Misty laid Togipi down upon her sleeping bag. The little egg was tuckered
out from all the excitement. Looking around the campsite, Misty had to
smile at the scene that had become increasingly familiar. Raikou and Zapdos
were arguing about something irrelevant. Suicune and Articuno were ignoring
their siblings and catching up on old times. Pikachu was in his own little
world, his entire being focused on a bottle of ketchup. Ash was... Misty
blinked, startled when she realized Ash wasn't at the campsite at all. She
bit her lip in confusion, then went over to where Articuno and Suicune were
talking.
"Have either of you seen Ash?" Suicune shook her head absent-mindedly.
He was here a minute ago. Articuno cocked her head slightly and ruffled her feathers.
Begging your pardon Lady, but I believe the young Lord went over there. By yonder lake her voice was soft. She pointed with her wing toward the direction of the lake. Misty thought the way Articuno talked was very romantic. Like a Shakespeare play, but she didn't think she'd ever get used to being called Lady.
"You don't have to call me Lady" Misty pointed out as she went toward the lake.
I know Lady Articuno answered, her beak opened in a shy smile as she watched Misty go.
******************************************************************
Ash stood staring into the lake, but he wasn't seeing ripples in the waves, or his reflection. Instead, he kept seeing Misty diving into the pool, Misty fainting in the cave, and most importantly, Misty screaming as the barrier in Articuno's mind broke down. Ash was so wrapped up in his thoughts, that he didn't even notice Misty until she laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey Ash" she whispered, slipping her arm through his.
"What's wrong?" Ash turned his head away.
"What makes you think anything is wrong?" he said it more sharply then he intended, causing Misty to let go of him. She moved in front of Ash, crossing her arms and glaring at him.
"I know you better than I know myself Ash Ketchum, so of course I can see there's something wrong! You had better tell me what's wrong, right now!" Ash clenched his fists, then turned to look into her eyes. Misty was startled to see tears in them. Her anger immediately softened to concern.
"Ash? Please tell me what's wrong" she said softly, taking his hand. Ash sighed, trying to find the words to say.
"It's just..today I realized just how much danger you're putting yourself into. Danger that, I can't protect you from" Ash took Misty's other hand in his own and squeezed them gently.
"What if something happens to you when I can't be there to protect you? I don't know what I'd do without you" Misty placed her hand on his cheek, staring into his eyes.
"Ash, there are going to be times that we both are going to be in danger of getting hurt, or worse. But we can't stop just because we're afraid" Ash blinked and looked at Misty in confusion.
"We? What do you mean we? I just want YOU to stop. If something happens to ME, in won't matter as much" Misty eyes, so full of compassion, abruptly blazed in anger. She took a step back and placed her hands on her hips.
"Don't you think I worry about you Ash Ketchum?! It drives me crazy every time you run off to save a pokemon, or the world or whatever! Every time you go off, I'm afraid I might never see you again! But I have to trust that you'll be all right! And you must do the same for ME!" Ash put his hand behind his head, taken back by her outburst.
"Gee, I'm sorry Mist, I never really thought of it that way. I guess you go through the same thing I'm going through..." Misty sighed, the anger slowly seeping out to be replaced by her love for him. She slipped her arms around his neck, and rested her head on his chest.
"Sometimes, we won't be able to protect each other, but we have to trust that everything will turn out okay. And even if something does happen to us, it doesn't mean we will love each other any less. Right?" Misty looked up at Ash, suddenly worried that he didn't feel the same.
"Right" Ash told her, and relief spilled through her heart like rain into a river. She smiled, and tilted her head up for his kiss.
******************************************************************
Articuno watched the two young lovers with a mixture of happiness and longing. Zapdos came up besides her, running his beak against her cheek.
Hey Sis, what's up? Missing Lugia? Articuno cheek feathers turned a little brighter and she ruffled her wings nervously.
I'm sure I haven't the slightest idea of what you speak of, Brother Mine she answered primly. Zapdos only chuckled.
Come on now. Give over and stop denying it. Every one knows about you and Lugia Articuno's eyes widened in surprised. Then she smiled and shook her head.
Never could I lie to you. Yes, I must confess, watching the young Lord and Lady did cause me to yearn for Lugia. Articuno trailed off and looked back over at Misty and Ash. They stood, arms wrapped around each other, staring into each other's eyes. Zapdos put his wing around her and gave her a brotherly hug .
Don't worry Little Sis, we'll find Lugia. And Ho-oh Articuno nodded, then the birds went back to camp.
******************************************************************
The next morning everyone was packed and gone. Making the swim through the lake with minimal grumbling from Zapdos. As they left the cave however they were faced with another problem.
There is no way, for all the stars in the universe, will I carry Thunder Butt over the ocean again! Zapdos told them firmly. Raikou snorted.
Who said I wanted you to, Lightning Beak? Raikou retorted, sitting down. Suicune, Ash, Misty, and Pikachu all groaned. Articuno looked around confused.
