Another chapter… *yawns*

Chapter 8: Metamorphosis

Ash smiled as Squirtle and Pikachu surfed with him towards the high peaks of the whirl islands.

What about the whirlpools? We have to cross them somehow? Pidgeot called.

“That’s why I got the HM from Claire.” Ash said, grinning. “I got Waterfall from her too, just in case.”

Oh?

Claire had been quite helpful. She had provided a map, but warned him of the dangers ahead.

Ash hoped he didn’t run into sudden blizzards or collapsing caves… or rampaging tentacool…

It gave him nightmares, but he had to find Lugia! It had been two days since he had made that agreement with Lance.

To some extent, he felt relieved.

I can help Misty without having to do… that…

If Mom found out, she’d kill me!
But I can’t take her money, she barely makes enough for rental payments and the tax rates are so high right now…

So this is really the best way.

I wonder what might have happened in Lance hadn’t found me? Well, it was nice of him.

He must really want Lugia. But why doesn’t he capture it himself?

Hmm…

Well, no musing on that. First, I’ll save Misty’s life; we can deal with the rest later!

And it’s pokemon training and battling, something I know how to do well.

Good…

I hope we find Lugia soon…

Ash smiled as they neared the first island. It was time to begin the search.

In a few hours, he had caught Psyduck, Seel, and a lost Krabby, but no sign of Lugia was seen.

Pikachu sniffed the air, trying to find their bearings.

It was difficult.

Well, even if he didn’t find Lugia today, at least he had added something to his pokédex at last. Oak would be glad.

Ash transferred all three new pokemon, still leaving an empty slot on his belt. For Lugia, of course…

< Chosen, I have to applaud your cleverness. >

< Thank you. > Lance said modestly.

< You are helping him without smothering him. >

< I can’t believe he was thinking about prostitution! >

< Well, I believe he was desperate. Remember, most jobs non-pokemon related only pay minimum wage and he would need to go through training, also… there are only so many junior trainers and they pay not well. >

< True. >

< So now, you have separated him from the demon and he will hopefully have more self-confidence. >

< Just don’t kill him when he finds you, all right? >

< Why would I, Chosen? Ho-oh might be very displeased with that. >

< Hai. >

< I will simply battle him without tricks. >

Lugia cut off the telepathy, letting his Dragon Master plan the next step.

Five days…

Five days without Misty’s constant nagging presence was actually quite soothing. Ash felt guilty for thinking so, but it was true.

He was also faster and better trained without her around.

Maybe it was the fact she always put him down.

Even though he felt bad, again, he decided he didn’t deserve it.

Why did Misty blame him for her troubles? Besides the bike… speaking of that bike, what if Lance was right?

What if she had been lying to him?

That would totally destroy his trust in her. But she had gotten mad when he asked the real price.

That was not a good sign.

Hmm….

Maybe it wasn’t his fault… she didn’t have to follow him around!

He could just send her payments on time.

There it was! Why did she follow him around if she didn’t have to? He had promised to pay the bike, and he had given her all the money he earned.

Yes… maybe…

Did she like hurting herself?

Strange… what was wrong with Misty? All he was doing was trying to help, but it didn’t work.

It still didn’t work!

He was only trying to help!

Three more weeks…

Ash stared at the Gyarados he and Pikachu had just defeated, before tossing a Great Ball.

Another capture… now Starmie and Seaking and Seadra had also succumbed… and he had managed to evolve Psyduck into Golduck.

It seemed his capture abilities greatly improved without pressure.

But everything was hard to do under pressure.

Everything…

Ash smiled as Gyarados was also transferred.

Yes, it was getting better. But where was Lugia? There was only one cave left…

That had to be it!

Feeling more confident, he set up camp for the night. The next morning, refreshed and feeling more awake, he set off.

Don’t worry, Lance, I won’t break our agreement. Lugia will be yours.

I’m getting better too. Thanks, this really helps me.

Ash smiled and walked into the darkness.

Back in Indigo, the Dragon Master shook his head. * Finally… *

Remove the obstacles, and life suddenly became a whole lot easier.

Get rid of the stumbling blocks, and you suddenly discover the wings you have always had.

Reveal the hideous nature of truth, and a false love can be broken.

He shut down his mirror, with a look of hope. < Lugia… it’s time. >

And back in Whirl Islands, the dragon stirred.

End Chapter