32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 20 The Grand Stairway

Before leaving the Lapis Ward, Ash notices a purple-haired girl standing in the doorway.

?: Today's your birthday. You can finally escape. Be strong... Vengeance will be ours.

Before leaving, she notices Ash and she sighs.

?: Oh. Excuse me.

Ash notices that he is blocking the path, and he quickly steps aside to let her go. Ash doesn't know what it is about, and he decides to find out about it later.

After coming back home, Delia has already heard the news from Gossip Gardevoir on the screen, and she feels bad for Ash since he was going to the gym and it might be happened after their battle. Ash is also sitting at the sofa with a frown face, so Delia decides to talk to him and cheer him up.

Delia: So Corey's dead...I can't believe that happened...

Ash: It's my fault, if I would just leave him alone, then he wouldn't have to commit suicide...I said that I was going to save the region and everyone here, but I've done more bad than good...

Delia: (Hugs Ash) Ash, you can't blame yourself. You didn't know. Besides, you need to remember that you saved the three wards from Team Meteor.

?: Indeed.

They turn to see Arceus in front of them, and he is looking concerned for him.

Ash: Arceus? What are you doing here?

Arceus: I heard about the recent death that you thought you might have a part of it. I just want to tell you that you need to cheer up because it might be the first, but it won't be the last. In the future, you'll be meeting more of them.

Ash: What do you mean? Arceus?

Arceus: I can't tell you this, however, one of the gym leaders in the Reborn League can. If you're hesitating right now, how is my offspring going to be saved by you from Team Meteor?

Ash: (Nods a little) I guess you're right...

Delia: And you don't need to worry, Ash. Elena's last will is to have me adopt Heather when she loses her parents. And I'll be going to the Great Hall to do some adoption procedures.

Ash: Okay, Mom, Arceus. I'll do what I can to continue saving the Reborn Region.

After leaving the house, Ash decides to gain some Pokemon so that he can try to save Victoria with full power. When he enters the former Beryl Ward Gym, he finds a Silver Ring on the ground that seems to belong to Corey. Ash decides to take it, hoping that he can find Corey's lost Pokemon, and takes care of it on his own.

He goes to Rhodochrine Jungle and finds a Tropius, capturing it, and then he finds Corey's Skrelp in the Underroot, with the help of the ring, Skrelp decides to come with him. He also goes to the Beryl Library and helps a Gothitelle clean the messy place, and he gets a Gothita and a Soul Candle in the unknown to him, he sees a man in one of the library sections, and he seems to be looking into the books. Ash widens his eyes as he looks just like him without the hat.

?: I could have sworn there was one more section... Disappointing. (Turns to see Ash) Ah, excuse me; I must not have heard you come in. Though, since you're here, and bearing in mind that calling this 'a shot in the dark' is still a very generous estimation of the chances here... Have you, perchance, ever heard of "Dreamsickness"?

Ash: I know.

?: Truly? You must tell me wherever from. (Looks closer to Ash and widens, thinks) No, it can't be... (Shakes his head and says) Ah, but I suppose that by its very nature, it is impossible to recall the source of. Like trying to recount a dream that seemed so clear only moments ago, only to be met with complete oblivion upon telling it. But that it even sounds familiar to you is already curious. I suspect we will meet again.