He enjoyed solitude. It gave him time to think, or to block all thoughts if that was what he needed. Drawing a deep breath he lost himself in his movements, focusing his mind on his steps: fluid motions and thrusts, combined with the swift jabs of his bow. He worked in silence, making no sound save for his breathing, which came as sharp blasts with each movement. He sensed her presence before he saw her, but continued his workout, not acknowledging her. She waited quietly, content to watch him. It amazed her how smoothly he could move, with hardly a rustle from even his pants or T-shirt. When he was finished he turned to her, leaning on his staff and panting slightly. The sweat on his forehead glistened in the moonlight. "Should you be pushing yourself so hard?" Erika asked as he lowered himself to the grass, setting his staff next to him. "It's only been a week or so since you were shot." "It doesn't hurt anymore," Ash told her. It wasn't a complete lie. The only indication that he had that he had even been shot was the raw pink skin that now covered the wound, and the burning he felt when training. She sat down beside him, welcoming the feeling of the cool grass. Grass was her element, it made her feel at home no matter where she was. They had reached the Safari Zone a little over a week before, and had been working with the rebels ever since. Bruno and Agatha had been training them well, they were all adequate with the weapons Jessie and James had manage to secure for them. Most dealt with normal firearms, while a select few had specialized with the elemental weapons. The only training the forces had not received had been martial arts and hand to hand combat, simply because Bruno was a fighter, but not a martial artist and Agatha preferred to remain the brains of the outfit. Unfortunately, this type of training was the cause of much controversy. Lance, who had until this point remained aloof from not only the rebel leaders, but the whole idea of a rebellion, suddenly decided to become involved when he realized the troops needed martial arts training. The controversy arose because everyone had assumed that this would be Ash's job. As black belts, both men were equally qualified for the job, although their one difference was their weapon choice. Ash remained loyal to his bow, while Lance preferred blades: swords and knives were his specialty. Ash, who was still recovering, actually did not mind that Lance wanted to train the rebels. It also seemed logical to train them to use knives, because the battle would undoubtedly be bloody, and he knew Team Rocket would not hesitate to use blades on the rebels. And while Ash would never say anything to Lance because he knew it would simply start a fight, the bow was slightly more difficult to master than blades. Unfortunately, this logic was lost on Gary, who had a severe problem with Lance training the troops. The resulting verbal spar nearly led to a fist fight and Bruno had to separate the two, as he was the only one big enough to intimidate either one of them. The rebels leaders, particularly Misty and Erika had chastised them both, exasperatedly explaining that fighting amongst themselves did nothing to help the rebellion's cause. The fight was against Giovanni, not each other. Ash had agreed, telling Lance to train the troops and devoting his time to training himself and coming up with strategies with Misty, Erika, Brock and Gary, since he and Gary had valuable information on the layout of Team Rocket's headquarters. The moon shone brightly above Ash and Erika, illuminating a great deal of the Safari Zone. It saddened them to see the land so bare and devoid of life. They had both been to the Safari Zone when it had been teeming with wild pokemon. "Pretty at night, isn't it?" Erika asked. Ash nodded. "We need to talk," they both said suddenly. They laughed, but became serious again after a moment. Ash knew that over the past week they had been growing closer, finding reasons to talk to one another and spending time in one another's company. He also knew that he could not lead her on anymore. He had to tell her the truth. "Erika," Ash began, but never finished his sentence as he was cut off by an angry yell. "Satoshi!" Ash and Erika turned to see Lance storming towards them. It was obvious it was him before they looked, for he was the only one in the Safari Zone who refused to call Ash and Gary by their proper names, maybe in an attempt to remind everyone that they had once been in Team Rocket. Ash sighed. "Yes, Lance?" "Have you been training troops behind my back?" the older man seethed. Ash raised his eyebrows. "What are you talking about?" "I had a training session today and all the troops would say was 'Ash said to do it this way' or 'Ash said this gives you better balance.'" Ash rolled his eyes. "They were watching me train last night. They asked me questions and I answered them. I would hardly call it training." Lance didn't actually appear to be