to meet her bright blue eyes. Snapping that boy out of his thoughts.

"Errrrr. yeah sure. I like it" Ash answered smoothly, shooting a confident grin to Serena. On the outside, he seemed as cool as an Abomasnow using blizzard. But inside, he was as shaky as a rocking chair.

Her cerulean blue eyes glistened with joy as she gleefully exclaimed, "Great I'll see you at the school gates after school." Ash's eyes widen with confusion and his mouth grew slightly agape. Did he just accept some sort of date with Serena? Ash mentally screamed.

With Serena being one of the most popular girls in the school, and Ash the outcast of the school, they were both pushed to being on the opposites sides of the school's social ladder. Why would she ask him on a date? Not only would it bring Serena down the social ladder, but Ash would also be fed to the ravenous Sharks named Calem and other boys jousting for the beautiful hand of Serena Yvonne.

"Wait what!" Ash panicked.

The unexpected outburst surprised the honey-haired teenager, making her jump in her seat. "We are going to your house after school," She answered in a confused manner, lifting an eyebrow. Surely her presence wasn't this disturbing for him she thought. But as she inspected him more closely, he saw the panic splashing in his eyes, as if there was a storm brewing in him.

"M-my house?" He managed, feeling his throat constricting on itself.

"For the project we have. You were listening, right?" Serena questioned, her eyes narrowing at the fidgeting raven-haired boy.

Ash mentally let out a sigh of relief as his throat opened up. It wasn't a date. The raven head then attempted to conjure up any half-decent excuse to not work on the project at his house. He didn't want anyone to see the state his private life was in. Especially the part where the school's principal is his stepfather. "O yes, of course, I was listening. What I meant was... I thought we were going to your house?" He sheepishly replied, rubbing the back of his head.

Serena's eyes narrowed at Raven's head response, making Ash attempt to avoid the suspicious gaze of the blonde head. "Really?" Serena suspiciously asked.

"Yep. Your house would be perfect Serena." Ash answered instantly, shooting a wide grin at and a thumbs up.

A ball of nervousness started erratically bouncing around her stomach as she processes the offer. "M-my house" Serena replied nervously. Ash replied with a simple nod. "Ok. My mum should be fine with that." It would be the first time in years they would interacting outside of school. At her house as well. Serena could already see her Mum teasing her about this for the coming days. A faint blush grew on the face of Serena, turning her usually pale cheeks a tad pink just at the thought of it.

Snapping out of her dreamy state she felt a tap on her shoulder. When she turned, she saw Ash nervously scratching his cheek, "What time did you say it was again?" He sheepishly questioned.

Serena's nervousness left her body like an Abra using teleport. Staring directly into his brown eyes she snapped with an annoyed tone, "You weren't listening were you."

Ash let out a nervous laugh. It was only a matter of time. "I was," Ash answered. "It just your words went out the other ear you see." Rubbing the back of his head while announcing this.

Serena then let out a giggle at his comment. But before she could retort the school's speakers suddenly flickered into life, making all chatter cease in the room. "Good morning students." A female voice rang. "Sorry for the disruption. We will be having an emergency assembly starting in 10 minutes. Please stop all work and come down to the main hall. Thank you."

Immediately Brock stood up and commanded, "You heard her. Stop what you are doing and start heading down in a CALM and MATURE manner class."

Immediately the class stood up and frantically bustled out the door, going against Brocks wishes as he let out an annoyed groan. Avoiding the great rush Ash stayed near the back of the hoard, not wanting to attract any unneeded attention. Especially after what happened yesterday with him and Calem. As soon as he walked into school this morning, he immediately felt the glares of students burning into his soul. Usually, they wouldn't give Ash any attention, as if he didn't exist. But now, they are going to hassle him the whole day. The Raven head the let out an annoyed sigh, Today's going to be a long day.

***

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience I have caused for all of you. So I will try to make this quick," Giovanni explained as he stood menacingly on the stage.  Ash's eyes narrowed at his supposed father, he never acted in such haste. Giovanni was usually so methodical about everything. Planning everything to the smallest of details. So for him to create an assembly like this was very uncharacteristic of him. Was it the cause of the fight they had? He hasn't been the same since. He was out of the house for longer periods. Either coming home at the stroke of midnight or in the wee hours of the new day.

