Ash knew he was awake, but he was too comfortable to move. He laid there and enjoyed the breeze. Breeze? Ash made a face of confusion. He remembered that Latias and him had spent the night at Mt. Quena with Mewtwo. There should be no breeze. He slowly opened his eyes. He was in the secret garden, but not the one he knew. He was back in the dream world. He pushed himself off the ground and looked around. Nothing had changed from the last time he was here, but that was the least of his concerns. "Why am I here again?" he asked aloud. "I wanted to congratulate you on your persistence. The lengths you have gone to be with my sister are great, but there is one things that still bothers me Ash." Ash knew exactly what Latios was talking about. "Misty, right?" "Yes, it has been nearly a week since this situation came to light and she has yet to accept it. I fear she may never be able to and that poses a threat to both you and Latias." "Now hold on one minute!" Ash snapped. Even though he couldn't see Latios, he could feel the surprise at his sudden outburst. "You don't know Misty like I do. Sure, she's headstrong, persistent, and will most likely never give up on me, but I don't think she'll ever rat us out. I had my own doubts about it as well, but I realize that she's my friend. Actually, no, she's my family!" Silence followed Ash's rant. When Ash cooled down he apologized. "There's no reason for you to apologize. You are right. Misty is your matter to handle, not mine. I should have never interfered. I only want to know Latias will be safe from harm." Ash sensed the sorrow in Latios' voice. He knew what losing a loved one was like. His own father left him and his mother when he was young. "Pain is unavoidable in our world and you don't need to worry so much about Latias. I swear on Arceus that I will protect her with my life." "You have grown into a great man Ash. I will trust those words, so please, do not break that promise. Good bye, may we speak again. Hopefully on a more entertaining matter." Ash tried to respond, but like last time his voice refused to work. Everything began fading to black and he could feel himself losing connection to the dream world. Then it was gone.
Ash could feel something lightly shaking him. "Ash, wake up! Ash! ASH KETCHUM WAKE UP THIS INSTANT!" Ash bolted up and fell on his face. He could hear Pikachu laughing at him and Latias began asking him if he was ok. "Rocks and my face don't mix well." He mumbled before standing back up. He shook his head to get rid of any trace of sleep. "What's with the rude awakening?" he asked. Latias began twiddling her thumbs and blushed which Ash found extremely cute. "Well, you were mumbling in your sleep. I thought you were having a bad dream." She replied quietly. Ash smiled at her concern for him. He embraced and thanked her for her concern. "Are you two done yet?" asked a deep voice. Ash and Latias jumped apart and saw Mewtwo, arms crossed, leaning against the entrance to the cave. "Shouldn't we leave for Alto Mare soon? Your friends must be worried and I need a tour to get familiar with the place." Ash slapped himself. He had totally forgotten about Alto Mare. "You're right, we should leave pretty soon." He grasped Latias' hand and let Pikachu up on his shoulder before walking outside. When all of them were gathered outside Mewtwo raised his arm and everyone was enveloped in a purple light. "I will teleport us there. Do not worry, Latias was kind enough to provide me with the location via mind transfer." Ash looked as Latias with a confused expression. "It's a psychic thing." She said before they disappeared in a flash of purple light.
[Author's Note: Hey guys, sorry about the late upload! I've been really pooped the last few days and just didn't have the drive. Anyways, enough about me, hope you enjoy!]