32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 104 Walking in the Void

When Ash wakes up, all he can see are stars and he is standing on a path made of stars. Pikachu is by his side, and they seem to be waking up at the same time.

Ash: Where are we? All I remember...I was being controlled, but who was I battling with?

As he walks further, he finds a Healing Shard and uses it to heal his Pokemon, and then he also spots an officer in front of them.

Station Master: Station master here. We've got your boarding passes. Another one for Reborn City, huh? They sure have been pushing that new League. Just between you, me, and the ol' battered fence post, I hear Reborn City's kind of a dump. Why anyone would wanna go there is beyond me. And yet, buncha you ambitious Trainer-type folk have been headin' out in droves. But off you go now. Train's leaving any minute.

Just then, the man just disappears, and Ash is confused as to what is going on. He continues forward until Ame suddenly appears and pushes him away before disappearing, and in front of him are the dead bodies of the passengers.

Ash: What's going on here? Are those people...just where am I and what is this place?

As he tries to run past the dead passengers, he finds Julia.

Julia: So you're Ash? I'm Julia, captain of cheer and pep, and all things bubbly and bright! Oh, pop quiz! Are you going to take on the Reborn League?

Oh, pop quiz! Are you going to take on the Reborn League?

Ash: I am.

Julia: Correct! That was the only thing you could ever do anyway! I'll be looking forward to your challenge, so go on! Get down to the Grand Hall already! (Disappears)

Ash: Please tell me that I'm still dreaming...

As he continues further, he finds Victoria.

Victoria: Hey, are you Ash? I'm Kiki. It's a pleasure to meet you, but is everything okay? I heard something happened at the station... Well, you're here, so I guess you're all right. Ame asked that I bring you in for salvation too. Don't worry, it shouldn't take long. Let's go inside. (Leaves and disappears)

And then he suddenly meets Cain, and he seems to be confused as he is.

Cain: Heyyy, you're cute. You come around here often?

Ash: Is it time for some jokes, Cain?

Cain: Ahaha, just kidding~ Man, Ash, I am SO glad to see you. I mean, I thought I had stars in my eyes, but I guess it was just you~ But really, I've been wandering around here for a while and I was starting to get worried. I have no idea how I got here, or what's going on, but what do you say we stick together until we figure out what's what in this place? Then again, there's only one path, so I guess that won't be hard. C'mon, let's go~

But as Cain leaves, Ash sees that he's running off the path and disappears, no matter how he tries to call out to him, he is just not there.

Ash: Now I'm starting to hate this place...

Then he moves forward and finds Julia again.

Julia: Hihi, Ash! Welcome to the Super-Duper Ultra-Hyper Electro- Dazzle Happy Boom-Time House of Cheer! Just ignore all the superlame reality junk. I need more banners! And streamers! And... hm...Ways to cover up the persisting revelation that the best years of my life are already behind me and from now on everything is an inevitable decline! Wait, is that a safety hazard? Oh, who cares?! Anyway, don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're the one he chose! As former captain cheerleader, I have to convince myself that the Onyx Trainers' School's honor depends on me! OTS, we represent! We pack a punch and don't relent! All right, all right, all right! I'm wired so let's—