"I will be going away for business purposes. I will not be able to run the school while I'm gone." The principle announced, drawing murmurs from everyone in the hall. "Thus, I have selected an acting principal to fill the void left in my sudden absent." The murmurs increased, everyone was intrigued on who had meant Giovanni's lofty standards to run his treasured school. "This person is qualified for the job. And I trust him to lead the school to great heights while I'm away. Please give a warm welcome to Samuel Oak. Your acting principle." A grey-haired man with a white research coat walked out to an array of claps erupting in the hall. Many students adored him as before he became a famous professor and poet, he was a teacher at Pallet high. And a great one at that.

The applause made Giovanni slightly envious of the man. He had never gotten applause this loud during his years as principal. Ash saw the brows dip on the pale man's face, which made him snicker at his stepdad. The raven head then turned to the brown head boy next to him and saw Gary's jaw on the floor. Making the boy chuckle again.

After tapping on the mic the famous professor announced, "Thank you for your warm welcome. As you know I am Professor Oak. I will be your acting principle from now on and I hope I will be able to grow a friendly relationship with all of you. Together we will continue to bring the school to new heights as one. Thank you."

With Oak leaving the stand, Giovanni took his place and commanded, "Please treat him with the same respect you treat me." Making Ash scoff at the principle, an easy task for him. Why would he respect a man like Giovanni? "If I hear any negative reviews from Professor Oak, then you will suffer the consequences," He threatened, his cold eyes darted around at the students. Everyone took a large gulp, giving in to the intimidation radiating from their principle.

"Yes sir," They all said in unison. Not wanting to annoy their intimidating principle.

"Good. Return to your classes. I again apologize for the inconvenience I may have caused," Giovanni directed.

Immediately, the sound of students shuffling to their feet echoed in the hall. As classes started to flow out of the exit, like water being released from a reservoir.

As Brock's class began to leave a voice boomed, "Ah Brock. Can I speak to Ash for a moment?" The sound of the voice made Ash freeze on the spot as the whole class turned to see Giovanni with Professor Oak next to him. Ash didn't bother to turn around. He didn't want to see the face of his stepdad. Glancing at his classmates, he saw the concerned gaze of Serena and Gary. He could understand the concern from his brown-headed 'friend' as he assumed the professor may have told Gary some things. But why was Serena so worried about him? They are only work partners. Probably her grade for the project, As tried to persuade himself.

"He isn't in trouble is he?" Brock asked.

Ash finally turned around to see his stepfather, who assured, "No. He is not in trouble. Professor Oak just wanted to talk to him," sending brock a reassuring smile. Ash internally scoffed at the principle's oscar worthy acting. If only everyone could see who Giovanni was when he is not in the eye of the public.

The raven head then heard a sigh from a blonde head behind him. Making him even more confused about Serena. She was truly worried about him, he realised. "Sure Giovanni. Ash. I'll see you back at class," Brock exclaimed, sending his student a cautious look before taking his class out of the hall.

As soon as they left, the once-bustling hall fell silent. Giovanni and Ash didn't dare to look at each other, not wanting to acknowledge each other's existence. Seeing the tense aura between the two, Professor Oak cheerfully exclaimed, "Ash. It's great to see you again. How are you?"

Behind the professor, Ash saw Giovanni eye him with a threatening stare. "I've been a good professor. I'm sure you will make an awesome principle. Perhaps better than Giovanni." Hearing this Oak let out a nervous laugh while a frown formed on Giovanni's face. Annoyed at the backhanded comment made about him. The raven head knew Giovanni wanted to punish him there and then. But with Professor Oak around, the pale man didn't move a muscle. He wouldn't want anyone to see him attacking a student. It would destroy his reputation and place a glaring stain on his profile. Even if the student was the supposed outcast of the school.

"That very flattering Ash. But I'm sure Giovanni is a better principle then me," Samuel Oak replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head with a tiny grin on his face. He still has his wits about him, the acting principal thought.

Before Ash could bark a rejection, Giovanni placed a hand on the shoulder of the professor and injected, "How about you get settled into your office? I need to talk to Ash about something."

Samuel turned to the pale man behind him, eyeing him with an air of suspicion. A whirlpool of concern for Ash started to swirl in the professor. He knew the devilish thoughts that his workmate was capable of. Would Ash be safe if he leaves them alone? Or would he make thinks worst if he stayed and try to pry into their private life?

