32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 175 Nightmare Begins Part 2

Before they are leaving, they are surprised to find Anna in the middle of the road.

Ash: Anna! Is that you?

Anna: Hi, Ash! Charlotte as well! I didn't expect to see you here! You still remember me, right?

Charlotte: Of course, we remember you, why?

Anna: Because, it seems like not many others do. I'm sorry I'm still asleep on the other side! I super-ultra double- no, triple pinky promise that I'm doing my best to wake up! I'm not sure where I'll find the third pinky, but I'll manage somehow! It seems like everything I did to try and manage the timeline enough so you could beat Lin took a toll on me... But to be honest, I think it could've been a lot worse! If I had done more, I may not have been able to be there at all... And then I'd miss all of you terribly! I know you can finish the job even without me though! You've come so far! Just a little further, and we'll defeat Lin for good!

Ash and the others nod as they bid Anna farewell, knowing that this might be where Anna is when she's fallen asleep. Then they go to the mysterious person and give him the 3 Nanab Berries.

?: Ahh, you're back from your expedition, I take it? You look exhausted, Trainers. Come on, what's so difficult about finding a few berries? Hmph... I suppose berry-hunting is just a touch harder for some. Well, I don't have all day, so you'd best show me what you've found.

Ash nods as he tries to take out the three Nanab Berries, only to find them gone.

Ash: Hey! Where did it go?

?: Is something the matter? Where are the berries?

Charlotte: Ash, I thought the berries are with you.

Aria: They're gone? How is it possible?

?: Oh, you don't have any? Come now, Trainer. Why didn't you mention that from the start? How bold of me to assume we were finishing up here... Well, that's disappointing. I thought bringing me three relatively common berries would amount to being quite a simple task. Now you're just wasting my time. I can say with certainty now that you're not who I was looking for. Well, I guess you'd best keep up your search. I'll be waiting... but the clock is ticking.

Ash: I swear I had put the berries here...

?: I'm going to assume you haven't found those berries, have you? Who knew such a simple task could prove to be so difficult?

Ash: Or maybe you just took it without our notice, admit it right now.

?: Hmm... Your reactions aren't as entertaining as I would've hoped. You're no fun, that's for sure. Okay, fine. I'm done messing with you. Are you ready for the reveal, Trainer?

Charlotte: What do you mean by that?

?: Well, it turns out... I had the berries the whole time!

Ash and the others are watching with surprise.

?: Okay, I'm waiting for a better reaction...

Then they decide to turn into the glare.

?: Any day now... Hmph... This encounter continues to disappoint me. Whatever the case, I'm a man of my word, I suppose. Whether or not I think you deserve it, I'll show you the way home as promised. (Points in a direction) Just up there is the path ahead. If you follow it, you'll find your way out of this dreary little dream. You'll be able to wake up, and freely roam around that merry existence you call home. (Turns back to the three) Though, really, you could've just left at any time. Did you not even notice that? I can't say that it's been pleasant meeting you, Trainer. When you first appeared, you were unusual enough for me to come and find you. But it turns out, you weren't at all the kind of trainers I was looking for. I suppose the silver lining is that we'll never have to see each other again. Now come on, Trainers. Run along, before I change my mind. There's nothing more for you here.