Under the Sea, on Top of the World

Ten

"I'd think she'd rather kiss you, Ash." Rudy said in the same discussed voice.

"Say what?" Ash and Misty said in unison. Ash fell off of his kick board and splashed Misty with the impact water.

"I'm used to the water by now." Misty said sadly.

"Well, I have to leave now, sorry I can't help. I'd advise you not to stay here either. The man that lives in that castle over there doesn't like females. Trust me." Rudy said with a weird laugh as he pointed toward a dark gray castle on top of a hill on the island they come upon. Rudy must have stopped here for supplies or something because it wasn't Trovita Island.

"He's turning out to be more like Gary every time I see him." Ash said.

"That's only the second time you've seen Rudy." Tracey pointed out. Ash didn't reply but went over to the bank of the island and walked toward that odd castle.

"Where are you going Ash?" Misty asked.

"To see if that 'man' can tell us were we are."

"I don't think that's a very good idea." Tracey said.

Again Ash didn't listen but knocked on the door of the huge building. The door swung open at lightning speed and a giant hand reached out and pulled the three kids inside.

Ash and Tracey woke up tied to a table in a circular room. There were huge tanks of green fluid all around the circumference. "Where the heck are we?" Ash asked.

"I don't know." Tracey replied.

"Wait! Where's Misty?" Ash yelled.

"Let me go you big freak." They heard Misty scream.

The boys looked closer into the darkness and saw a man dressed in black. His green hair was what made him stand out in the dimly lighted room.

"Ya shouldn't ta come here, young lady." The man said. He had a very strong Irish accent. "I haven't had a good record of treatin' de ladies wid much respect. Even the sight of 'em makes me want ta reach out 'n kill!"

He did what he explained, which was not a very pleasant sight for the two boys. He grabbed Misty by the throat with one hand and lifted her off the ground. You could see his hand tighten and Misty's legs flailing back and forth. Misty put her hands up on his trying to pry them loose. Her muscles in her neck were flexing, so, trying to get every little bit of oxygen she could.

"Let Misty go!" the two boys screamed.

But it was to late. Misty's hands went limp and fell to her side.