Crimson Tears
Chapter Twenty Six: Keep An Open Mind
Ash's head pounded with agonizing pain.
No. This was just a dream. It can't be coming true.
Ash shifted his gaze looking at all the pale faces. They were all staring at him like he was a highly rare exhibit in a zoo. Ash couldn't shake the images that were rolling in his head. Misty falling over and over again inches for his fingertips. It had to be another dream.
How often in a dream did you know you were dreaming?
The question pressed Ash's heart to the pit of his stomach. It was real. Ash opened his mouth as if to say something but found his voice gone. Ash's heart began to pound painfully round the second dial. He couldn't believe that this was all coming true.
Then that must mean…
Cassidy is gonna kill Misty!
Ash's eyes glazed over with fear. He couldn't help but crying a silent gasp.
The dream he had was real. Misty was going to die… in his hands.
It was then that Ash remember the wisdom words of Agatha. She had always favored him in the Master Council. With everyone else she was always a witch. Except for Lance who was her admired grandson.
Agatha had once said 'A dream could be misleading but always it has some small significance. The future is never written, little one, and a dream is a reminder of that fact. Listen to your heart and the truth in your soul will sing the dream's purpose to you.'
Maybe the old quake was just shooting off her mouth again…
Ash knew Agatha didn't warn people unless she had reason behind it. Somehow that lesson would have to be put to the test. Misty would not die… at least not while Ash was around.
Misty, Richie, and Lily all sunk into the crowd, matching their pace and way of walking. They kept their hoods low as to hide their faces which were far from not welcome here. Misty found herself ringing her hands together nervously. Richie sent her a vexed stare which stopped her immediately.
Slowly the dimly lit passage ways arched out into wider and wider corridors. The flagged stone smoothed out into marble once more. The gravel like floor turned into granite steps. Misty felt like her legs were going to fall off. But she kept telling herself this was for Ash. She couldn't forgive herself until he was safe again.
Little did she know that Ash was worrying just the same for her.
Misty's ears began to ring at the dull silence about her. She let out a moan but that never left her mouth.
She gapped in shock and gestured this to Lily and Richie. They both nodded apparently already realizing this. As they trekked further up, Misty found the air was staler and less tasteful. The smell of blood was ripe in the air. The wall about them were dripping something Misty didn't want to take a second glance at. She now knew where the smell was from.
A white patch at the top of the tunnel told them that they were nearing the end of their travel. The crowd spilled out into a bright opened chamber. It had a high arched ceiling and everything was soaked white making it extremely bright for night. Misty squinted her eyes and saw between someone's arm a glimpse of a circle in the center of the temple. It had contained five people for as much as Misty could tell. He heart beat wildly as she attempted to push through the crowd.
Ash knew it was only seconds before Misty would part through the crowd and race towards him. But he couldn't move and he couldn't warn her with his voice.
Open your mind, little one. Strength is found in the heart when the body doesn't possess it.
Ash closed his eyes tight and concentrated all his might on sending one word to Misty.
Stop!
Misty stopped dead. Her heart ached at the thought of who owned the voice.
'Ash?' Misty mouthed soundlessly.
She inhaled a deep breath of calm and regained her senses. She closed her eyes and focused on a firm picture of Ash in her mind,
Ash? Are you okay?
Relief surged through Ash like he had just dipped into a warm bath. He let out a comforted sigh. Her voice sang in his head. The connection Ash had with her enabled her to communicate back.
I'm fine, Misty.
Good. Now explain to me, what is this all about?
I'm not sure. But stay hidden. Cassidy will surely kill you if you try something like that again.
Misty smiled and agreed that silently with him. It was a stupid idea but…
How did you know what I was doing?
Silence…
Ash? Ash?
Lily and Richie had lost Misty in crowd. Lily let out a irritated moan and dragged Richie through the swarm. It wasn't until they heard a muffled "Pika," did they stop dead. Richie blinked and jumped in surprise when Pikachu climbed out from his hidden nap sack.
Lily sent Richie and suspicious glance when he held the Ash's pikachu in his arms. Strangely, it was talking up a storm.
'What you guys all quiet about?' Pikachu squeaked. 'Where are we?'
Riche gulped and stuffed Pikachu into his robes to muffle its high pitched voice. Pikachu jumped away from Richie to shout at him when nothing came out. It looked when all of the sudden its voice was gone. It glared at Richie as if to say this is all your fault.
Ash's head suddenly erupted in pain.
Cassidy had blocked the connection. She smiled simply at Ash as Ash cringed. He dug his finger nails into his palm until the pain lessened. It only took a minute. Soon the throbbing was gone but along with it, Misty's voice.
Ash glared at Cassidy in a menacing way. She ignored it. She had better things in mind for them now…
To Be Continued…
Please r + r!
Yes. That was rather short but I need to keep up with my pace in school work at least they keep you hanging.