listening. Ash had quickly learned that once Lance had an idea in his head it was generally his mindset for the rest of time. Stubborn was too gentle a word to describe him. "Fine," Lance said crossing his arms. "You feel that you're better so we'll have to settle this." Ash blinked up at him. "Settle what?" Lance snorted in impatience. "Settle this argument over which one of us is stronger." Ash looked at Erika, who shrugged, then back up at Lance in bewilderment. "What argument? I never said I was better-" "You were thinking it." "Wha-" "We'll fight," Lance said with a tone of finality. "Prove once and for all that I am the better fighter." "But I don't want-" "God damnit, Satoshi!" Lance yelled, his temper flaring. "Stop talking and start fighting!" He suddenly lashed out and kicked Ash, catching him off guard. Erika cried out in surprise and alarms. The kick connected with his stomach and Ash rolled with the force, somersaulting backwards and springing to his feet. He stood now, his guard up, carefully watching Lance for his next move. Erika quickly took off to get someone, anyone who would be able to stop the fight; the two men were left alone. Ash focused completely on Lance, knowing he would not drop this until the two had fought. They began to circle one another, each searching for flaws in the other's movements and stance. Both were oblivious to their surroundings and did not notice when Erika came running back from camp huffing, Brock and Misty on her heels. By the time they reached the pair Lance had already attacked, throwing punches with incredible speed that Ash remarkably blocked with lightening quick reflexes. The group stopped and watched in awe. They had expected a fist fight, a brawl; to see two black belts fighting was an entirely different story. Most people in the camp had seen both men train but never had they seen them using their full potential. They moved with speed that seemed unrivaled and each jab thrown by one was blocked easily or countered by the other. More people began to gather, Agatha and Bruno having followed the others when they saw them go rushing from their tents. Rebels began to come, creating a semicircle around the fight. Misty watched wide eyed as Lance made the first connection as a sharp uppercut caught Ash in the chin, sending him to the ground. A loud sigh went up from the crowd who assumed the match was over. The sigh changed to a gasp when Ash quickly stood, wiping the blood from his mouth, and dropping into a ready stance. "Shouldn't you stop them?" Misty asked Gary, who was watching intently. The two men started again, this time Lance was on the receiving end of a well placed side kick which caused him to stumble but he was able to remain standing. In the dark only Ash was able to see the silent fury in Lance's eyes. He came at Ash again, his anger making his flurry of punches and kicks faster than ever. Ash took advantage of his anger and grabbed Lance's arm, twisting around and flipping the older man over his shoulder, throwing him to the ground. Raising his eyebrows at Misty after seeing this, Gary said, "Do you think I could?" In the moonlight it was difficult to make out which was which. At times all that was visible was their silhouettes as they perfectly matched one another's movements. Between attacks those in the crowd could hear a conversation between the two. "I don't understand why you hate me so much," Ash said after ducking under a spin kick. "Because," Lance grunted, not slowing his assault. "You were supposed to be the hero." This caught Ash off guard, giving Lance a chance to connect a roundhouse kick to his chest. Ash was thrown off balance and fell onto the ground. He recovered quickly and stood up again. "What are you talking about?" Ash asked while blocking two punches then sweeping Lance's legs out from under him with a low kick. Lance fell but swiftly flipped back to his feet. Both were becoming tired and their breaths were coming faster. "Oh, we heard all about you," Lance panted, dropping his stance and simply standing across from Ash. "You were the trainer from Pallet who thought with his heart, not his head. Always helping everyone, never turning your back on anyone!" Ash also relaxed his stance, staring at Lance in utter bewilderment. The crowd had grown silent as Lance spoke. "You were the hero, the trainer to look out for; all the gym leaders warned us about this Ash Ketchum." Lance was glaring at him as he spoke. Ash stood, his face expressionless, but his eyes showed strain as he listened to Lance's words. "You abandoned your principles at the first sign of trouble and became the enemy!" Lance accused. "Don't you think I tried?" Ash said quietly, but it had become so silent his words were clearly heard. "Yes, I was 'the hero' but Christ, I was only fifteen! There is only so much a fifteen year old can do alone. Giovanni wanted me to join him because of the problems I was causing. I would have died before joining Team Rocket, but