32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 198 Forgiveness and Plans

Then with Ash, Serena, and Lillie volunteering, they manage to bring Eclipse back to her house in Calcenon City.

Father: Caitlyn has told me everything. About how you and your friends saved her... Pulled her right back into this world somehow! Imagine that! It's all too supernatural for me. I'm dearly sorry for how I acted to you before, Champion. But I'm just glad to have my little girl back. Though gave me a right fright, it did! Wandered upstairs to check on her as I do, suddenly, no little girl in bed! Where could she have gone?! I thought I'd have a heart attack and perish on the spot!

Eclipse: (Embarrassed) Dad.

Father: Yes, yes, I know...

Eclipse: He's told this same story to like six other people already.

Father: And then she just up and walks in through the door! Just like that!

Just then, Aster comes into the house with food in his hand.

Aster: Hey Mr. Fisher, I picked up some food for you. Stopped by that place in Agate to get that bouillabaisse you're... (Surprised to see Eclipse) Always... Talking... About?

Eclipse: (Surprised to see Aster, but greets) Hi. (Waves her hand in front of Aster's shocked face) Hey, hello? Anyone home?

Aster: I'm tired of these dreams. Sure, they're nice and all. But waking up is just the worst.

Eclipse: Okay, we'll be here when your brain starts functioning again.

Father: Son, it's no dream this time.

Eclipse: Oh, just give him a minute to process it on his own. By the time he catches up, the food might actually be ready. Or burnt.

Aster: I've heard of hurting yourself as a way to snap out of it... But I'm pretty sure those were supposed to be real jabs rather than verbal ones...

Eclipse: You tried. Hi Aster, really me and such.

Father: I was hoping you'd drop by one of these days so I could give you the good news!

Aster: ...Sure, I know Ash, Serena, and Lillie brought a few people back from the New World... I didn't want to hope- I mean, the Chandelure-

Eclipse: Yeah, yeah. That sucked, and it's definitely my least favorite Pokémon now. But I'm back. I'm not here to ask questions about how. I'm just gonna make the most of it. You're welcome to do the same, if you can pick your jaw up off the floor.

Aster: I... see... (Starts to drop a tear)

Eclipse: Aaaand he's crying. Great, okay, here. (Walks towards Aster and holds his face) Look at me. Hey, look at me. Real person. Really here. Not leaving again. No more backstabbing, evil teams, magical voids, or any of that. I'm here now, okay? You got it?

Then they share a hug, causing the others to smile at the sight. Eclipse also notices the scarf while hugging.

Eclipse: Oh, you're wearing the scarf I got you.

Aster: I've worn it every day since- Since...

Eclipse: Yeah, yeah, okay, if you get any cheesier, I'm going to die of lactose intolerance on the spot. (Breaks the hug) Look, you said you had food, right? I was just finishing up cooking as well. Dad's been really into these cooking shows lately, so I figured I'd give it a try and actually make something along with them.