Chapter 6: Rising Suspicions

 

            It had been a month, and the Elite Four were now a powerful force to be reckoned with.

            Misty resented the fact. She still disliked whatever the water master’s name was for beating her.

            And then there was the fact that he had trained under Lorelei, her idol.

            Maybe it was jealousy.

            Maybe it was more bitterness. After all, he had effectively stolen her dream away. Her dream of becoming a water master, a member of the Elite Four, and gaining Lorelei’s recognition…

            All gone. Stolen by a thief with bluish black hair.

            With a sigh, Misty laced up her black dress and frowned. “Well, at least I know one way to make him back down…”

            All men thought the same way after all.

            A little bargaining, playing, and he would be hers and do anything for her.

            With a satisfied grin, Misty took the bus to Indigo Plateau.

 

            “Oh really.” Lance asked.

            Ash frowned. “Lance? Were you talking to me?”

            “No.” Lance replied, as she washed her hands. “Just some scrying.” She smiled at the confused master and picked up her comb. “By the way, you will have a visitor in about twenty minutes.”

            “Who?”

            “Misty.” Lance said. “Do try not to make a fool of yourself in front of her.”

            “Promise.” Ash said, as they locked pinkies.

            “Be good, Ash.” Lance said as she kissed him. “Or else I might be forced to take drastic action.”

            Ash nodded and went to receive his visitor.

           

            Misty looked hot.

            Well, it was purely academic sighting. But it was true. If he weren’t in love and convinced that she was a spiteful girl, perhaps he would have fallen heads over heels and begun spouting poetry. But that wasn’t his way.

            It was always better to start with friendship.      

            Infinitely surer and more secure that way.

            Of course, it was tolerable until she started hitting on him ­_badly_.

           

            Ash blinked as she practically thrust her attributes in his face. “Um… Misty! Please.”

            Misty colored and sidled up to him. “What?” She asked in a sultry voice.

            Ash coughed. “I have no intention of sleeping with you and giving up my title. Please stop, you’re making me uncomfortable.”

            Outside the door, Lorelei and Charlotte stifled their giggles.

            “That takes guts.”

            “Think he’s fast enough to avoid a mallet?”

            “I hope so.”

 

            Ash jumped up, leaving a trail of ice sparkles in the air as Misty attempted to mallet him.

            He smirked.

            “Loser.”

            “WHAT?!” Misty demanded.

            “You aren’t even a master in training.” Ash laughed. “But hey, those who destroy friendships never prevail.”

            Misty glared. “Quit it!”

            “But it’s true.” Ash said, as he focused his power and stripped away the glamour he had been using to make himself look slightly different as well as hiding his zigzag birthmarks.

            Ash crossed his arms as Misty stared at him stupefied. “No way…”

            ‘How very interesting.” A voice cut in as Lance stopped by them in a hallway. “Two friends, reunited at last.”

            Ash glared.

            Misty just stopped, short. And how would the dragon trainer know?

            Lance’s eyes narrowed. “And Ash, if you have to use dramatics, don’t ruin this hallway. All of those dragon paintings cost a lot out of my own pocket.”

            “Hai.” Ash replied softly, demeanor shifting instantly.

            Lance nodded and vanished again.

            Misty stared. * What? *

            Ash snapped back to her. “Well, Misty. Now that there are no secrets between us, can we just call it a day? I’ll go back to bed and you can go home.”

            “WHAT?!”

            “I mean, I can read your strategy, and I won’t fall for it.” And with that, Ash walked down the hall away from her.

            “What is up with him.’ Misty muttered.

 

            Entering his room, Ash slammed the door.

            “Why did you have to interfere?!”

            Lance looked unperturbed. “She was dangerous.”

            “I can take care of it myself!” He fumed.

            “Can you?” Lance asked oddly.

            “Lance.” Ash said, staring at the girl. “Do you trust me?”

            For a second, panic flickered in the Dragon Master’s eyes.

            “Was it just about that paintings that you dropped in?”

            “…No…”

 

            Ash frowned. “Then what was it? I know you have to wear that mask of arrogant ice in front of the others, but… why?”

            “I-I…I can’t tell you.” Lance finally said. Ash looked over at her, concerned, and was startled to see that there was nothing but fear in those normally calm eyes.

            “Lance, what’s wrong? Why won’t you tell me?” Ash said; rage temporarily cooled at the sight.

            There was no reply.

            “Lance?”

            Still no reply.

            “Lance!” Ash cried, when the Dragon Master suddenly fainted away in his arms. * What is going on here?! *

 

Ooh, a cliffy… Hahahaha!