Hesitantly, the professor replied, "Er. Sure, Giovanni. I hope you will have a safe business trip. And Ash." As the professor eyed Ash, he saw the uncanny resembles with his father. The black hair and brown eyes, not to mention the never give up attitude. Even if Red was gone, professor Oak could see his legacy live on in his son. And he was going to make sure it says that way, it's what Red he wanted him to do.

"It was nice seeing you again Ash. Stay safe ok," Oak finished, gazing at him with a look of concern. Seeing this look, the raven head couldn't help but let out a small grin. The reassuring yet fierce stare reminded him of all the little things Red did to take care of him. From helping him with the horrors of algebra and speeches to the embarrassing topics about girls, specifically, a girl named Serena. Ash cherished that Red did everyone to keep him happy. And he was going to make sure he would do the same.

His grin grew wider just at the joyful memories of his old man. Staring back at the professor, Ash exclaimed cheerfully, "Thank you, professor. I'm sure you will make a great principle," shaking the acting principles hand.

Turning on his heel, professor Oak sent a warm smile at Ash and walked out of the hall. Sending one last suspicious glance at the pale man. Still concerned for Ash's safety being left alone with Giovanni. But he knew he couldn't stay. It would only make things worst. He couldn't afford to lose Giovanni's trust. Not yet at least. The professor had to figure out what Giovanni was plotting with his 'business trip.'

Seeing Oak leave the hall, Giovanni's hand latched onto Ash's wrist, making the boy whip his head to his stepfather. The pale man the vigorously dragged Ash into the corner of the gigantic room. Hiding them from anyone passing by the entrance.

When reaching the corner, Giovanni violently threw Ash into the wall, making a grunt of pain escape from the mouth of raven head. His back screeching with pain as it was slammed into the solid wall.

Sliding down the wall, Ash gingerly looked up to the pale man towering over him. Giovanni's face was as serious as stone, you would need a Solrock to find the angry emotions flowing through the principle.

But Ash knew that Giovanni must be fuming after insults he made in front of Professor Oak. "You look like you've been through hell," Ash teased, tensing his body for the repercussions. Knowing that the remark would turn the stone head into a bull in a glass shop. Immediately after, a thunderous crack echoed around the empty room as the hand of Giovanni was sent barreling through the cheek of the raven head. Ash let out a hiss as his vision begins to blur. Only able to point out the black colours of Giovanni's suit. Making the raven head slightly regret ticking off his stepfather. But at the same time, he was entertained whenever he managed to tick off the usually calm man in public. Seeing him restrain himself always made Ash amused.

Giovanni then walked up to Ash and grabbed his chin, forcing the boy to stare directly into his dark cold eyes, "Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone. You will regret it," Giovanni warned, his voice spitting Venom at Ash. Even with the dangerous threat lingering over him, Ash remained stoic. He wasn't going to let the words of Giovanni affect him no matter the cost.

"Yeah sure. Totally won't do anything stupid," Ash retorted, as he eye-rolled at the statement.

Giovanni let out a low threatening growl as he violently grabbed the collar of Ash's jacket and raised Ash to his feet, "Thanks for the lift," Ash groaned, pain surging thought his battered back. Suddenly, Giovanni pulled Ash out of the corner and shoved him towards the exit of the hall, making the raven head fall onto his knees.

Turning back he was met with a cold glare from Giovanni, his browns dipping with anger. Ash replied the stare with a smirk as he remarked, "What are you even doing on this business trip anyways?"

Ash saw a tick from Giovanni's forehead, who murmured some words under his breath. Probably an insult Ash concluded. "That's none of your business. Leave," Givoannni barked, his hand pointing towards the exit.

Ash wisely obeyed the command and staggered to his feet, leaving the hall before he felt the urge to anger him even further.

***

The once boisterous class turned silent the moment Ash appeared in the doorway. Everyone immediately noticing the screaming red mark on his face. Seeing the stares from his classmates, Ash began to rub the back of his head in embarrassment as he wished for the spotlight to disappear off him.

Breaking the silence, Brock announced, "Hello Ash. What happened? You have a mark on your face."

Ash froze at the question. He couldn't tell them the truth. Why would they believe the loser of the school over the powerful and well-respected principle? It would only ruin his already tattered reputation, "Ah. I tripped as I walked upstairs," Ash lied, keeping a stern look at his teacher.