I will not put innocent lives in jeopardy for me." He paused, running a hand through his hair, his voice flat and defeated. "And look what good it did. Pallet is still destroyed and my mother and friends are dead." He suddenly lifted his head to send an accusatory glare at Lance. "And where the hell were you? You sat around for years while Giovanni rose in power and when things got tough you ran away!" "Giovanni wanted me dead!" "I abandoned my principles to save others, you abandoned your people to save yourself," Ash said, his voice cold. "Save others?" Lance cried. "Save others?" He let out a bitter laugh. "How many people did you kill? How many did you let die on Giovanni's orders?" Lance's gaze whipped to Misty, Erika and Brock. "He's the best agent in Team Rocket." He looked at the rest of the crowd. "What do you think Giovanni used him for? Stealing pokemon? He's an assassin! A murderer!" A gasp rose from the crowd and all eyes were on Ash, who did not deny the charges, and looked away. It had never occurred to her. Erika knew Ash had been a top member of Team Rocket, but she had never thought about what his job had been. As she looked at the horrified faces of her companions she realized they too had never thought of it. Only Misty did not seem completely surprised, although if she had considered the possibility, her pale face showed that she hadn't allowed herself to believe it. She looked to Gary, who was looking on with a distracted expression, as though he was caught up in memories of another time. "We all have done things we regret," Ash said softly. "Nothing can change it." "Don't try to pretend you are human," Lance hissed. "You don't regret anything!" He lunged at him, knocking Ash off of his feet and onto the grass. Lance landed heavily on Ash and as they hit the ground Ash felt his newly healed abdomen begin to burn with pain from the force of the hit. Lance straddled him and began to punch him. Ash covered his face with his arms then using his legs, he was able to flip Lance off of him. Rolling backwards to his feet he stood, wrapping his arm around his throbbing abdomen. Lance struggled to his feet, breathing heavily. Ash's knee had dug into his stomach when he had been flipped over and he was now winded. It remained silent as the crowd looked on, uncertain as to whether the fight was over. It was not; Lance once again came at Ash this time with controlled punches and kicks. Ash remained defensive, blocking what he could. It was more difficult now, for the small burning he had felt in his abdomen now was a sharp pain at each movement. The pain slowed him down and distracted him and each of his blocks began to take more effort. "What's going on?" Lorelei asked, pushing her way through the large crowd that had gathered. When she finally saw what was happening she gasped in surprise. "Lance!" she called. "Ash!" She tried to run and stop them but Brock managed to grab her by the waist, pulling her back. "Don't!" he said warningly. "There's nothing you can do, you'll get hurt." Lorelei stopped struggling and watched helplessly. The crowd could see something was wrong with Ash. His movements were sluggish and he began to take more hits than he could block. His breaths were coming faster and those close enough could see the glean of sweat on his face. "He's hurt," Erika said, and Gary nodded. "Lance must have gotten a good hit on his wound." Lance knew he now had the upperhand and he intended to take full advantage of Ash's injury. With a thunderous roundhouse kick he sent him sprawling. Ash slid several feet across the dew covered grass before coming to a stop. He coughed a few times and rolled to his stomach trying to get up, but failing. "Well, Satoshi," Lance said, coming to stand over him triumphantly. "Looks like we know which of us is stronger." With speed no one realized he had left, Ash kicked his legs out, using one to force Lance's knees to buckle and the other to sweep his feet out from under him. "Perhaps stronger," Ash said, struggling to his feet. Although he was hurt, it was not as bad as he had fiend it to be. "But not smarter," he said as he looked down at him. Lance got to one knee and glared, realizing Ash had lulled him into a false sense of security. Ash almost didn't notice the flash of metal in Lance's hand until it was too late, but he was able to use his arms to stop the knife blade from slashing his throat as he landed on his back, Lance atop him once again. The two men struggled with one another, Lance using his body weight to force the knife closer to Ash, and growled, "I should have killed you when Shigeru was trying to save you." Ash ignored the comment and the increasing pain in his abdomen and gritted his teeth, using all his strength to keep the blade from piercing his throat. No sooner had Gary seen Lance pull the knife from his ankle sheath then Gary had pulled his gun from his holster. "No!" Lorelei cried when she saw him. "You can't," she pleaded. "Lorelei, he's