Altomare Revisited: Chapter 21

Sorry I had to upload this one twice i forgot to clean it up on documents like I ususally do so I apologize for that.

Ash and Latias stood there for a little while watching as the silhouettes of their friends receded "So what now?" Ash asked smiling "We've got" he glanced down at his Pokegear for the time "about three hours till lunch" Latias gave Ash an odd smile then ran on without saying a word stopping a couple of meters ahead and beckoning for Ash to follow. Ash smiled remembering how they met then ran after Latias; as soon as she saw Ash had caught on Latias set off again a large smile on her face. Ash followed behind Latias wondering where she was leading him he didn't notice the large black sign that he passed that pointed to various places in the park; Latias was leading them down the route labelled Lovers' Forest. As the tree line grew close Latias slowed down and waited for Ash to catch up, Ash wasn't far behind and caught up quickly once Latias had stopped as he drew level Latias slipped her arm through his and leaned on his shoulder smiling happily, Ash smiled and took hold of Latias' hand keeping their arms entwined "So where have you lead me?" he asked seriously

Latias gave a small giggle 'There were like six signs we passed on the way didn't you see any of them' she asked incredulously

Ash smiled "Nope I didn't," he caressed her hand caringly "I guess I was too busy watching you"

Latias blushed 'So then I guess you'll just have to wait and see then'

Ash continued caressing her hand "Oh come on just tell me; pleeeeeaaase"

Latias giggled and swatted his head with her free hand playfully 'We're almost there anyway silly just wait'

The pair continued walking and fairly soon they entered the dappled shade the tree cover provided ahead of them the path split in two, Ash gave Latias a questioning look, Latias sighed 'It's a circular walk so it doesn't matter which path we take'

Ash nodded and gave a little laugh, now it was Latias' turn to give him a questioning look "We're going to be walking in one large circle through a forest, all we need is the rest of the gang and this would be just like normal" he smiled; Latias still didn't really get the joke as she had never been travelling around with Ash but she smiled anyway. The couple took the left path and began walking; the path was dotted with benches and in most cases the benches were occupied by other couples. After five minutes of walking the sound of running water could be heard filtering through the trees, after another couple of minutes the trees started thinning; Latias and Ash emerged into a massive clearing. Most of the clearing was occupied by a large lake, a large fountain sat in the middle of the lake the spray creating a large rainbow as the sunlight refracted off it; in the centre of the lake Ash could see a large island lined with willow trees and wildflowers, the path wound lazily around the edge of the lake small rose beds had been planted intermittently providing pockets of colour to break up the sea of green grass. Ash could see picnic blankets scattered over the lawns and there were many couples sitting together or walking together around the lake. He let out a low whistle "Wow" he muttered

Latias giggled "I know" she said 'I can talk right, since the others aren't here?'

Ash laughed "Of course you can" he smiled "Just as long as you remember to stop when we meet up again" he teased light-heartedly

Latias giggled and leaned into Ash "Isn't this place so ro..rom.." she stuttered

"romantic? Yes yes it is" Ash finished for her turning his head and giving her a kiss on the forehead

Latias giggled "Ash"

"Huh" Ash turned to look at Latias noticing the gleam in her eyes

"You got it wrong" Latias continued

Ash was totally confused by now "What do you mean?" he asked

Latias giggled again and leaned in close "My mouth is here not on my forehead" she whispered before French kissing Ash.

As they pulled apart Latias was giggling along with Ash "Okay I'll bear that in mind next time" Ash smiled "So were shall we go and sit?"

Latias smiled "I know where we can go" she stepped off the path onto the small sloped lawn that led down to the lake 'Follow me!' she called back following the edge of the lake heading for the tree-line again. Ash was confused but followed "I wish you'd tell me what you've got in mind" he called out

'We'll sit on that island' Latias shot back giggling at Ash's reaction

"What!" Ash yelled "I'm not swimming!"

'You won't have to now hurry up' Latias said still giggling to herself

Ash laughed "Ok ok; I'm coming" he ran into the tree line and spotted Latias a little way further along the tree covered bank of the lake.

'I don't think anyone can see us here' Latias said seriously 'Do you agree?'

Ash looked from side to side he had to admit Latias was right both of the banks were hidden by trees and bushes and anyone on the far side of the lake would have their vision impaired by the fountain and the island "Yeah I think we're hidden, why? What are you planning on doing?"

Latias giggled and dived into the lake gracefully barely making a splash as her body entered the water. "What!" Ash took a step back "I thought you said we weren't swimming? And besides you were still wearing your clothes" he finished rather lamely

Latias' laugh echoed around his head 'I said you wouldn't have to swim I never said I wouldn't'

Ash looked back at the water a small smile appeared on his face as he spotted a small patch of water glow softly, of course that's why Latias wanted to be hidden, he laughed at himself for not realising it sooner. A patch of water exploded in spray as an invisible shape shot out of the water and Ash felt himself lifted bodily off the ground by this force, he lifted his hand and stroked the air were he guessed Latias' head would be and he felt his hand touching something soft he stroked that patch of soft fur "You know Latias you could have just told me about your little plan rather than worrying me like that"

Latias giggled 'where would the fun in that be? Now hang on I'll keep the water off you with Psychic so you won't get wet'

Latias shot forward into the lake water and despite Latias assurance Ash still flinched a he went under water eliciting a small giggle from Latias, they shot forward the island rapidly approaching. As the edge of the island neared Latias began wondering to herself about how she could get Ash up to the island without him being seen; Ash was having the same thoughts and was shocked when he heard Latias ask 'So? Any idea how I can get you onto the island without anyone noticing?'

Ash shook his head he had no idea how he was going to communicate with Latias underwater since he wasn't psychic

Latis giggled 'Don't worry, I can read your mind just think of a response and I will know'

Ash was shocked, she can read minds yet she always seemed so surprised when he did his surprises for her

'I don't usually read peoples minds, Bianca says it's rude and besides' she giggled cutely 'it's no fun if you see every surprise coming'

Ash laughed silently he still had no idea about how they could resurface, maybe if Latias created a distraction but he knew they would have to resurface soon; he was running out of breath.

Yay a bad cliffhanger, do you think I will kill of Ash? It would be a great surprise ending wouldn't it though?