Suddenly, a variety of murmurs and groans rang out from the class, most of them complaining about how he was a loser or idiot for not being able to walk straight. Ash soaked up these insults like a sponge. He already heard these several times before and became desensitised to them. Most of them at least.

Brock quickly silenced the class with threats of punishments. He then turned back to the raven head, analysing him from head to toe. His eyes narrowed at the mark on his cheek.

After what felt like an eternity to Ash, Brock relented and leaned back into his rolly chair. "I see. Take a seat," Brock commanded. "And continue to work with your partner on the assignment," sending a reassuring grin at the raven head. Hearing this, Ash let out an internal sigh of relief and nodded. With the stares and glares from his 'peers', Ash hastily made his way to the back of the class and sat next to Serena.

Suddenly, Brock loudly clapped his hands, signalling the class to get back on task. The sounds of students mingling again erupted in the classroom. Without Ash's knowledge, Serena was staring deeply, at the mark on his face. Concern littered across her face for her partner. She then bit the bottom of her lip, attempting to build up the age to ask him about it. Suddenly, Ash turned to look at her so she quickly looked in the opposite direction, praying Ash didn't notice.

Unfortunately, he did.

The raven head rose an eyebrow at the concern radiating from his former friend. A side of him begged to question her about it. But in the end, he decided against it. Chalking it up to him just seeing things. Lingering effects of his interaction with Giovanni. Why would she be concerned for him? She wasn't concerned when Calem was hurting him before. So why care now?

Feeling the tension thicken between the two, Ash opened, "So are we still on for this afternoon?"

Serena immediately looked up at Ash, her cerulean eyes clashing with his brown eyes. A faint blush grew on her face at the thought of him coming to her house. This would be her chance to set things right and remove all the regrets she had to do with her childhood hero. "Uh. Y-Yes." She managed. "I messaged my mum about it. She said it was fine. What about you?" Her hands fiddled with her long honey-coloured hair while saying this.

"I haven't asked my mum yet. But she would be fine with it," Ash immediately replied, leaning back into his chair. Serena let out a small smile at her partner. In which Ash returned with his signature toothy grin. There was something about Ash's smile that Serena enjoyed. It felt so warm and calming. It made her feel at ease whenever she saw it. As if there was nothing that could harm her. Calem's grin didn't even compare to his.  She missed seeing it every day. She loved seeing it. Before everything, Ash could be the sun on a cloudy day for her. But ash never knew that.

And he would never believe it now.

The pair then start brainstorming some ideas for their presentation. Noting down interesting ideas they could use for their presentation. They would occasionally joke around to lighten the mode between them. Which was surprising to the two of them. Ash thought it would be a long, awkward, disastrous pairing. But ever since Serena stood up to Calem, things seem to be changing. Not only with her but Gary as well. Perhaps they truly want to rekindle their severed connections. Perhaps, Serena, his Serena was back. But he quickly shook this thought away. He would only hurt himself. It's only an act. A way to humiliate the outcast again... right?

Dropping the subject, he turned towards his partner to continue the brainstorming session. However, he was met with the tense posture of Serena. Her head was dejectedly looking down at her desk with her hand in a tight fist. Her knuckles turning a touch white with the intense pressure she was exerting.

Ash let out a quiet sigh when he saw this. She was completely fine in the morning. Calm, cheerful, captivating, everything you would expect from the most popular girl in the school. But ever since he came back with the mark, she's been a complete wreck.

The raven head then took a deep breath, summoning up the courage to talk to Serena. He then placed a hand on her shoulder, making her jump a bit as her concerned eyes snapped onto him in a flash. "S-Serena. Are you ok? You seem to be in La-La land?"

She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out, the horrible sound of nothingness wafted between the two. After what felt like minutes, but what was only a couple of seconds, Serena finally uttered, "Ash... You...Giovanni."

Ash's eyes widen when hearing these words. The world frozen around him as the noise of the classroom was drowned out. It was like he became trapped in a cold and dark shell, no sound managing to penetrate its. The rapid beating of his heart was all he heard. His breathing started to become more shallow. No one was meant to find out. "W-w-what are you talking about Serena? Giovanni wanted to introduce me to Professor Oak... Its been a while since I talked to him. " Ash replied nervously.

