Tryst with Destiny: The Beginning of the End (Main Story)

48 : A Master Surprise

(Next Morning)

"Alright Ash. In 2 hours time we will be in Couriway Town for the master class. I talked with Palermo last evening. She told me Serena is excited for her master class." Grace says while walking with Sycamore, Delia, Oak and Ash who is carrying everyone's luggage.

"Welcome aboard my private jet. Make yourselves comfortable." Diantha says as one by one everyone enters the plane.

"It's nice but I prefer Serena's." Ash says after glancing at the interior for a while.

"Of course you do." Grace says while winking at Ash causing him to chuckle at the memory of his last plane ride with Serena.

"Steven, Lance, Alder it seems that you guys are coming as well." Ash says as he sees the 3 of them seated

"Of course. We are. Palermo graciously invited us. Besides it will be my first live performance. So I had to come." Alder says while smiling gently.

"Same goes for us." Lance says without giving the slightest of reactions.

"Good to see you too Ash." Steven says while smiling.

Ash smiles then calmly walks over to his seat. Takes of his shoes. He folds his legs and then sits on them. He places his hands on his kneecaps. Then he simply closes his eyes and starts meditating. Everyone especially Grace and Delia get taken aback at this.

"What is Ash doing?" Cynthia asks as she comes out of the washroom.

"Meditating." Alder replies to everyone's surprise.

"Meditating! I thought he was napping. Since when did Ash start meditating?" Grace says.

"I don't know. Let's ask him." Delia says. She is about to ask Ash when suddenly Alder stops her.

He says "Meditation requires focus and quiet. It's best not to disturb him. We can always ask him when he is finished." Alder says. Delia is about to protest but she decides against it.

"Everyone take your seats. The plane is about to take off." Seibold says as he comes out of the pilot's cabin.

Everyone takes their seats and sits in silence. But there is only one thing on everyone's mind. That is Ash meditating on the flight.

(1 hour later)

Everyone is sitting in silence. Everyone is staring at Ash.

"How long will it take?" Cynthia mouths to Diantha who shrugs her shoulders to indicate she doesn't know.

Cynthia gets up and is about to ask Ash when suddenly Ash replies to everyone's surprise.

"Patience, Champion, is a virtue without which you will not be able to beat my master." Ash says moments before opening his eyes.

"U mm. How did you know that I was going to ask you something?" Cynthia asks in a confused state.

"Easy. I heard you talking to Diantha." Ash replies while getting up and then sitting on his seat in a normal way.

"But I whispered. Even Alder who was next to me couldn't hear me." Cynthia replies in a flabbergasted manner.

"Of course. He couldn't. But I could. It's all a matter or focus." Ash replies. Everyone glances at each other unsure of what to say.

"What do you mean by focus?" Lance asks.

Ash chuckles and then closes his eyes before saying "Throughout the universe there is a certain flow to the energy of things. If one is calm and focused like still water one can train his senses to see and perceive things in a way he otherwise cannot."