Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ Puzzle Pieces ❯ Chapter 5

So… here we go again!

Disclaimer: I really don't own pokemon; it belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This is non-profit fanfic I own that does not infringe on their copyrights.

Chapter 5: Gated Channels

 

The next morning, Ash and Charlotte purchased breakfast at a bazaar. Ash still kept his puzzle well hidden, but for Charlotte it was a bit more difficult to hide, and she didn't want to wear an eyepatch.

Still, the bread and figs were substantial enough, and afterwards, they headed to the palace ruins to explore.

It was a sad sight. Years and years of erosion had not left much of the once noble structure intact. Wind stirred the sands as they crunched along in sandals, having swapped their heavy garments for simple white tunics, bound at the waist with a golden cord.

However, they weren't that interested in the palace itself, only the shrine.

Walking through a once spacious cloister, Ash grinned as he saw a locked door. Placing his hand on it, the door swung open, revealing a cavity below.

The two jumped in.

 

In a few seconds, they found themselves on a pile of cushions, which still looked recognizable, despite the passing time. Getting up, they walked down length of the room, avoiding the pits of snakes that still slithered and called greetings as they proceeded onwards, hailing the Pharaoh.

The door to the temple of monster tablets swung open.

Ash and Charlotte quickly split up and took inventory. All were in their places, none missing. There were a few added, but not enough to make a difference. It was mostly weaker monsters.

Satisfied, the two left the area, knowing that it was still sacred and accessible. Two very important factors in determining the future.

 

They spent the next two weeks exploring, having fun and generally getting a slightly better feel of the lay of the land.

Often, they were accompanied by pokemon.

Of course, it was still home. The shadows welcomed them eagerly, twining the dreams around them.

Always there for protection, always loyal, always welcome…

 

Charlotte stood outside the city, looking at it from a higher vantage point.

“It reminds you of the past, doesn't it?” Ash asked. “This place has not changed as much as the others.”

“Yes, I suppose so…” Charlotte said. “Actually, I was musing on what we did.”

“Don't think about that.” Ash advised. “The past is past.”

 

“Yes, you're right. Well, now all we do is wait.”

“Why wait?”

“You aren't Pharaoh anymore, little brother. Were you expecting to rule this land or something?”

“No. I just want to find her.”

 

Charlotte's eyes twinkled. “Well, then let's search.”

“How?”
“It would be easy if we had the Millennium Ring.”

“But we do.” Charlotte told him. “It still floats in the Dream Realm, waiting for you to come and find it, or waiting for its proper owner.”

“What? Oh…” Ash remembered the silver tablet that could hold all the Items. It was a treasure that could only be touched by one of the holders, or dire punishment would rain down upon the unworthy fool.

He faintly remembered seeing gold in it. So that's what it had been.

 

“The only problem might be that the Ring might not work for us…”

“Yes…” Ash frowned, remembering. “I never trusted Mistara… even though she was only of father's chosen priests. Of course, she died early on in the war. Too weak.”

“Not enough Ka to summon.”

“Yes.”

Charlotte did not try to hide her smirk. “Well, we saw how that turned out. She must have a reincarnate around though.”

“Maybe not. Rebirth isn't perfect.”

“Point taken.”

 

“But the Ring and Puzzle are always enemies! And so I can't use it!” Ash complained.

“Ring and Tauk can work together though, if you can find Lance.”

“I see.”

“You're not enthusiastic about finding her?”

“The whole reason why we're having the discussion is so I can figure out how to find her!”

“Summon a dragon.”

 

“… What?” Ash asked.

“Summon a dragon.” Charlotte repeated. “That'll get her attention.”

“I can't just do that!”

“Sure you can. Everyone else will just think it's a normal pokemon. You'd have to be a item holder to see the special markings.”

“…”

 

Charlotte waited for Ash to make up his mind.

Finally, Ash kicked his conscience somewhere else. “Summon Dragonair of the shadows…”

A Dragonair materialized, normal enough, but if you looked carefully with the right eyes, you could see that it was actually black.

You called me, Master?

Yes. I need you to find the guardian of the Tauk.

Count on me, I'll find her. Dragonair said, as she flew off.

 

Ash waited. * Don't worry, I'll find you… *

Charlotte groomed her Ninetails as she watched him brood. “It's not instant, little brother.”

“Right.”

“I mean it.”

Ash pouted slightly, but agreed.

 

End Chapter!
Started 2/10/04, completed 2/28/04