32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 145 Time Travel Part 4

After Ash, Pikachu, and Elias wake up, they find themselves at the Champion's Room inside the Charous Hall.

Elias: Back at last, it seems. I must say, though, such a simple chamber is not befitting of you, my Lord. As Champion, I feel you should have a room at least as impressive as the Elite Four.

?: I couldn't agree more!

Just then, Ash and the others are confused to see Elena Molinar in front of them. They start to wonder if they're still in the past.

Elena?: El, Ash. It's been a while.

Ash: Wait, so we are still in the past? (Looks closely at Elena) Wait, you look a little different...

Heather: No shit. I'm not a kid anymore. You've been gone 10 years.

Elias: That doesn't-

Ash: So it really is you, Heather! Good to see you.

Elias: (Realizes) My apologies, I thought you were- I'm sorry, did you just say 10 years?

Heather: Yeah, we were the Elite Three with no Champion for a bit. But the League is totally different now, except for me. But anyway, you probably both have a lot on your minds, so you should probably talk to the Champion.

Ash: So I guess I was replaced by you? But -

Heather: You should be grateful. She's the one that figured out where you both went. Before she worked out you had traveled through time, we all thought you both just... vanished. But here you both are, back like she said you would be, eventually. Although, she was probably so sure because she went and got the Relic Stone herself, to attract Celebi here. This is just an entranceway now; we made a whole room for her, just like the Elite Four get.

Elias: She sounds very impressive.

Ash: Yeah, so who is she? I mean the Champion?

Heather: ...You'll see. First time in Reborn's history that a Gym Leader has challenged the Pokémon League- And won on her first try, no less. But I shouldn't keep you, she's waiting. Just head through the door in the back to get to her room. And... I'll see you two later. Or, I guess, earlier? Time travel is confusing.

Ash is now thinking about what Heather has said, which means he is now ten years in the future.

Heather: And... Welcome back, Ash. We all really missed you. (Leaves)

Elias: ...She looks almost exactly like her mother. Well, we shouldn't keep this mysterious new Champion waiting.

Ash nods as they all head forward, and sensing the Relic Stone, Celebi rushes further ahead.

Elias: The decoration of this room... Oh dear. I think I'll stay behind you while we meet the Champion.

They find a lot of swords on the ground, and Ash feels uneasy about the decoration.

Champion: So, you've finally returned. Welcome back, Elias and Ash.

Ash recognizes the voice, but instead of being shy and stuttering, it sounds confident.

Champion: Do you like what I've done with the place? I took some cues from my old Gym. At first, people were at a loss for what to do without you. But sometimes people need to take charge of their own destiny. And it all turned out pretty well. Reborn is thriving. We've established connections with many other regions, and have grown into a global center for research and battle.