Chapter 14: Dreams and Nightmare

It had been hours since Ash and his teammates started walking along the path that the Pandora's key had produced. As the miles piled up, some of the team was showing wear. "Guys, let's face it," Al started while moaning. "There's no way we can get there in one day." Asuka checked her watch, and realized it was 10:47 P.M.

"I agree," she said. "It quarter to 11:00." Ash found this weird as he observed the sky, not looking dark at all.

"I don't know if I can agree, as well," he muttered. "I mean, look at the sky." Everyone looked up. "If Asuka's right, then shouldn't the scenery be a little noctournal?"

"You have a point, there," Sasami acknowledged. "However, I think this is La Mortua's doing."

"Is there a way you can prove that?" Al wondered. Sasami turned and shook her head at Al. "Well, now what, leader?"

"Well, I did notice that some of us were getting beat, so what I think we should do is set up camp."

"Great idea, Sammy," Ash said, then, started to wonder. "...But how will we get food prepared? We're wandering in an apparent wasteland and I haven't seen a twig, let alone firewood." Then, Al had an idea...or rather, the idea came to Al when numerous ferocious, chimera-like beasts were charging at the team.

"Here comes burning material," Al grinned. Everyone looked towards the approaching beasts, as Al and Rin stepped forward. The beasts inched closer and closer, and the two forwards waited patiently for the right time to strike. Then, Al clapped his hands and slapped the ground, causing rockspikes to shoot from the ground, skewering several. Rin brought out her long katana, charged, and sliced more of them. The fight lasted one minute as Al and Rin came out victorious.They gathered the dead beasts into a pile, where Al clapped his hands and planted them on the carcassing pile. After a few seconds, all the beasts were turned into long pieces of piled firewood. "Anyone got a match or anything to get this fire going?" Ash, then, remembered the red emblem on his belt: Torkoal.

"Got it right here." He pressed the emblem, and started to morph. His back changed into a charcoal turtle shell. Afterwards, Ash was still able to stand, despite the heavy shell. Then, he performed a flamethrower by taking a deep breath and blew it onto the pile. He pressed the emblem again to turn back to himself. Sasami managed to get stew going on the fire.

"It should be ready in a few minutes," she said. After everyone got a share, she was curious about a few things. Then again, so was everyone. "So, Koga, what was that before when you and Stark were working on your sword? You said that 'mutt-face' was a romantic rival of yours."

"Well, InuYasha and I have a girl in mind," Koga explained. "Although he's too stubborn to actually confess, unlike Ash with Kari." His timing of saying that couldn't be any better, because both names, that were mentioned, were guzzling some milk. When they heard the line, they sprayed Koga, and covered the demon in milk and saliva. Junpei and Asuka were laughing like hyenas, out of turmoil for their bewildered teammate.

"That was priceless," Asuka chuckled. Koga was in disbelief after being spat on like that, and humiliated. Out of sympathy, Kari tossed Koga a towel to dry off the milk. The conversations continued for a decent 25 minutes, before everyone succumbed to rest. As they were sleeping, Elizabeth rose out of Rin's body and stared down at everyone.

"Y'know, I wonder what they dream about in their sleep?" she asked herself. She decided to start with Al's dream. "Let's see what this little boy dreams about." Her hand started to glow as she hung it over Al's closed eyes. Then, she saw it.

ALPHONSE'S DREAM

Al was running to the automail shop where Ed and Winry were waiting for him. Ed was expecting his brother still in cased in that armor. "Ed!" Al called out. "Winry!" Both looked over to the sound and saw Al, all human.

"Al!" Ed replied as he ran over to his brother. When they met, both brothers started to hug each other and cry in joy. Winry joined as she was surprised to see the little brother back to normal. "Al, how on Earth did you get your body back?"

"It was my reward for saving the worlds," Al lied, knowing full well that Kazuki was the one who used his magic to resurrect his body.

"You mean you even saved Ash's world, too?"

"Yeah, I did."

"I'm proud of you, Alphonse," Winry cried as well.

END DREAM

Elizabeth stopped using her magic, and grinned at the wonderous dream. "I know Shikimori was the one, but what would they know," she muttered. "Now, Sasami." She floated over to Sasami and performed the same feat that she did on Al.
SASAMI'S DREAM

The forest setting was the place in the planet of Jurai, as the citizens gathered for an adressing from the queen. The queen was a grown teenager with long, blue hair and was well developed. Her pink eyes were proof, as the people were chanting "Queen Sasami."

"Ladies and gentlemen of Jurai," she started. "I am proud to present the new king of this glorious planet, and my new fiance." That's when a tall man stepped forward with blonde young man in a royal gown and head dress. "Alphonse, their ears are at your mercy."

