"Have you decided what location you want me to port to?" I asked Tom as we sat at a table in Chaotic. Leaning back he grinned at me and I sighed, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Relax, Ashley it's not any place dangerous," Tom reassured me though the faint smile he had didn't do anything to calm my nerves. "All I want you to do is port to the Underworld and get a scan of Zalvar for me." He explained and I blinked, Tom looking on amused as my eyes slowly widened.
"The Underworld?! You're kidding, right? Not after what happened when I tried to take some battlegear to get a Chaor scan." I told him, shaking my head at how badly that had gone last time. It wasn't until I heard chuckling that I froze looking around the immediate area until I caught sight of Klay leaning back in his chair. Once he saw me frowning at him he chuckled, watching in with a faint smile as I pushed myself to my feet.
Stomping over to him I glared down at the Chaotic player who just smiled at me. "Is there something funny about not wanting to face Chaor again?" I demanded and he shrugged, not breaking eye contact with me as I crossed my arms.
"Why even come to Chaotic if you're too cowardly to port to Perim? Are you sure you're even a real Chaotic player?" Klay asked and I froze, wondering if he was right about being scared until Tom stepped up, narrowing his eyes at Klay who smirked at me. "Needing your boyfriend to fight your battles for you?" He teased and I finally shook myself, clenching my scanner tightly in my fist before I walked past him. Shaking his head Tom glared at Klay before he hurried after me catching up just before I could port to Perim.
"You know he's only saying that to rile you up, Ashley. Don't let him get to you." Tom told me but I shook my head, more determined than ever now to prove to everyone I wasn't a coward. "Look I can pick another location if you want."
"Tom, it's not that. I promised that it'd get whatever scan you wanted if you won our competition and I'm not about to go back on my word." I explained and Tom brightened as I held out my fist. Once he gave me a fist bump I smiled at him. "Besides I'm not after Chaor this time so if I avoid him there's no problem. Be back before you even know I'm gone." I added, porting to Underworld city before I could change my mind.
After my last experience with Underworld city and Chaor I decided to give the ruler a wide berth, instead searching the city for Zalvar. Despite my earlier reluctance I soon found that I enjoyed looking for creatures to scan even if it took me hours of wandering the city to find the creature.
I hid behind a building when I saw him walking past my location so as discreetly as I could I held up my scanner, just managing to get a scan for Tom when I accidentally bumped a trashcan.
Zalvar whirled around, glaring at me with some sort of battlegear in his paws, and with a little wave I quickly ported out before he could fire at me.
As soon as I arrived back in Chaotic I found Tom sitting at a table, now joined by Sarah the former letting out a breath as I strolled over with a grin on my face. "There you go, Tom. Here's your scan." I told him the moment I reached the table and Sarah nudged Tom who shrugged. "Okay, what did I miss?"
"Tom thought you'd get into trouble and need rescuing," Sarah explained and I raised an eyebrow at Tom who groaned.
"That's not exactly what I meant, Sarah and you know it," Tom replied as I sat in an empty seat, giving Tom the longest and most uncomfortable eye contact he'd gotten before he cleared his throat.
"You know I did travel to the Underworld and back for you, Tom. Maybe you need to have a little more faith in me." I answered with my arms crossed, a slow smile appearing on my lips once Tom opened his mouth. Seeing the smile Tom finally relaxed as I showed him and Sarah the scan I'd managed to get of Zalvar.
I was feeling pretty confident now which caused me to venture back to Perim over the next few days, my other self spending days going to and from school. Even hanging out with Kaz and Tom who helped me improve my skills with the online and physical card game which also helped me decide on other scans of locations and battlegear that would help me in Chaotic.
"You're heading to Perim again? What location are you going to next?" Sarah asked me and when I mentioned it she stared at me. "Pouri Forest?"
"Is there something wrong with that location?" I asked her, slightly curious when she shrugged. "Okay, what's wrong with that location?"
"The last time I went there with Tom he spent hours trying to get a scan of Yokkis," Sarah explained and I raised a smile at that. "Which meant I spent the day watching Tom get constantly pranked by that Overworlder."
