W.R. Winters: Hello, there to all pearlshippers! Well, this is another new story, but something's different. This story is being co-authored by my good friend, DawnForever101. We hope you enjoy it!

DawnForever101: We do not own Pokémon. Enjoy!

-*X*x*X*-


The alarm repeatedly beeped, waking up a raven haired boy, as he banged his fists on it. He momentarily opened his eyes, moaning slightly and wiping his eyes. He slowly got up from his bed and made his way to the bathroom. His mother called him for breakfast- bacon and eggs-Ash Ketchum's favorite meal. He loved eating his favorite meal down to the last bite, especially when his mom made it.

Today was different. No, it was an ordinary, sunny day outside the streets of Kalos, but rain was pouring on him at this very moment as he just stared at his meal in silence, worrying his mother. She watched him as he sighed.

"Poor Ash…" She whispered.

Today was the first day of school after summer. Ash had the liveliest attitude when it came to schoolwork-which meant that he loved school the most and his friends. But ever since last night, he wasn't himself again. He wasn't the bright face that his mom looked forward to everyday. He tried to get rid of the painful memory, but it just kept eating him alive.


(Flashback)


"Ash, you are so sweet." Serena said as Ash directed her to her table.

It was Ash and Serena's two month anniversary and Ash had planned something special for this moment. Serena had an obvious crush on Ash two months, prior dating him. At that time, Ash was quite dense and knew little about romance and love. His only interest was in schoolwork. But as time passed, he realized that Serena tugged at his heartstrings and felt a feeling- a beautiful, magical feeling he never experienced before.

"You're sweeter." Ash pinched her cheek, to which she giggled. He then sat down next to her, noticing her outfit.

She was dressed in a gorgeous blue designer dress that hugged her body that matched with her silver earrings and sandals. Her light brown hair that smelled like roses was let loose and to bring it all together, her makeup caused Ash to sigh happily at her.

"So, Ash, looks like I'm clearly the better dresser here." Serena chuckled.

"Yeah, by a mile. You look ravishing." He said as he stared at her in awe.

After their dinner, they continued talking for some time, when Serena noticed someone familiar approaching. She nervously chuckled and scratched her hair, making Ash confused and bewildered.

"Ash, don't you have to go to the bathroom? It's been a while since we got here." Serena smiled.

"Uhh, yeah, ok. I could wash my hands." He said as he made himself to the men's room.

"Take your time!" Serena shouted. She became nervous as a mouse as the figure approached to her closer.

Ash stared at himself in the mirror, thinking of the little incident that occurred a while ago. He wondered why Serena was acting so weird all of a sudden. He wiped his face gently as he went outside, but was stopped in his tracks as he saw something he wished he couldn't see. His delicate heart broke as he saw Serena kissing Clemont.

Clemont was Serena's best friend. What nobody knew was that Clemont had a secret crush on Serena, but had never hoped that anything would happen in their relationship life because of Serena's crush on Ash.

"Maybe I'm seeing this wrong." He thought to himself as he crouched down, listening to them. But as he listened to the conversation, he realized that he wasn't seeing it wrong.

"Have you broken up with Ash yet?" Clemont asked. Serena looked down in shame.

"No. Not yet." She sighed. "I want to, but it's really hard to. I can't hurt his feelings. I once had a crush on him, but it dialed down. How can I tell him that nicely?" Serena said to Clemont.

"Look, Serena. We've been dating for at least one and a half months. It's time you told him. You can't keep this a secret forever." Clemont said, holding her hands.

They suddenly became speechless as Ash showed himself, indicating that he heard everything. The look on his face was rare; it was monotonous. Serena showed a deep concern for Ash as he did nothing but walk outside of the restaurant, leaving her and Clemont.

"This was probably for the best." Clemont said.


(End of flashback)


A tear slowly rolled down on his cheek as his mother hugged him in an attempt to comfort him. She patted his back, indicating that everything would be fine. He sighed as he let go but saw his mother pointing two fingers to the middle of his cheeks. He then brought up a smile.

"I'm fine." He simply told her as he grabbed his backpack and headed for school.


Walking through the gates of Kalos High, he was greeted by Misty, May, Iris, Gary, and Leaf. They all waved and May eagerly ran up to him.

"There you are! I thought you'd never show up." May said as she grabbed his hand and led him to the group.

May was Ash's good friend and companion. She was one of the "popular" girls in school, along with Leaf, because of her modesty. She had her weaknesses in a few subjects, to which Ash sometimes helped her out with.

Then, there was Misty, who was known to be a hot-tempered tomboy. Misty and Gary were Ash's childhood friends. She could be irritable at times, but was very enjoyable to hang out with. She was very denial, and always had a special thing for Gary.