"People of Jurai," Alphonse started. While King Al was talking to the crowd, Queen Sasami was blushing at the stern stance and moving voice.

'Al, I'm glad you decided to stay with me. Tenchi and Ayeka are living happily on Earth, and we rule over my home planet. I hope the next thing that'll happen to us is that we have a baby of our own.' The cheers of "Alphonse and Sasami" were overwhelming.

END DREAM

"Well, a child between those two might be something I would want to see," said Elizabeth, who, then, worked with Junpei.
JUNPEI'S DREAM

Junpei was in a stone-walled room, facing a giant chicken with a white turban, ready to fight it."All right, c'mon you clucker," he roared as he raced at the chicken. It stood it's ground and placed both wings together.

"Welcome," it clucked. "You must be hungry." Junpei collapsed to the ground, in disbelief. When he got up, his stomach started to growl.

"A giant chicken in a turban knows I'm hungry?" That's when it fanned it's wings and revealed..."Curry! Plates and plates full of curry." A whole banquet of curry was lined up from one end to the other. "So many kinds..." Then, voices called out.

"Junpei," a sound of a teen girl was heard. Junpei turned to see...

"Ritsuko, what are you doing here?" It was the redhead, Ritsuko, as she ran up to Junpei. "How in the hell did you find this place?" She flicked a finger at his head.

"Duh, it's your dream, remember? You decide who you want in."

"Oh, right. My fault." That's when she noticed the curry plates as well.

"Is that curry?"

"Plates full of it. Check it out: Chinese-style curry, Indian-spiced curry, western curry..." That's when he noticed... "Wait, there's no chicken curry."

"Is chicken flavor your favorite?" Junpei nodded, causing the chicken to cluck in defense.

"Hey, can't you give someone a break?" it squawked. All Junpei could do was forgive it.

"Oh, well," he grinned. "Down the hatch."

END DREAM

Elizabeth was distraught by the sight. "This guy had to be dreaming about his stomach almost all the time," she whined. Asuka's dream was about how she was able to synchronize with Eva Unit-02 better than Shinji in Unti-01, and how she and Pete wind up getting married. Koga's dream was about marrying Kagome after InuYasha was killed by Naraku before he was killed by Koga. Then, it was Rin's turn.
RIN'S DREAM

It was a special day at the Aoi Academy as a new student was attending class 2-B. A brunette woman in a white mid-drift and long blue pants was addressing the class. "Everyone, we have a new student attending our class," she started as she turned to the door. "Okay, you can come in." That's when a raven-black haired teen walked in and to the teacher. Kazuki and Yuna were practically blown away by who it was.

"Is that who I think it is?" Kazuki shrieked.

"It's Ash," Yuna pointed out. Everyone was a little stunned when he wrote his name on the chalkboard, since it appeared he was from America. After the teacher introduced Ash to the class, she assigned him to seat by Kazuki. Before sitting down, both Kazuki and Ash shot each other a grin.

"It's been a while, Ash."

"Same here, Kaz," Ash smirked. "You, too, Yuna."

"Don't I know it," Yuna replied with a smile. Later that day, during lunch, the three were sitting by a tree, in front of the window of Dr. Akai's office. "So, why did you come here to this academy?"

"Well, I wanted to learn magic, since I have a high spell count and no knowledge about what my specialty is."

"I see. Good luck with that," Kazuki acknowledged. That's when Rin appeared and approached the group. "Hey, Rin."

"Good afternoon, Shikimori," she bellowed before turning to Ash, and her face turned to shock. "Ash, I can't believe it's you." Rin hugged Ash, making Kazuki and Yuna wonder what happened during their trip around to get the keys. As the first week pursued on, the three were amazed about Ash's progress, and how he was able to accomplish so much. Rin was growing more and more fond of the once known trainer. Then, one night at the side of the river, Ash was sitting on a park bench, looking out to the night sky. Then, Rin walked up to the black-haired teen.

"Rin, what's up?" he asked, with a hint of worry.

"Ash, I- I know we went through a lot since our battle with La Mortua, but my fight couldn't have continued if you weren't there to help all of us."

"It was our combined courage and skill that brought La Mortua to his grave. We were all in this fight."

"That is why I wanted to ask you if you would...you..." Rin's eyes were tearing up out of fear of rejection asshe was choking on how to bring it out. Ash caressed her head to his chest, and hugged her gently.

"Yes, I do. I don't want to be separated again." Rin looked up and smiled before they both leaned in for a kiss.

END DREAM

Rin was waking up as she saw Elizabeth stopping her use. "Elizabeth, why did you..." Rin stopped what she was saying, and looked over to Ash. "Have you done everyone's yet?"

"No, Ash was next on my list," Elizabeth noted. Both strolled over to the sleeping trainer as they wanted to know what Ash dreams about everynight.