"Come on guys" Ash pleaded, "We need to get to the temple, and the only way over there is to cross this ocean!"
So you HAVE to ride Zapdos brother Suicune said, glaring at Raikou. And YOU she turned on Zapdos, have to carry him! Both electric pokemon shook their heads and glared at each other. Pikachu grumbled under his breath, and Togipi just giggled. Articuno looked at the group and clicked her beak thoughtfully.
"What is it Articuno?" Misty asked her, turning away from the arguing pokemon. Articuno narrowed her mind so just Misty heard her thought.
Perchance, if cousin Raikou dose not object, I could create a beam of ice for him to run upon?
"That's a great idea!" Misty exclaimed happily.
"Togiipriiii!" Ash and the other pokemon turned to Misty.
"What? What's a great idea?" Ash asked scratching his head. Misty told them Articuno's idea. Raikou jumped up, nodding his head vigorously.
YES! Let's do that!
Definitely better than me carry Raikou Zapdos agreed. Suicune thought for a minute.
But what about the ice? We can't just leave a beam of ice out in the middle of the ocean
"I've got that covered!" Ash said smiling. He turned his hat back words then took out a pokeball.
"Cyndaquil! I choose you!"
"Cyndaquil!" the flaming porcupine came out of his ball.
"He can sit on Raikou's back and melt the ice that Raikou runs over" Ash explained. Misty kissed his cheek and took his arm.
"That's a great idea Ash!"
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed.
Then its settled. Suicune said in relief.
Let's go!
******************************************************************
Demon and Shadow watched Ash and the gang through a liquid portal as the they crossed the ocean. Articuno was in the lead, creating a strip of ice that Raikou was running/sliding on. Suicune kept pace with her brother with Ash and Misty on her back. Cyndaquil sat on Raikou's back, facing the opposite direction. The little porcupine was using his flamethrower on the ice as Raikou ran over it, melting it. Pikachu and Togipi were catching a ride on Zapdos's back. They were all chatting and laughing. Demon sneered.
"I can't believe they're still alive! That boy shouldn't have beat able to beat Mimi, and our spell in Articuno's mind was unbreakable!" He smashed his fist into the liquid making the picture ripple.
"These aren't ordinary people Demon!" Shadow snapped at him. "These are the Rulers and the Legendarys! We should've know it would take more than petty tricks to kill them." Demon growled at his partner.
"Petty tricks? You call Mimi a petty trick!?"
"I do" Shadow turned to glare at Demon.
"We can't just go for physical attacks. They both have proved themselves as worthy fighters in that area." Demon crossed his arms, and turned to look into the picture again.
"What do you suppose we should do then?"
"It's simple" her smile was neither warm nor friendly.
"We divide and conquer"
On that "happy" note, I bid you ado. Until next time people, and don't forget to review! (HA! Rhymed!)
"Have either of you seen Ash?" Suicune shook her head absent-mindedly.
He was here a minute ago. Articuno cocked her head slightly and ruffled her feathers.
Begging your pardon Lady, but I believe the young Lord went over there. By yonder lake her voice was soft. She pointed with her wing toward the direction of the lake. Misty thought the way Articuno talked was very romantic. Like a Shakespeare play, but she didn't think she'd ever get used to being called Lady.
"You don't have to call me Lady" Misty pointed out as she went toward the lake.
I know Lady Articuno answered, her beak opened in a shy smile as she watched Misty go.
******************************************************************
Ash stood staring into the lake, but he wasn't seeing ripples in the waves, or his reflection. Instead, he kept seeing Misty diving into the pool, Misty fainting in the cave, and most importantly, Misty screaming as the barrier in Articuno's mind broke down. Ash was so wrapped up in his thoughts, that he didn't even notice Misty until she laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey Ash" she whispered, slipping her arm through his.
"What's wrong?" Ash turned his head away.
"What makes you think anything is wrong?" he said it more sharply then he intended, causing Misty to let go of him. She moved in front of Ash, crossing her arms and glaring at him.
"I know you better than I know myself Ash Ketchum, so of course I can see there's something wrong! You had better tell me what's wrong, right now!" Ash clenched his fists, then turned to look into her eyes. Misty was startled to see tears in them. Her anger immediately softened to concern.
"Ash? Please tell me what's wrong" she said softly, taking his hand. Ash sighed, trying to find the words to say.
"It's just..today I realized just how much danger you're putting yourself into. Danger that, I can't protect you from" Ash took Misty's other hand in his own and squeezed them gently.
"What if something happens to you when I can't be there to protect you? I don't know what I'd do without you" Misty placed her hand on his cheek, staring into his eyes.
"Ash, there are going to be times that we both are going to be in danger of getting hurt, or worse. But we can't stop just because we're afraid" Ash blinked and looked at Misty in confusion.
"We? What do you mean we? I just want YOU to stop. If something happens to ME, in won't matter as much" Misty eyes, so full of compassion, abruptly blazed in anger. She took a step back and placed her hands on her hips.