trying to kill him!" Erika burst out. Gary was about to take the shot when Ash threw Lance off of him and rolled away from Lance, grabbing his bow. "When did this become a fight to the death?" Ash asked, standing and swinging his bow into his other hand. "When you killed my parents to get to me!" "What?" Ash asked in confusion. "What to many murders to remember?" Lance said, pained. "Let me refresh your memory. A happy older couple, burned alive in a raging house fire, started by a charizard belonging to Team Rocket's top member." Ash shook his head. "No," he said quietly. "That house was empty." "It was once it was finished burning," Lance said through gritted teeth. Ash continued to shake his head. "No. No, no." "Believe what you will, you killed them and I will kill you." They stood facing one other, each armed with their weapon of choice. One member of the crowd refused to watch Lance make his attempt on Ash's life and he was probably the only one who could actually stop the two black belts. "Pika!" Pikachu cried, running between the two and sparking, clearly warning Lance that if he tried to continue he would be in for a shocking experience. "Pikachu," Ash said, snapping from his denial at the appearance of the rodent. Pikachu stopped sparking and looked at Ash, who said nothing else but gestured back towards the crowd. "Pikapi?" The little pokemon asked, confused as to why Ash would want to continue the fight. "Go on," Ash said. Pikachu knew Ash was still hurt, but obeyed him all the same. He had faith in his trainer. He walked back to where Gary stood and sat on his haunches. The tension could almost be felt emanating from the crowd as they watched Lance reach into a small sheath on his ankle and pull a dagger. Gary made a move to interfere but Ash raised an arm, silently telling him to stay out of it. This was Ash's fight and his alone. The only way to end the fight was to have someone win. If Ash won Lance would hopefully accept the defeat and try to move on. If Lance won, well, it looked like it would be over. Ash wasn't worried about the potential danger. He held his own life at very little value. There was a part of him that wished the bullet had simply finished him off. Ash took a moment to study Lance. His stance and grip on the two blades appeared comfortable, suggesting he was well trained with the weapons. He spun his staff once, getting a good grip on it. "Ah," Lance said, smirking bitterly. "A baton twirler." "Planning on chopping some vegetables there, Lance?" Ash retorted. The smirk disappeared from Lance's face and was replaced with a scowl and then the two went at it again. Ash was able to block Lance's attacks by using his bow to stop his arms in midair. The problem with a wooden bow was that when dealing with blades, depending on the size, one could very well split the bow in half. While Lance's smaller knife didn't seem able to do that, his dagger could possibly, and Ash didn't want to take the chance. The advantage of the bow as everyone could see was Ash was able to get hits in from a further distance, effectively keeping him out of Lance's range. Unfortunately Ash was not at full speed due to his injury and Lance, using this to his advantage, was able to dodge Ash's defenses and use his knife to slash his arm. The crowd gasped collectively, but Ash remained focused, for the wound was small and not very deep. Lance was reveling in his hit and didn't see the spin kick Ash was in until it hit him in the chest, throwing him hard to the ground. He lay dazed for a moment before finally getting up; Ash watched calmly waiting for the other man's next move. This time when he came at Ash, Lance was fueled by anger and was not using his skills to his full advantage. Ducking his swipes with the blades Ash was able to slam his staff into Lance's left side before spinning and sending a hard backfist into his right. With an expulsion of air Lance fell again, this time unable to get up. Ash stood over him for a moment, shaking his head sadly. "I hate you," Lance managed to get out from his position on the ground. "I hate myself," Ash said softly before turning and slowly walking away from Lance and the crowd, all of its members gaping after him in horrified wonderment. A/N: This is one of my fastest updates in a while. I've been looking forward to writing this fight scene, I've been planning it ever since Lance appeared. I hope it was realistic and not too drawn out. I really know very little about martial arts so I try to not get too specific so someone who does know what they are talking about won't feel the need to yell at me. I also am no doctor. I don't know if Ash would be doing that well after a week and a half. He's a pretty extraordinary person, so let's just chalk it up to his surprisingly good immune system and his stubborn will. I'm hoping I've fleshed out Lance a little more for you, at least now we know why he's being such a jerk. Please review, reviews make me happy.