"I'd have loved to see that happen." I giggled but Sarah shook her head, looking past me as Tom headed out way. "Oh come on, I bet it would have been pretty funny watching Tom get pranked," I commented hearing someone clearing their throat and I slowly turned around finding Tom with a slight frown on his face.
"Not from my viewpoint, Ashley. But if you think it's so funny maybe you should try and get a scan of him." Tom answered and I swallowed, silently wishing I'd kept my mouth shut. A little while later I found myself in Pouri Forest and as I looked around Tom settled himself down on a log with a grin aimed in my direction. "Well, he lives just over there. Good luck you're going to need it."
Not wanting Tom to know that I was feeling less than confident I strolled past him, finding the 'house' of Yokkis. Deciding to take the direct approach I leaned down, lightly knocking on the front door. When nothing happened I pushed open the door instantly finding out why Tom had warned me and I blinked seconds before something splattered over my face. Tom cracked up laughing when I returned wiping green slime from my face with a sour look on my face.
"Very funny, Tom. You know I'm not giving up easily." I grumbled, walking back to the house only to step on a rope I hadn't seen nearby and I cried out as I ended up yanked into the air. As I dangled upside down Tom walked over chuckling as I crossed my arms, giving him my best glare which didn't really work as I swayed back and forth.
"Okay so maybe he's harder to scan than I thought. Little help?" I sighed and Tom nodded, climbing up the tree before he reached for the branch holding up the rope. Seconds later I yelped as I fell onto the ground before Tom climbed back down, trying very hard not to laugh as I groaned.
"Maybe you should quit. I know I would after last time." Tom asked, cringing a little as I pulled spike berries from the seat of my pants. "Yeah, that happened to me." He admitted as I winced from every pull.
"Okay, okay maybe you're right. This was a stupid idea." I finally sighed, sitting on the log Tom had been watching from.
"Hey, it wasn't a stupid idea. Maybe not a well-thought-out one but not stupid." Tom replied and I rolled my eyes, looking on as Yokkis hopped about in front of me. When I whipped out my scanner more determined than ever Tom leaned back snorting with laughter as Yokkis immediately threw several berries in my face thankfully not the spiked kind. Standing there covered in juice I finally decided that enough was enough and I sat back, wiping berry juice out of my eyes.
"That was a bust," I commented as Yokkis darted away, laughing the entire time and Tom coughed trying to think of a way at cheering me up. "Don't worry, Tom I can see why no one has a scan of him. He's definitely whacko."
"I'll say. So how about we try and get another scan?" Tom suggested which is why I found myself back outside the gates to Kiru City. Entering the gate I noticed Tom frowning grasping my shoulder before I could walk directly past him. "Hang on, something's wrong." He added and I frowned at him, looking around only to see smoke and as we raced towards it I felt a growing sense of uneasiness. Right then I saw two creatures racing towards us, one holding what looked like battlegear tucked under one of its many arms. I skidded to a halt staring at it as it stared back, Tom seeing the gear at the same moment.
"Stop them! They broke into the armory!" Someone yelled, the sound of running feet getting closer and without thinking about it I darted forward. The moment I grabbed the stolen battlegear out of one of the creature's hands he glared at me, the other raising his weapon but before he could get off a shot something struck the wall inches from him. I rushed past Tom who blinked at me only chasing after me when he saw the two creatures that he recognised as Khybon and Jigerex chasing after me.
I made it outside the city gates finding two Skeletal Steeds pawing at the ground, snorting as I dashed past them once I heard running footsteps that sounded too loud to be Tom. Tom reached the gates in time to see me being pursued by the two Underworlders who chased me in circles. Racing towards me Tom grabbed a rock hurling it at the two who spun round giving me time to rush back towards the city only to see Khybon aiming at Tom who froze.
Tom, look out!" I yelled, putting myself between Tom and the blast as a fireball the size of my head flew towards him. Despite how tired I was I still caught up to him barely making it as I slammed into Tom knocking him back to avoid it. Just as I hit the ground I slammed my right arm into the ground, crying out as we rolled in the dirt.