"Don't you think I worry about you Ash Ketchum?! It drives me crazy every time you run off to save a pokemon, or the world or whatever! Every time you go off, I'm afraid I might never see you again! But I have to trust that you'll be all right! And you must do the same for ME!" Ash put his hand behind his head, taken back by her outburst.
"Gee, I'm sorry Mist, I never really thought of it that way. I guess you go through the same thing I'm going through..." Misty sighed, the anger slowly seeping out to be replaced by her love for him. She slipped her arms around his neck, and rested her head on his chest.
"Sometimes, we won't be able to protect each other, but we have to trust that everything will turn out okay. And even if something does happen to us, it doesn't mean we will love each other any less. Right?" Misty looked up at Ash, suddenly worried that he didn't feel the same.
"Right" Ash told her, and relief spilled through her heart like rain into a river. She smiled, and tilted her head up for his kiss.
******************************************************************
Articuno watched the two young lovers with a mixture of happiness and longing. Zapdos came up besides her, running his beak against her cheek.
Hey Sis, what's up? Missing Lugia? Articuno cheek feathers turned a little brighter and she ruffled her wings nervously.
I'm sure I haven't the slightest idea of what you speak of, Brother Mine she answered primly. Zapdos only chuckled.
Come on now. Give over and stop denying it. Every one knows about you and Lugia Articuno's eyes widened in surprised. Then she smiled and shook her head.
Never could I lie to you. Yes, I must confess, watching the young Lord and Lady did cause me to yearn for Lugia. Articuno trailed off and looked back over at Misty and Ash. They stood, arms wrapped around each other, staring into each other's eyes. Zapdos put his wing around her and gave her a brotherly hug .
Don't worry Little Sis, we'll find Lugia. And Ho-oh Articuno nodded, then the birds went back to camp.
******************************************************************
The next morning everyone was packed and gone. Making the swim through the lake with minimal grumbling from Zapdos. As they left the cave however they were faced with another problem.
There is no way, for all the stars in the universe, will I carry Thunder Butt over the ocean again! Zapdos told them firmly. Raikou snorted.
Who said I wanted you to, Lightning Beak? Raikou retorted, sitting down. Suicune, Ash, Misty, and Pikachu all groaned. Articuno looked around confused.
"Come on guys" Ash pleaded, "We need to get to the temple, and the only way over there is to cross this ocean!"
So you HAVE to ride Zapdos brother Suicune said, glaring at Raikou. And YOU she turned on Zapdos, have to carry him! Both electric pokemon shook their heads and glared at each other. Pikachu grumbled under his breath, and Togipi just giggled. Articuno looked at the group and clicked her beak thoughtfully.
"What is it Articuno?" Misty asked her, turning away from the arguing pokemon. Articuno narrowed her mind so just Misty heard her thought.
Perchance, if cousin Raikou dose not object, I could create a beam of ice for him to run upon?
"That's a great idea!" Misty exclaimed happily.
"Togiipriiii!" Ash and the other pokemon turned to Misty.
"What? What's a great idea?" Ash asked scratching his head. Misty told them Articuno's idea. Raikou jumped up, nodding his head vigorously.
YES! Let's do that!
Definitely better than me carry Raikou Zapdos agreed. Suicune thought for a minute.
But what about the ice? We can't just leave a beam of ice out in the middle of the ocean
"I've got that covered!" Ash said smiling. He turned his hat back words then took out a pokeball.
"Cyndaquil! I choose you!"
"Cyndaquil!" the flaming porcupine came out of his ball.
"He can sit on Raikou's back and melt the ice that Raikou runs over" Ash explained. Misty kissed his cheek and took his arm.
"That's a great idea Ash!"
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed.
Then its settled. Suicune said in relief.
Let's go!
******************************************************************
Demon and Shadow watched Ash and the gang through a liquid portal as the they crossed the ocean. Articuno was in the lead, creating a strip of ice that Raikou was running/sliding on. Suicune kept pace with her brother with Ash and Misty on her back. Cyndaquil sat on Raikou's back, facing the opposite direction. The little porcupine was using his flamethrower on the ice as Raikou ran over it, melting it. Pikachu and Togipi were catching a ride on Zapdos's back. They were all chatting and laughing. Demon sneered.
"I can't believe they're still alive! That boy shouldn't have beat able to beat Mimi, and our spell in Articuno's mind was unbreakable!" He smashed his fist into the liquid making the picture ripple.
"These aren't ordinary people Demon!" Shadow snapped at him. "These are the Rulers and the Legendarys! We should've know it would take more than petty tricks to kill them." Demon growled at his partner.
"Petty tricks? You call Mimi a petty trick!?"
"I do" Shadow turned to glare at Demon.
"We can't just go for physical attacks. They both have proved themselves as worthy fighters in that area." Demon crossed his arms, and turned to look into the picture again.
"What do you suppose we should do then?"
"It's simple" her smile was neither warm nor friendly.
"We divide and conquer"
On that "happy" note, I bid you ado. Until next time people, and don't forget to review! (HA! Rhymed!)