Crimson Tears

Chapter Twenty Two: The Witch

Asa held out her hand to Ash graciously. Ash took it.

"It's a pleasure to meet the greatest master in the world."

Ash found himself blushing. He pulled away and grinned sheepishly, "Well… I'm not that good."

Asa seemed taken a back.

"Of course you are! You and your pokemon… I watched you fight Gary with my little brother that day. You moved like one! It was amazing. You and your pokemon were a real team!" Asa exclaimed. "How did you train them so good?"

Ash shrugged, "I didn't. We trained each other."

Asa blinked and tried to figure this out. She pondered for a minute before speaking, "How can you train each other?"

Ash didn't seem able to answer. He looked up at the sky awkwardly.

When his eyes finally fell upon hers again he answered, "We were friends first."

Asa seemed confused by this too. But she didn't mention it. Instead she hastily changed the subject.

"I guess you don't train much anymore. Do you think you and your pokemon are still strong?"

Ash shrugged, "Does that matter? I don't really think it does. Me and my pokemon don't have to be strong. We proved our worth and now we just battle for the thrill."

"Against who?"

"My friends when they have time. When I was in hiding I constantly wanted to have pokemon battles. I think I drove Gary nuts."

Asa let out a small chuckle. Ash found it better to talk to her when she was happy. But he knew that wouldn't last once she knew what happened to her brother…

"So how do you know Aiko?"


"ASH!" Misty called out into the dark night anxiously, "ASH! ASA! ASH!"

"YO ASH!" Richie shouted along with Misty as they shot past the buildings on the snow speeder, "ASH, WHERE ARE YA!"

"PIKA PIII! PIKA PII! PIKACHU CHA! PIKACHU PII PIKACHU!" Pikachu cried in angst.

It was probably more worried then anyone else about Ash. They didn't know Ash didn't even stand a chance against Cassidy. But Pikachu wasn't in the position to tell them. It would just cause more panic.

"PIKA-PII!"


Ash winced at this question. He looked down at the girl wondering on how to break the news to her. But it seemed that Asa already knew. She stared into his cheerless eyes as the truth seemed to flood over her.

"He's dead, isn't he?"

Ash could only nod. Asa let out a weak gasp and fell to her hands and knees. No tears came. She just sat staring at the muddy white snow. Her fists clenched about the frozen ice.

"I knew it." Asa looked up at Ash again, "My parents and then my brother…"

Ash didn't know how to react. He just stood watching her timidly.

"My parents told us to run. They were the Marshal Arts champions of this city. Even they couldn't beat Cassidy…" Asa lifted her fist and slammed it back onto the ground angrily. "Aiko and I had to split up. I didn't want to leave him. He was only six. He didn't really know how to fight. And now… do you know if he died fighting?"

Ash blinked, "I'm not sure."

"Was he alone when he…"

"No. He wasn't."

"Good."

Asa looked up at him. Her eyes seemed to sparkle, "You were his hero, you know?"

"Yes." Ash smiled, "I know. But he is much braver then I ever could be."

Asa shook her head wiping a few tears from her eyes that threatened to break through.

"Aiko was a angel. He never liked fighting. He just wanted to have pokemon to be his friends."

Ash nodded, "He would of made a fine trainer."

"Yeah. A fool just like you, Ash."

Ash and Asa spun around and out up on a nearby building roof stood a shadow figure wearing a black bellowing cloak and a golden gloved fist. Asa looked stunned as Ash put himself in front of her. He got into a fighting stance and glared with loathing up at the person.

"Cassidy, you have some nerve!"

'Cassidy?' Asa mouthed in shock.

The figure gave off a shrill laughter that didn't fit her, "Yes. I know."

She lowered her hood and shook back her golden hair. Her purple eyes flashed to Asa who stood peering at the women from behind Ash.

"Ah. So you must be Asa. Yes. I must see if you squeal like your brother when you die," Cassidy chuckled.

Asa turned pale, "You… killed him…?"

Ash tensed. He glared up at Cassidy's haunting face that glowed in the moonlight, "You heartless witch."

Cassidy put her hands on her waist cockily, "Well, he shouldn't of been out past his bedtime."

Asa shook with anger. She closed her eyes tight and bit her lip. Her fists quavered with pain. Tears slowly streaked down her cheeks. She felt as if she were seconds from burst point.

Ash didn't notice her obvious rage. He was concentrating on Cassidy, "Why are you doing this?"

"To get you mad," Cassidy smirked. "I knew if I blew up enough people you would come."

She leapt off the roof and landed cat-like on the ground a few feet in front of them. She rose up to her feet, her eyes blazing hate towards Ash.

"Besides… I enjoy hearing people scream. It's music to my ears."

"DIEEEEEE!" Asa screamed in fury pushing Ash aside. She charged full at Cassidy.

Ash's side hit the wall but he was into much shock to feel any pain,

"NO! ASA STOP!"

Cassidy violet eyes narrowed into slits, "You wanna play, Asa? Okay… Lets play."

To Be Continued…

Please r + r!

This next chapter will be a interesting one…