"Ashley, that was crazy," Tom commented, dragging me to my feet but I didn't reply and he stared, seeing my right arm hanging at a weird angle. "Did you dislocate your shoulder?" He whispered, ducking another blast from the Underworlders' weapons. "On second thought run now, talk later."
"We have to get back inside Kiru City and give Maxxor this battlegear they stole," I replied, wincing as we ducked and weaved avoiding the fire before we raced back through the gates. Every step made my arm ache more and more the pain so bad that I could see dark spots in front of my eyes but I shook my head, holding on to the battlegear that had caused us so much trouble even tighter.
"We're nearly there, Ashley. How are you holding up?" Tom asked, dragging me along with one arm as I held on tightly with the stolen battlegear tucked safely under my arm hoping that the Underworlders wouldn't chase us. Judging from the sounds of gunfire and retreating feet coming from the city entrance we were going to be okay but I still didn't celebrate until we reached Maxxor's castle.
"I'm fine, Tom." I managed to stagger the last few feet before Tom reached my side. "Need to get this….to….Maxxor." I mumbled, seeing spots as Tom helped me walk. When two guards immediately stopped us I groaned, leaning on Tom as I held out the battlegear with one shaking hand. "This...needs to get to Maxxor."
"You'll have to wait to talk with the Overworld ruler." One of the guards replied, nearly grabbing the battlegear that we'd managed to grab from the Underworlders before Tom managed to snatch it back from the guard.
"But I doubt he'd talk to a human." The guard added, narrowing his eyes at me as I swayed on the spot Tom's arm on my shoulders the only reason I was still standing as Tom kept the battlegear under his arm. "So get lost."
"Hey, we didn't risk getting incinerated by an Underworlder returning this stolen battlegear and raced all the way out here just to be turned back by a stubborn, jerk of a…." I snapped, Tom looking on with wide eyes as I poked the guard in the chest with my fingers. "Get Maxxor now and he'll vouch for us. At least he will for Tom anyway." I added, woozy as I tried to rub the ache out of my eyes.
"Is there a problem?" Maxxor asked, appearing behind the guards with a raised eyebrow. As soon as he saw Tom and me standing there he frowned, curious as the guards hurried to let the ruler of the Overworld through.
"We….brought the battle gear back that was stolen and I can't feel my arm." I managed, holding it out to Maxxor with less than steady fingers which Tom noticed. Maxxor had barely taken it from me when I took a step back, stumbled, and when I began to fall Tom caught me. "Ohh not feeling so good."
"Not looking so good either." Tom pointed out and I tried to glare but all I managed was a weak cough before everything grew dark. At some point I remember being hoisted off the ground but I blacked out a few seconds later, my eyes opening when I heard someone walking around close-by.
"Ashley? Can you hear me?" Tom asked, the frown on his face changing to a relieved grin as I opened my eyes wincing from the light at my left. "Finally. You've been sleeping for hours."
"Where am I? Did Maxxor get the battlegear?" I asked, wincing as I pushed myself up. Tom nodded, pulling up a chair beside me as I rubbed my eyes. Once I caught sight of my right arm I froze lightly poking at the bandage that covered me from wrist to my shoulder, my arm now in a sling.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Ashley. Otherwise, the healer won't like redoing your bandages." Tom chuckled when I coughed, leaving my arm alone as I settled back poking instead at the bed I was lying on. "You've been delirious since Tangath Toborn carried you into the castle. But Maxxor got the battle gear checked and it's a non-functioning piece."
"Great so I popped my arm out of its socket and nearly got fried for a piece of faulty gear? Perfect." I grumbled and Tom laughed, lightly patting my left arm which didn't make my mood any brighter.
"If it wasn't for you I'd have been set on fire so I have you to thank for that. Never seen you react that fast." Tom answered and I blinked, a faint smile on my lips when he grinned at me. "What made you move that fast anyway?"
"You'd do the same thing if your friends were in danger. Besides I'm quick on my feet when I want to be." I admitted, fiddling with the blanket covering me. "Figures I'd manage to take back something that wasn't even important," I muttered, trying not to react when Tom reached out patting my good shoulder.