ASH'S DREAM

Pikachu unleashed a Thunder attack, striking Golem with an unbelievible force, thus, knocking him out. Then, the crowd in the stadium erupted in cheers as the final count was noticed: Golem's icon on the Titantron blackened out. Pikachu's icon was still lit. "It's over!" a man on the P.A. yelled out. "It's over! Pikachu knocked out Golem to clinch the championship!" Ash was jumping in the air so high, Pikachu was fearing that he was going to hurt himself. After seven seconds in the air, Ash landed softly on the ground, but ready to be mobbed by his friends. "Ladies and gentlemen, your World Champion is Ash Ketchum!" The crowd's volume rocketed their cheers as the runner-up simply walked out in disgust, leaving poor Golem behind. When Golem came around, it searched for its trainer, and ran out of the stadium. Ash was enjoying the spotlight, when suddenly, the scene became black. He was standing in black without anything in sight.

"What happened," he wondered. "I was having a great time winning the World Tournament..." That's when a female voice sounded.

"DId you use magic during your fight or your journeys?" It was Yuna who spoke and had a spotlight over her.

"Yuna?"

"I bet you used a lot, especally helping Rin out."

"How can I? I don't know what I have for magic." Ash paused for a second. "Not even one for healing...or love." Yuna smiled at him.

"That's what your heart is for." Then, a male voice entered as another spotlight shoned down.

"Whether it's magic..." It was Ed who muttered. "Or alchemy."

"Edward? What's going on?" Ash questioned. Suddenly, another spotlight turned on and revealed..."Shinji?"

"Ash, even you helped me in so many ways," Shinji noted. Another spotlight touched down on...

"Ritsuko?"

(A/N: This is the Ritsuko from "Those Who Hunt Elves." I don't want to lead to any confusion.)
"Give us one reason why we can't help you," Ritsuko wondered. "Even through your dreams."

"What advice can you give me?" Yet, another spotlight lit up..."Ayeka?"

"Sir Ash," Ayeka started. "Go after her, before it's too late." One more spotlight uncovered...

"She needs you," InuYasha answered an unspoken question. "Like the borders you taught me." One final spotlight lit up, but no one was underneath it. Ash was really confused.

"Who's suppose to be underneath it?" He asked.

"Figure it out, genius," Ed said, a little sarcastically. Ash was walking to the light when...

END DREAM

Ash's eyes shot wide open to Rin, shaking his body. "Ash, wake up," Rin whined. That's when he saw her and Elizabeth, wide awake.

"What are you guys-" he was interupted when Rin respoke.

"It's Kari."

"What?" All three looked over to Kari, who was shaking feverishly. "Is she going through a nightmare?"

"It seems that way." The three run to Kari's side. "We should wake her."

"No," Elizabeth protested. "If we wake her now, those nightmares will scar her."

"Well then," Ash gritted. "Let's get into her nightmare."

"But how?" Rin wondered in worry.

"The only way I know how: we sleep with her." After a brief explanation, Ash and Rin grabbed their blankets and slept by Kari.

KARI'S NIGHTMARE

Ash and Rin found theirselves at a beach port, but the scenery was anything but warm sunshine as they had observed. "Ash, check it out," she called, regarding the lighthouse. The lighthouse emitted a black light out to the ocean.

"Lighthouse with a dark light? That can't be good." Then, he felt something vibrating on his side. Ash pulled the vibrating Pokeball from his belt, and released..."Pikachu. Can you help us?"

("I can try,") Pikachu said. Before Ash could brief him, Pikachu heard something from close by, moaning. ("Someone's here.") The three ran to the sound and found Gatomon, beaten and bruised.

"It's Gatomon." Gatomon was starting to come around as Ash checked its injuries.

"Kari," it groaned in pain. "She's in trouble...in that cave." Rin took Gatomon in her arms as they proceeded to the cave, where shadow, fish-like monsters were thrashing Kari. Her clothes were torn so badly, her undergarments were showing. Her stomach and forehead were gushing blood profusly from the attacks she had suffered. Rin and Ash were entering the cave when one of the monsters raced to attack Kari again. Ash kept running and jumped in front of the monster's path.

"I won't let you hurt her!" The monster struck Ash in the chest, tearing the sweat-tee, skin and broke several ribs. The blood was pouring out over his heart as he was struggling to breathe.

"Ash," Rin cried. "Are you okay?" Ash struggled to get to his feet as the pain and blood weakened him.

"What has she done to..." He coughed some blood out. "...To deserve this punishment?" Rin got to Ash's side, while she unsheathed her sword. Kari opened her eyes a little to see Ash, wounded and standing in a puddle of blood: his and her blood.

