Another chapter!

Disclaimer/Notes: See previous chapter

Chapter 3

 

            They headed to the seashore.

            Surely, something would come, right? How else would they reach the shrine at the bottom of the ocean?

            Lance wouldn’t lie to him.

            They waited.

            Misty tapped her foot impatiently. Ash fidgeted slightly, not sure if she still believed him or not.

            Suddenly, the waters boiled and a Tentacruel appeared.

            It was a giant Tentacruel, normal coloration but oversized. Come with me, children…

            Ash climbed on in a blink, Misty was more hesitant.

            “How do we know it’s not a trap?”

            “I don’t think it is…”

            “You’re so naïve, Ash.” Misty scolded. “It’s not safe!”

            Tentacruel sighed.

            If it were up to him, he would not have chosen her. * Water master she claims to be, yet she is but a liar… *

            Why was _she_ the sun child?

            Well, it was not his place to decide. He waited patiently while Ash tried to convince her… without success.

            “What proof do you have?”

            “Lance wouldn’t lie to me.” Ash said, touching his dragon necklace.

            Misty scoffed. “Ha! Well, whatever… I have nothing to waste but time. Let’s go.” She hopped on.

            That was fast.

            Hmm… Tentacruel kept his suspicions to himself, but he was angry. * How dare she speak so against the Dragon Master... *

            Was she trying to… she couldn’t!
            He stayed silent though.

            It wouldn’t do to push undue suspicion… it was a strained enough mission already.

            He sank below the waves as they stayed safe in their air bubbles.

            It would be a long trip.

 

            Ash was meditatively silent also. * I know Lance won’t lie to me. He loves me! * He kept his love as his safeguard and shield.

            Misty was just jealous and insecure!
            That was all…

            Why did it have to be her… sometimes, he wondered just what Fate was doing. She was laughing at him. oh, it wasn’t fair…

            She had such a caustic personality.

            It wasn’t fair…

            Honestly, sometimes he wondered what was wrong. He was happy being Champion, and the Elite Four were nice.

            Why was someone trying to kill them?

            They were all nice people… well, maybe not Bruno, but now he was dead. But what had Agatha ever done?

            What was going on?

            Lance knew, somewhat…

            Why wouldn’t he tell?

 

            Ash felt a little fidgety, but ignored it. * He _won’t_ lie to me! *

            However, he couldn’t say whether he was trying to convince himself or Misty…

            The walls were falling one by one…

            What to do? He didn’t notice it in himself, and that was the danger… oh, it is so much easier for self-doubt to work than envy.

            If only he knew.

            It took two days of traveling, before they reached the Ocean Shrine.

            Ash had to admit that Misty wasn’t _that_ bad company…

            In fact, she was… changing? No, maybe he was, but she was quite attractive in her one way.

            He smiled as she smiled back.

            Misty smirked to herself. He had no chance against her seduction technique.

            “Ah!”

            “What’s wrong, Misty?” He asked, worried.

            “I have a bug bite…” Misty looked like she was really in pain. Ash winced in sympathy.

            “I’ll help!”

            “How?”

            “Where’s the bug bite?”           

            Misty took off her yellow top, making Ash blush, but sure enough, there was a large bump on her chest.

            “Here…”

            Ash nodded, as he felt his amulet pulse. Sure enough, the wound closed up in minutes. “There you go!”

            “Wow, you’re so cool!”

            Ash blushed. “Really?”

            “Really.” Misty grinned back at him.

            Ash smiled.

            Tentacruel frowned, but stayed silent. What could he do?

            He wouldn’t interfere, it wasn’t his place.

 

            “You know, Ash. I’m sorry for attacking you in my gym.”

            “Oh, that’s old news.”

            Misty hugged him. “Yay! See, I knew we’d be great friends!”

            Ash blushed again. * Maybe I misjudged her… * Ah, that naïve heart of youth, how easily it is molded…

            Pity, that…

            Well, soon the duty would be over, wouldn’t it?

            That was what counted.

            Tentacruel continued his pace onwards, not slowing, not stopping, and not increasing speed either. He needed to keep the path smooth.

            That way, the ceremony would be done properly.

            Misty looked at the gold and silver poke ball in marvel, in shock, it was beautiful… she wanted it for herself.

            Wait…

            Misty smiled as a plan sprang to mind. Two birds with one stone…

            That would work.

 

End Chapter

Completed 8/8/04

Ash: Uh-oh…

Phantomness: *laughs* I am anti-AAMRN…