"Hey don't worry about that. You should have seen how impressed Maxxor and Najarin were when they found out what you did for them." Tom answered and I blinked, tilting my head to one side. "Yeah, I told them everything including how you saved me from Khybon and Jigerex." He explained and I gave him a one-armed shrug, pulling the blanket back.
"Whoa hang on. You can't go wandering around." Tom told me, quickly climbing from his chair when I pushed myself up off the bed immediately swaying. "If I remember right you told me to stay put in Najarin's castle so fair's fair."
"Aww, but I wanted to stretch my legs. Even if they're a bit wobbly at the moment." I asked, staring at Tom with my lower lip quivering until he rolled his eyes at me offering an arm. Together we managed to get as far as the castle's hallway when someone cleared their throat and I winced, leaning on Tom as Maxxor raised an eyebrow at us though mostly me as I lowered my head.
"Before you get mad I'm to blame." I apologised, reaching up before I rubbed at my eyes woozy while Tom struggled to keep me upright having already seen how pale I was. "I didn't even know that battle gear didn't work," I added, rubbing between my eyes.
"Ashley, what's wrong? You don't look so good." Tom asked, barely stopping me from crashing onto the floor. "Ashley!" He called out as my vision blurred. The next thing I knew I was lying on my back and when I tried to sit someone pushed at my shoulder preventing me from raising.
"That's a really bad idea, Ashley in a series of really bad ideas," Tom warned and I winced, lying back as he stared at me.
"I believe you were told to stay here and rest, Ashley," Najarin told me and I grimaced not liking the way he raised an eyebrow at him. "While I understand your enthusiasm at wanting to venture around the castle my advice is to wait and heal first." Before Najarin left the room he turned back offering me a rare smile. "You have my thanks for helping Maxxor and the Overworlders." He added before he left leaving me alone with Tom who sat beside me again.
"Najarin's right, Ashley. That arm of yours needs to heal. But since you kept me company I guess I can do the same." Tom agreed and I nodded, watching as he set my scanner down on the table as far as he could from me I noticed. "Since we're going to be here for a while I have a question for you."
"What exactly is it, Tom?" I replied, blinking when I fiddled with the sleeve of his t-shirt. "It's nothing bad is it?"
"Back in the Port Court after you and Sarah went to Mount Pillar, you were acting funny. Like you were embarrassed or something." Tom answered and I covered my face with my left hand unable to focus as he blinked at me. "Hey if you don't want to talk about whatever it was…" He began but I shook my head, wondering just how I was going to explain my secret to Tom.
"Tom, I really want to tell you but I can't. If I do it'll probably ruin our friendship." I explained getting a blank stare from Tom. "Maybe I should have phrased that better."
Seeing the nod and the stare I sighed, not sure what I was thinking before I gathered my thoughts. "Look I may have given Sarah the impression that I like you," I explained and Tom nodded still confused as he stared at me.
"Well I like you too, Ashley," Tom answered and I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as I tried to put what I wanted to say into words. "Was that the wrong answer?" He joked and I shook my head, finding that this was a lot harder to do than I originally thought.
"Tom, when I said I like you I meant….like...um….how do I put this?" I muttered, forgetting somehow that Tom could hear every word as I tugged on the sling holding my arm in place. Seeing me struggling left Tom completely at a loss, finding the sight of my now very pink cheeks funny. When he actually chuckled I blinked, unable to stop myself from narrowing my eyes which caused Tom to clear his throat knowing right then that he'd annoyed me for some reason he couldn't grasp.
"You do remember I dislocated my shoulder to stop that fireball from incinerating you?" I grumbled, almost crossing my arms until I winced forgetting all about my arm long enough to make my eyes water from the pain. "Ow, ow, ow." I hissed and Tom sighed, leaning over before he lifted and patted my left shoulder trying hard not to laugh as I rubbed at my now watery eyes.
"Bad idea, Ashley. You're getting good at those." Tom joked and I finally cracked a tiny smile, grateful that he could make me laugh even if my arm ached.