"How dare you hurt my friends!" Rin unleashed a magic bomb at the monsters, which made contact. The expolsion was felt by the rescue team. However, the blast had no effect on the shadowed monsters. Pikachu stepped forward, and fired a Thunderbolt, but that caused no damage, either. "What's going on?" Ash, then, looked at the scared digidestined.

"I think Kari's giving them strength."

"How is that possible? She is the child of Light."

"Don't forget, it's her dream. Only she can wield the power to..." He winced in pain for a second. "...The power to change, but only if she believes in herself." Then, Kari, who heard Ash's words of encouragement, rose to her feet slowly, due to the pain. Three monsters started to charge forward at her, once more. Ash couldn't let Kari get hurt again.

"Ash, don't! You'll die that way."

"The way I see it, if it means protecting the girl I love, so be it." Before the monsters made contact with Ash, Kari grasped him, first. A light shoned from the wounds that both had suffered, erecting a barrier that bounced the monsters back at the others, knocking a few off of their webbed feet. When the light dimmed, the busted skin appeared to be repaired. Ash collapsed out of exhaustion, as the monsters were ready to attack again. Pikachu tried again with a Thunderbolt attack. This time, the monsters were getting electrocuted heavily. Rin launched one more bomb, with positive results: all of the creatures were wiped out.

"So, that's what the prophecy meant the darkness in thy person." Ash slowly came around as Kari was ready to help him to his feet.

"Kari, are you all right?" Her eyes told him that she was horrifically scared. "Can you tell us what happened?"

"Sure," Kari quietly moaned. "We found ourselves on the beach with that weird lighthouse."

"Is it that same lighthouse that emits the black light?" Rin asked.

"That one. I was feeling a little ill about being here, when those Divermon attacked us from behind, and for no reason. After that, we were knocked out. The next thing I knew I was in here being beatened and bloodied when you guys arrived."

"The sound of it makes me think they were willing to rape you." Kari's fear grew at the sound.

"Chill, Rin," Ash defended. Then, he felt an omnious presence from outside, and walked outside to look at a silouette in a top hat and cape. The only thing recognized about it was the glowing violet left and green right eyes. Ash had a feeling about this man. "Are you La Mortua?" The girls got to see the freaky eyes before joining Ash.

"So you must be Pandora's saviors," La Mortua said. "I will not fight you now. However, when we do meet in real life, you'll see me in my true forms."

"What do you mean true forms?" Rin askeed in anger, for putting her friend in mortal danger. La Mortua grinned and took his hat off, exposing devil-like horns. "That's a bad omen."

"When the time comes, children." With that, he disappeared into the gray sky. Rin walked in front of the lighthouse, and exposed an angered and defeated expression.

"Dammit, La Mortua!" she yelled as she swung her katana at it. The green magic wave, that radiated from the katana, sliced through the lighthouse, splitting it in half. When it was destroyed, an explosion of color covered the once grayscaled land and the heroes. They became awed at the newly colored sight. Pikachu and Gatomon, first stared out at the blue ocean in calming matter, before they tured to see the other three. Kari was holding Ash's left hand while Rin held his right. "Y'kow, Ash," Rin cawed in a more soothed temper. "I think you found your magic source."

"Oh, what do you mean?" Ash wondered.

"You and Kari have the magic of healing and light." They continued to stare out at the ocean.

END DREAM

It's been nine hours since the team decided to sleep to regain their strength, when they were waking up. As everyone was stretching, Al noticed that Ash, Rin and Kari hadn't awaken yet, morely known that the three were sleeping together. Kari slowly started to open her eyes and saw an interesting scar, which was shaped like a lightning bolt cross, over Ash's heart, which was above the yellow emblem. (Guess who?) 'Did he get that from the dream?' she thought. She proceeded to touch the scar, and felt a very strong heartbeat. Meanwhile, Junpei was feeling hungry, and somewhat delusional.

"Man, why did it feel like someone was watching my dream?" he questioned himself. Al heard this, and turned to him.

"Hey, I had the same thing, happened to me, too," Al said.

"Same here," Sasami echoed. Asuka saw the sleeping three and sighed in disgust.

"Fifth child, you and Kari need to have a room together," she bellowed.

"Why don't you try to sleep with him, once?" Al questioned, annoyed by the constant naggings about Ash and Kari's relationship. Asuka couldn't come up with an answer, and decided to sidestep the topic. An hour later, after the last three were awakened and everyone was fed, the team proceeded along the ray of Pandora. Who knows what'll come next, even for Ash, Kari and Rin, who got a glimpse of the enemy, and a form that could spell imminent danger.

TO BE CONTINUED...
The team will try to converge through a tunneling cave. However, a twist of fate will cause a collapse, and two people will try to get to the other side on their own. Can they stay with the team, even if they have to go on a different route?