32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 36 Rise and Fall

When Ash chases Cain to the Pyrous Mountain, Victoria is already there and all of them are facing a Team Meteor Grunt.

Cain: So you're really not gonna move?

Grunt: No, sir. Them's my orders. No entry. No battle.

Ash: And so you're not gonna send out your Pokémon either. You're just gonna stand there?

Grunt: Yes, sir. And you aren't going to pass. Because that's what I'm here for!

Victoria: (Groans) Ugh, we don't have time for this! Incineroar!

Victoria sends out Incineroar and pushes the grunt off the mountain path, even though they are not on a higher level, but the grunt groans in pain after being pushed off some meters.

Cain: ... 'Kay.

Victoria: Let's hurry! Our only hope right now is that Cal can hold them off for long enough!

Both boys nod as they rush into the mountain, but they are surrounded by some grunts.

Grunts: More of them!?

Victoria: Cain, Ash and I have this, but Cal needs help on the double!

Cain: (Nods) Got it, I'll break through~

After Cain rushes away, some of the grunts are chasing after him, leaving only two left.

Grunt: Orders were clear- no entry, no mercy!

Victoria: And what right do you have to keep us out of here? This is OUR home! We'll fight to protect it to our last!

Then both of them team up together as they rush through the mountain while defeating the guards on the way, while they reach the top, they notice an Absol jumping over them.

Victoria: What was that Absol doing just now?

Ash: The last time I saw it was before Corey commits suicide...don't tell me this time...

Victoria: ...You don't think something could have happened to Cal? You know, it's been nice having him around the Academy. For as rough as he seemed at first, he really mellowed out fast. And he was eager to chip in and take personal responsibility in a way that most students aren't... Sometimes he's a little withdrawn, but like, in a cute way? I hope he's all right...

Ash feels that it isn't Cal that they should worry about, but rather Kiki, because they find Solaris and Taka standing in front of Cain and Cal.

Victoria: Cal!

Cal: (Surprised to see her) Victoria?

Victoria: Were you defeated already?

Cal: Uh, about that...

Ash: Cain, are you okay?

Cain: Ugh, I couldn't take both of them at once...

Victoria: You did enough, Cain, thank you. Now the cavalry's come in! (Turns to Solaris) I'm not letting you lay a finger on Cain, Cal, or anyone else in Apophyll!

Solaris: How amusing. And Ash is here, too. I writhe in fear at what you yapping pups could possibly do.

Cain: Hey, we don't have a whole lot of time here. Look!