32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 177 Nightmare Begins Part 4

After Ash, Charlotte, and Aria wake up, they find themselves in the New World.

Ash: What now? Are we still in a nightmare?

As they look around, they find Luna in front of them.

Luna: Ash, Charlotte, and Aria. Oh, thank goodness. You've finally come to. You've been trapped within a dream, perhaps an enviable state under other circumstances, but not so for one this foul. Never fear. I've come for you, as always I will. Please follow me. The way will be long, but I swear to you I will see you out of here safely.

Then Luna is going to bring them out, as they follow her.

Charlotte: Something is fishy...how did she know that we are here in this part of this New World?

Aria: Now that you've mentioned it, that is strange...

Luna: The enemy has been reaching out for you evermore. There is no need to worry though; I've shielded you with my own power. We should make haste, but so long as we stay on this path, no harm will come to you.

As they continue to move forward, Luna continues to talk.

Luna: It is rather tiresome to journey all this way, is it not? You have my apologies. A faster method would put us within the enemy's sights, and I would not jeopardize you as such. Let us proceed.

Ash: How long?

Luna: Just a bit further now. I'll stay my pace with yours that we will not be separated.

But after seemingly running for miles and miles, they don't see the exit somewhere, and the three of them are eventually tired.

Aria: Since we're feeling tired, that means we are freed from the nightmare...

Ash: But why is this road doesn't have an end to it?

Charlotte: You know... I'm still wary about that Luna...is she really the Luna we know?

Ash: What do you mean?

Charlotte: (Turns around) How about we try to walk back to where we woke up? Maybe we can see if she's the real Luna or not?

Ash and Aria sigh as they do it, and then Luna really comes back to them with confusion.

Luna: Guys? Whatever is the matter? Could it be that you're afraid? Do you not trust me? Or...

Charlotte: Or we noticed already.

Just then, Luna disappears, and the blue stars are turning red just like when they get into the New World, and Shiv is trying to scare them from their backs.

Aria: I swear-

Shiv: Hah! I wish I could frame your face! It just gets better and better with you, doesn't it? (Notices their faces) Oh, what's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost. Or several, in fact. What is it? Are you surprised to see me again? I can't believe you really thought you were free... After all, I wouldn't dismiss such a peculiar Trainer without properly testing your limits.

Charlotte: So you were just toying with us, huh?

Shiv: Come on... Every step you've made through this dream has been of my desire. Did you really think my apology was sincere? Oh, please. You subjected yourself to this when you entered my world. Did you notice that you didn't even really get a Darkrai? You... like so many others... are so easily fooled. It's all just part of the dream... And you have yet to wake up.