Serena's fist then tightened, her knuckles turning even more white, "Ahhh. Don't worry about it," Serena blurted. Quickly, she turned away from Ash and stared at the pale wall next to her, muttering, "Stupid question to ask. What are you doing Serena."

Suddenly, the loud ringing of the bell snapped the two out of their minds. With Brock proclaiming, "Have a good lunch." Students started flooding out of the door, relieved to be temporarily released from the jail that was school.

While this was happening, Serena and Ash stayed sitting down, too nervous to move or utter any further words to each other. Long after the awkward silence enveloped the duo, like a moth to a light, Serena finally snapped out of her daze, as she felt flames of determination light up inside of her, fanned by the echoing of her mum's words. She needed to make amends for her despicable actions one step at a time. "Shall we go, Ash?"

The raven head slowly turned to his honey head partner. The word we caught his keen senses. She wants me to go with her? Ash thought. Did she just forget the past three years? Did she forget the pain he was struck with when his friends and childhood crush left without a second thought? Ash mentally shook his head at the thought. It's just a friendly gesture that's all. It would only be a one-time thing.

He instinctively was about to say, Sorry, Serena. I can't right now or I need to talk to Brock about something. But something inside of him begged him to accept the offer. Was his mind finally given into the years of loneliness? Did it want to feel any sort of warm that wasn't from someone who was his age?

His heart begged him to say yes.

But his mind said no. What if it was all an act? A way to embarrass him again. 

Both parts of his body were screaming at him to decide over this meaningless decision. But to Ash, it was not a small choice. This choice weighed on him like a large boulder on his shoulders. The last 3 years of his hellish life came down to it. This choice could be he salvation, or it could pull him deeper down the bottomless pit. Ash bit the bottom of his lip as he felt his internal argument heat up. It wouldn't hurt to say yes, would it? Just this once should be fine, Ash finally persuaded himself. "Yeah sure," the raven head answered, sending a sheepish grin to Serena.

Serena's face lit up like an Ampharos tail and her mouth grew slightly agape. She shot up from her seat like a rocket shooting into outer space and packed her stuff away as quick as a Magikarp with swift swim activated. She didn't believe he would say yes. She was over the moon. She could run 100 laps around the school oval over his answer. This was her chance.

When they finished packing they were the only two left in the class. With Serena leading the way out of the room a voice suddenly injected, "Hey Ash. Can you stay behind for a bit?" Serena froze in her tracks. Bang, her chance ripped away from her like a pass that was intercepted. Adding more salt into the wound, it was also from one of her favourite teachers. Her shoulders slump as she turned on her heel to face Brock and Ash, a frown painted across her face.

"Ok. I will see at the school gates after school," Ash answered, sending a small wave at Serena.

She immediately straightened from her slump, hoping Ash didn't see how dejected she was.  "O... Ok, Ash. Bye," Serena quietly replied, quickly dashing out of the room.

Ash rose an eyebrow at her sheepish actions. How weird? Was she sad because of him? No. Perhaps it was Calem. Yeah, that must be it... Ash tried to reason with himself. He then let out an annoyed sigh. It has nothing to do with Calem. It's me, Ash finally admitted.

Three times. Three times he saw Serena act nervous in this period alone. Was she that serious with making up to him? If yesterday was anything to go by then she was dead serious. But does he want that? Ash's face scrunches by the thought of having to deal with her in the coming days.

Suddenly, he heard Brock clear his throat, making the raven head spin back to Brock. His black eyes running up and down Ash. Fixating onto the red mark on his cheek. This curiosity made sweat run down from Ash's head. Does he know something is up? Ash thought as he asked nervously, "W-what did you want to talk about?"

As he saw Brock place his chin onto his hands he became more anxious by the second. He felt his breath freeze at the unusual actions of his teacher. Brock was usually so calm and open to all his students. Even to the ones that would get on his nerve. He was never quiet, mysterious, and seriously intimidating.

"Ash," Brock sternly announced. "Please tell me the truth."

Thank you for reading!

If you enjoyed the chapter be sure to leave a vote to let me now. And do not be afraid to comment anything about the chapter. I apologize for the large time between updates. I'll try to be a bit quicker next time but I can't promise anything. If you want to know the progress of the next chapter just send me a message. I'll be online. See you all in the next chapter. Have a wonderful day and stay safe.