Gary was the mischievous one in the group and was a little immature. He hadn't changed since childhood. He was also a "player", which Misty's chances with him that much more impossible. He had no interest in school work whatsoever. Also, his reputation led him to be the "clown" or "prankster" of the school.

Iris was a lot similar to Misty, but she envied Misty for her looks. She had interests in animals and wildlife and teased Ash every time he messed things up. She was definitely on Ash's "list".

Finally, Leaf, who was considered to be the "fashonista" of the group. She tried to fit in every fashion trend, even if it meant bending the rules, which truthfully she didn't mind.

"Ash-y boy!" Gary called out.

"Hey, guys." Ash said with a smile to his friends.

"Hey!" They all said in unison.

"I'm so glad you're here. I have so much to tell you about." Misty squealed.

"Whoa. Look who wants attention!" Iris teased. Misty growled.

"Did you catch up on the latest episode of 'Pokémon'? That was so sick!" Misty told him in excitement.

"How could I not? This season's getting interesting." Ash said. "I wish I had more time to watch it than spending time here at school." Despite Ash loving school, he wished he had gotten more time-off, especially after what happened.

"Yeah. These two months went like that." Leaf snapped her fingers. May agreed.


After a few more discussions, the bell rang, which meant it was time for class to commence. Ash, as usual, was the only one upbeat about it. May noticed a certain green haired boy, talking to some of his friends. She blushed as he smiled to her; she blushed.

"Oh, looks like someone has a boyfriend!" Misty teased.

"Shut up!" She had nothing else to say; Misty was right, even in her teasing manner.

Ash decided to sit in the back of the class this time, preferably next to the window, where the wonder of the world awaited him. The whole class was silent for some time, that is until Gary spoke out of nowhere to get some attention.

"BOORINNG! Dudes, we should just throw a party!" This got some excitement and cheers from the back of the class. Leaf and May were excited about it; Ash wondered why they favored Gary so much. Misty was lost as usual.

The disruption and chaos ultimately stopped when a teacher came in. After Gary was sent outside, class officially began. Ash took a close look to all his classmates and noticed a familiar face-Clemont. He sighed.

"Great. Just what I need!" He thought. He realized that chances of Serena being here was highly likely. He looked around. No signs of her, that was good. She was the last person he needed to see. Even if Clemont was here, he wasn't going to bring him down.


After a few more classes, it was time for lunch. May rushed over to Ash.

"It's not even been half the day yet and we already have homework!" May complained.

"Yeah, this is so not fair. I think we should file a complaint." Leaf suggested.

"I like homework. It gives me something to do." Ash said.

"Ash-y boy, will you ever change?" Gary asked. "Lighten up a little! It's the first day."

"Exactly! It's only been the first day and you already got sent outside!" Ash chuckled.

"It was Mr. Harrison's fault!" Gary said.

"No, it wasn't!" They said in unison.

"Hey, where's Misty?" Ash asked.

"Probably in the bathroom." Leaf replied.

May, Leaf and Gary have gone outside after a while and Ash was right behind them until he felt a hand on his shoulder. The hand was all too familiar and Ash sighed.

"What do you want, Clemont?" Ash asked briefly.

"Ash, about last night-" He was interrupted.

"I don't wanna talk about that. Today is a new day and I've realized that girls only bring pain in life. So thank you for making me realize that." He said as he walked away in sight.

"What?" Clemont asked to no in particular and in confusion.


"So I say, 'Dude, chillax, its a little blood, but it'll wash out!" Gary was telling the girls one of their stories again.

"Ewww!" All girls reacted.

"Hey, guys." Ash said as he sat down on the table.

"Hey. Ash, I was wondering if you could help with the homework." May said.

"Yeah, why not?"

"Ugh, could we not talk about homework for one day, please?" Leaf whined. Everyone chuckled.

"Ok, fine." Ash said.

As time passed, few more jokes were cracked and more laugher erupted from the group until Ash stopped laughing for a while. He couldn't help but notice a "scene" on the opposite table in front of them. He looked at Serena and Clemont in disgust as they were laughing, no practically romancing each other. He tried to get them off his mind, but it still bothered him and was eating him alive ultimately.

"Ash, what's wrong? You're not eating." Misty noticed.

He couldn't take it. "I'll never love again!"


-*X*x*X*-

W.R. Winters: And that's a wrap! Hope you enjoyed the first chapter.

DawnForever101: Don't forget to review and if you're wondering where Dawn is…

W.R Winters: She will appear in a few more chapters later. This is W.R Winters signing off!